‘Glee’ Star Cast As DC Comics Superhero The Flash

Actor Grant Gustin, best known as Sebastian Smythe on the hit Fox musical dramedy Glee. has been cast as the DC Comics superhero The Flash on CW’s Arrow.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gustin will portray the Barry Allen Flash in several episodes meant to act as backdoor pilots for his own TV series. He will appear in episodes 8, 9 and 20 of Arrow‘s second season, continuing the show’s tradition of dropping hints, easter eggs and cameos suggesting a wider DC Comics TV universe.

If Gustin’s Flash gets his own series, it will also have the “Year One” feel demonstrated by Arrow‘s treatment of the DC Comics character Oliver Queen.
Flash’s inclusion in the series does mark a slight departure from the show’s mythology. MSN points out that Barry Allen either has or will develop superpowers, which is something that the Arrow universe has avoided so far.

The show’s co-creator Andrew Kreisberg seemed to suggest that Arrow will treat the preternatural in much the same way Game of Thrones does. It’s definitely there, but it’s not common.

“There will be extraordinary events in the world and the characters will react in the same way,” he said.

“Part of the fun for the audience is to see how we view our Arrow take on the Flash legacy,” Kreisberg continued. “Some of it will feel very familiar to DC Comics, some of it hopefully will feel different, fresh and exciting. The same way we approached Arrow is the same way we’re approaching Barry.”

Whatever the show’s creators have planned for him, Gustin is absolutely thrilled about the part.

“I’m unbelievably excited. I’ve been a lifelong fan of DC Comics, so I can’t be more honored and can’t wait to get started,” he said.

“@amellywood: Hey @grantgust… You should probably start stretching your hamstrings like… immediately. Congratulations!! #Flash” noted.

— Grant Gustin (@grantgust) September 13, 2013

Do you think that Grant Gustin will be a good Flash?