Grant Gustin’s portrayal of Barry Allen, or The Flash, on The CW’s flagship superhero series, captured the hearts of millions before the show concluded its nine-season run in 2023. Initially, The Flash was launched as a spin-off from the highly successful Arrow, starring Stephen Amell. While Arrow had already established a strong viewer base, there were uncertainties regarding how The Flash would perform. Despite these doubts, the creators were adamant about retaining Gustin within the Arrowverse.
The Arrowverse’s Failsafe Plan
The Arrowverse, a television franchise made up of several DC shows on The CW, began with Arrow and culminated with The Flash’s final season. Grant Gustin’s rendition of Barry Allen was met with such acclaim that some fans regard his portrayal as superior to that of Ezra Miller in the then DCEU. Anticipating potential challenges with The Flash, Greg Berlanti, the architect behind The CW’s DC shows, developed a strategic contingency.
According to a report by Screen Rant, had The Flash not resonated with audiences as hoped, the plan was to integrate Barry Allen as a recurring character on Arrow. This move would ensure that Gustin’s beloved character remained a central figure in the Arrowverse regardless of his show’s fate. During a 2014 interview with Digital Spy, Berlanti expressed his determination to keep Gustin’s Barry Allen within the universe:
Fingers crossed we don’t screw it up and he gets his own show. If he didn’t, I don’t think we would ever want to let Grant go. He’s too valuable.
The Flash’s Impact and the Arrowverse Legacy
Fortunately, The Flash exceeded expectations and, alongside Arrow, became a cornerstone of the Arrowverse. These shows not only delighted viewers but also significantly shaped superhero television. Despite the Arrowverse’s controversial conclusion, the impact of these series lingers, prompting discussions about the future roles of its stars within the broader DC Universe.
Arrowverse Stars in James Gunn’s DC Universe?
The recent overhaul of the DC Universe (DCU) by James Gunn and Peter Safran, which includes a mix of animated and live-action productions for Max, raises questions about the return of Arrowverse stars. While the former DCEU’s Justice League members are not slated to return, there is open speculation about the inclusion of others, such as Gustin and Amell.
In remarks reported by DC Film News, Gustin expressed enthusiasm about reprising his role under Gunn’s direction, citing trust in Gunn’s vision: Yeah, if James Gunn asked me, I would. I trust James Gunn. He hasn’t, for the record.
Similarly, Stephen Amell, at Mega Con Orlando (via CBR), showed interest in returning as Oliver Queen, a.k.a. Green Arrow: These statements indicate a potential for Gustin and Amell to appear in the revamped DCU, potentially bringing their iconic characters into new narratives. However, integrating them could pose challenges, potentially confusing fans accustomed to the Arrowverse’s settings and storylines.
The Continuing Influence of Arrowverse Alumni
As discussions continue about the possible incorporation of Arrowverse characters into the new DCU, the legacy of shows like The Flash and Arrow remains influential. The strategic foresight shown by Berlanti and his team in safeguarding their investment in Grant Gustin not only ensured the success of The Flash but also preserved the integrity and continuity of the Arrowverse. Whether or not Gustin and Amell return to their roles, their impact on the superhero genre and their potential contributions to future DC projects underline their enduring appeal and significance within the genre.
