Yesterday, the creators of ‘Arrow’ revealed that Barry Allen would be added to the cast of characters in a recurring role which would then, hopefully, be spun off into a ‘Flash’ TV show. Fans instantly wanted to know more about how the super speedster would work in the “no powers” world of ‘Arrow.’ This comes on the heels (high ones, apparently) of the reveal that Caity Lotz was joining the cast as Black Canary… a character in the comics that is embodied by Laurel Lance, Oliver Queen’s love interest on the show portrayed by Katie Cassidy. The creators are now speaking up to clarify any misconceptions.
Regarding The Flash, executive producer Andrew Kreisberg explained “When we first meet Barry Allen, he’s just a forensic scientist … an ordinary man. Part of the fun for the audience … is to see how we view our Arrow take on the Flash legacy. 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.”
Greg Berlanti added, “[Barry] will be as grounded and realistic as possible. That’s how we’ll get to know him. Then his life will get a bit faster. It will be fun for the audience to see how we do our take on The Flash’s powers. Some will feel very familiar to those who know the comics, and other stuff will feel different yet fresh and exciting.”
The character will debut in episodes 8 and 9 of the second season, before taking center stage in episode 20, which will be the backdoor pilot for the new series. CW President Mark Pedowski stated that the role has yet to be cast. “TV creates stars,” he explains. “If we get a name, great. If we don’t get a name, they’ll become a name. If you don’t feel the chemistry, it doesn’t happen.”
So does this mean that ‘Arrow’ is dropping its no powers policy? And will Barry, unlike Ollie or Clark Kent on ‘Smallville’ actually adopt a costume and codename? Berlanti said, “He does need powers to become The Flash. And he will be The Flash. He will wear a red costume, and he will go by that name.” Kreisberg added, “No sweat suits or strange code names; he will be The Flash.” (Then again, The Blur would make a more logical name for The Flash than Superman.)
But The Flash isn’t the only DC super hero with whom Ollie Queen will need to share screen time. Caity Lotz will portray the Black Canary. Predowitz clarified that this Canary is Sara Lance, Laurel’s sister, who was believed to have drowned in the first episode of the series, setting up Laurel’s hatred of Ollie. “I hope it brings a certain amount of conflict since she’s playing the sister of Laurel Lance. It’s an origin story — don’t know if this character is the Black Canary or is not the Black Canary, but it is an origin story. Remember, Laurel Lance was the Black Canary in the DC Universe.”
Does that clarify things? It certainly seems to hint at the idea that Sara is only embodying the role temporarily and that the door is open for Dinah to assume the famous fishnets in the future.
With as many snags as Warner Brothers seems to be having bringing its heroes to the big screen, it’s encouraging that so many are hitting the small screen instead. What do you think? Are you excited to see more heroes entering ‘Arrow’s’ world? Who else would you like to see added to the mix? And who would you cast? Comment below!
