Grant Gustin Wants to Be The Flash Again in James Gunn’s DC Universe

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A previous actor from the Arrowverse has disclosed his desire for a single character he hopes to embody in DC Studios chairmen James Gunn and Peter Safran’s forthcoming cinematic universe. You might recognize Gustin as Barry Allen, a role he portrayed in The CW’s The Flash series from 2014 until 2023.

Over the Fourth of July weekend, Gustin graced FAN EXPO Denver as a distinguished guest. During this time, he engaged in a Q&A session with enthusiastic fans. Among these fans, one captured footage of an inquisitive young admirer asking Gustin about potential future collaborations with Gunn and Safran’s DCU.

When asked about who he’d like to play if directed by James Gunn in the DCU, Grant Gustin casually responded: “The Flash, of course!

Gustin’s reaction sparked thunderous applause not only from the crowd but also from his fellow ex-cast members of Arrowverse, such as Tom Cavanagh who starred alongside him in The Flash. However, it’s important to note that Barry Allen, previously portrayed by Ezra Miller in a 2023 film, is now being rebooted within DC’s cinematic universe under the leadership of Gunn and Safran.

The newly appointed DC bosses have chosen Milly Alcock to play Supergirl, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern’s hothead Guy Gardner, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl. However, the casting for prominent characters like The Flash, Wonder Woman, and Batman is yet to be officially confirmed by Gunn and Safran. Despite this, Gunn has hinted that a movie titled “Brave and the Bold” is in the works for Batman, along with an early-stage Wonder Woman project, and a Teen Titans film potentially showcasing The Flash.

During a recent chat on Michael Rosenbaum’s podcast, “Inside of You,” Gustin was asked if he might play The Flash once more now that the Arrowverse has concluded. Gustin expressed his ongoing interest in revisiting the superhero character, but noted there would be certain conditions involved.

Absolutely, I can rephrase that for you: “Indeed, and let me clarify, I’d be eager to play The Flash once more, but there are certain aspects I’d need to discuss or inquire about, not demand.

The actor continued, saying, “Regarding Flash as a whole, I skipped convention appearances during our production period. I attended only three such events while working on the show… It’s quite enjoyable, feels like a social gathering!

In other words, Grant expressed a desire for greater creative control over the character should he reprise his role. It’s only natural that Gustin wishes to contribute to the creative direction of Barry Allen, as he dedicated nearly a decade — an impressive 184 episodes — to portraying him not just in his own series, but also in guest roles on Arrow, Supergirl, and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.

Barry Allen’s Incarnation of The Flash Debuted in DC Comics in 1956

  • DC re-imagined the 1940s speedster Jay Garrick — a.k.a. the original Flash — to attract a new generation of comic readers in the late 1950s.
  • Barry Allen was first depicted in live action in NBC’s 1979 Legends of the Superheroes TV specials, where he was played by Rod Haase.
  • John Wesley Shipp later portrayed Barry in a 1990s cult classic Flash TV show. Shipp was eventually cast as both Barry’s father Henry Allen and Jay Garrick in the Arrowverse as an homage.
  • Ezra Miller debuted as Barry Allen in , before making multiple appearances as the character in the DCEU.

In an open chat with reporters in April 2024, Grant Gustin reminisced about portraying The Flash. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to venture into television and cinema, which he referred to as his “unexpected detour” or “secondary adventure.

Gustin remarked, ‘The Flash has been a fixture since the 1950s, and I’ve always felt it would outshine me. It was an honor for me to contribute to it. This legacy existed long before my time, and it will persist beyond mine. Being a part of this enduring legacy is truly unique.’

In the future, Gustin is set to take on a distinctly different role as he portrays the real-life criminal Barry Keenan in Joe Mantegna’s directorial project, “Operation Blue Eyes,” based on true events from 1963 when Keenan attempted and failed to kidnap Frank Sinatra Jr. This provides Gustin with an opportunity to display a completely fresh aspect of himself to fans of “The Flash” as he portrays a mentally unstable businessman whose quest for quick wealth goes disastrously awry.

The Flash is available to stream now on HBO Max.

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2025-07-07 02:38