Earlier today, the CW revealed that it plans to spin The Flash out of the upcoming season of “Arrow” and into his own TV series. Given that “Arrow” currently has no characters with superpowers, the introduction of The Flash would seemingly go against “Arrow’s” pre-established “realistic” take on the DC Universe.
During a conference call (via Deadline), screenwriter and “Arrow” executive producer Andrew Kreisberg revealed how the Flash can fit in that world without completely undoing the foundation that’s been laid out. According to Kreisberg, the Flash’s alter ego, Barry Allen will appear in the eighth and ninth episodes of “Arrow” Season 2 before he gains his powers.
“The character will be as grounded and realistic as possible,” said Kreisberg. “That’s how we’ll get to know him. Then his life will get a bit faster.”
The twentieth episode of the second season will serve as the Flash’s origin story as he gains his speed powers. Kreisberg promised that the other characters in “Arrow” will respond to this turn of events in a realistic way, but it will also be treated as something extraordinary within the show itself.
“It will be fun for the audience to see how we do our take on The Flash’s powers,” offered Kreisberg. “Some will feel very familiar to those who know the comics, and other stuff will feel different yet fresh and exciting.”
Kreisberg’s co-writer on “The Flash,” Greg Berlanti added that Barry Allen “will be The Flash. He will wear a red costume, and he will go by that name.”
Berlanti, Kreisberg and DC Entertainment CCO Geoff Johns are writing “The Flash” pilot together, with David Netter set to direct. Casting for Barry Allen/The Flash will begin this week,
with casting director David Rapaport overseeing the process.
A casting announcement for “The Flash” may follow in early or mid-August.
