The DC Universe (DCU) is actively shaping a new shared world, but it faces significant challenges in establishing clear continuity. Grant Gustin, known for his long-standing portrayal of the Flash in The CW’s Arrowverse, could offer a unique solution to the confusing timeline and character introductions, potentially serving as James Gunn’s Flash fix. As the DCU lays groundwork for its roster, clarity about the Flash’s role remains crucial.
Grant Gustin’s Barry Allen: A Veteran Presence for the DCU
Grant Gustin played Barry Allen for nearly a decade in the Arrowverse, becoming a definitive face of the character for many fans. Although his version had some departures from the comics, Gustin’s Flash gained significant popularity across multiple TV seasons and crossover stories. While the new DCU currently offers no explicit confirmation of Flash’s inclusion, Gustin could appear as an experienced Barry Allen from an alternate universe, possibly needing aid from a character like Cisco to integrate into the larger DCU narrative.
This approach would allow Gustin to represent a more seasoned Barry Allen, providing continuity for longtime viewers while keeping the main Flash mantle open for a new interpretation. Alternatively, the DCU might imply that Gustin’s Barry Allen is deceased or missing within its continuity, a respectful nod to previous portrayals and a way to connect the past Arrowverse to the present cinematic world, easing fans into this fresh universe.
Introducing Wally West as the Primary Flash in the DCU
The DCU reboot has replaced or modified many familiar characters, such as transitioning Clark Kent from Henry Cavill to David Corenswet. This reshaping extends to carriers of iconic roles, and it makes sense for the Flash’s role to follow suit. Instead of reusing Barry Allen as the central Flash, the DCU could spotlight Wally West, a speedster with rich comic book history but less screen exposure.
Because Grant Gustin’s Flash is well-established and beloved, passing the torch to Wally West offers flexibility for storytelling. This gives James Gunn and his team creative freedom to develop a fresh iteration of the Flash without replicating or drastically changing Gustin’s portrayal. Wally West’s inclusion would highlight another key character from the comics, broadening the DCU’s hero lineup and bringing new dynamics to the franchise.
How The DCU’s Timeline Supports an Evolved Flash Legacy
The DCU’s timeline appears intentionally uneven, with heroes like Superman only a few years into their careers, while others, including Batman and Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern, have longer histories. This unevenness opens the door for the original Barry Allen to have already fulfilled his role, making way for a successor.
For example, Hal Jordan is set to appear alongside John Stewart in the upcoming Lanterns series, with Stewart positioned as the new primary Green Lantern. This setup underlines a theme of legacy heroes mentoring or being replaced by new ones, which fits logically with Barry Allen passing the speedster mantle to Wally West. The presence of metahumans in the DCU world for a significant period further supports this layered chronology.
Whether Grant Gustin’s Barry Allen becomes a mentor figure or fades from the spotlight entirely, this approach honors his impact while introducing Wally West as the future of speedsters in the DCU. It allows for the Flash to remain an essential character without confusing or conflicting with previously established versions.
The Future of the Flash in the DCU Remains Uncertain but Promising
Currently, James Gunn and the DCU have not announced plans for a dedicated Flash project, leaving much speculation about how and when the character will be integrated. Despite these uncertainties, incorporating Grant Gustin in some form acknowledges the fanbase that has supported his version while opening opportunities to refresh the Flash’s story for the DCU’s evolving landscape.
This strategy serves to balance respect for past portrayals with the necessity of innovation in a shared universe. As the DCU continues to develop its lineup of heroes, the Flash’s introduction and characterization will play a critical role in shaping audiences’ understanding of this complex world and its timeline.
