Grant Gustin (GLEE, 90210) made his debut as Barry Allen on the CW’s hit show ARROW in the US last night. Allen is a forensic scientist more famously known as THE FLASH by fans of DC Comics, and they will most certainly know that the character is one of the most iconic superheroes in DC’s library.
Gustin’s debut as the scarlet speedster drew in the highest ratings of Arrow’s entire second season so far, meaning that the CW’s plan for a spin-off show with the character is full speed ahead. It was revealed last month that CW executives were so happy with Gustin’s performance as Barry Allen that they had decided to give the character his own pilot episode, rather than a ‘backdoor’ pilot at the end of ARROW’s current season. Now it seems that work on the pilot is underway as two casting calls for the episode have leaked online and you can see them below:
IRIS – 22-28 – African-American – As smart as she is beautiful, Iris is in grad school studying psychology. She’s also Barry’s mile a minute, fast-talking, quick-witted best friend. Her father, Detective West, took in Barry when his mother was murdered, and his father was wrongly accused and imprisoned for her murder. In a tough childhood for Barry, she was the one “not tough” thing. She’s unaware of Barry’s strong feelings for her.
DETECTIVE WEST – Late 40s to Early 50s – African American -Detective West is an honest, blue-collar cop who’s seen it all. A soulful, funny caring father to Iris, and a surrogate father to Barry, West came up through the foster system himself. He took in Barry after his mother’s murder and his father’s imprisonment. He believes in Barry and supports Barry’s efforts to prove his father’s innocence.
The two characters listed seem to indicate a lighter tone for the show compared to the gritty, adult themed ARROW which will contrast from its parent show nicely. This will also help to diversify THE FLASH and keep it separate enough to stay original despite living in the same world as its predecessor. We’ll update you with any more news on the upcoming show (assuming it gets picked up for a full series) but in the mean time check out Gustin’s ARROW debut in the UK on Channel 5 at 9pm next Monday.
Source: Bludhaven Banter
