First Image of THE FLASH Arrives
Warner Brothers Television has released the first image of Grant Gustin’s Barry Allen in the Flash costume.
Although it’s cropped to show only his head, there are obvious design elements that should please fans — the lightning bolt, the red color, and (for some) the Jim Lee influence with the chin guard (why is that on every Jim Lee design?). Designed by Oscar-winner Colleen Atwood, the outfit looks to be some kind of leather, although it seems unlikely to actually be leather in the story since Allen already mentioned “compressed microfiber” during his appearance on Arrow. Note how the mask adheres to Gustin’s face around the eyes:
Production on The Flash is set to begin next week in Vancouver. Gustin posted this photo over on Instagram, saying he’s got one more day of rehearsals before things “get serious”.
Feedback on social media has so far been positive, and producer Greg Berlanti posted his gratitude on Twitter, noting Atwood is “a genius” in his tweet:
Excited to see all the feedback for #TheFlash costume for our Barry @grantgust. Colleen Atwood is a genius. Big weekend. #fingerscrossed
— Love, Greg (@GBerlanti) February 28, 2014
Gustin won over fans with his portrayal of forensic scientist Allen in a two-part episode of Arrow, in which fans were given a surprise view at the accident that gives Allen superspeed. Also in the cast: John Wesley Shipp, who played the Flash in the 1990s. No word on his character, but speculation is that he may be playing some version of Jay Garrick. Tom Cavanagh will play physicist Harrison Wells, who has a connection to the STAR Labs particle accelerator that exploded.
Also in the cast are Jesse L. Martin as Detective West, Candice Patton as Iris, Danielle Panabaker as bioengineer Caitlin Snow, Carlos Valdes as mechanical engineer Cisco Ramon — also known over at DC Comics as Vibe — and Rick Cosnett as Detective Eddie Thawne.
Noteworthy is the inclusion of the Thawne character, especially after hearing Barry’s description of what happened the night his mother was killed. There is a strong hint — and not so subtle at that — that Detective Thawne will end up being Professor Zoom, the Reverse-Flash, with all of the same powers.
Arrow has also established that Dinah Lance, the mother of this continuity’s Black Canary, lives in Central City, where the Flash will be based. Does this open up the possibility of Alex Kingston making an appearance? Perhaps Felicity Smoak will visit her new “friend” sometime during sweeps?
Should the show go to series, Arrow’s Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg and director David Nutter will be executive producers. Berlanti, Kreisberg and DC Entertainment’s Geoff Johns wrote the pilot script, with Nutter directing. Melissa Kellner Berman serves as co-executive producer.
More to follow.
