Fans continue to urge James Gunn to cast Grant Gustin as Barry Allen, also known as The Flash, in the DC Universe (DCU). Despite Gunn and co-CEO Peter Safran having already chosen a new actor for the role in the ongoing film series, the persistent support for Gustin shows that fans remain deeply invested in his portrayal from the Arrowverse television series.
While fans strongly advocate for Gustin’s inclusion, James Gunn appears committed to establishing a fresh identity for The Flash within the DCU’s current trajectory. Both Gunn and Gustin have publicly expressed mutual respect, with Gunn expressing interest in possibly working with Gustin in the future. Rumors stirred recently when Gustin appeared with blondish hair, sparking speculation he might reprise Barry Allen in Gunn’s upcoming film Man of Tomorrow. Gustin quickly denied those claims, clarifying he is not involved in that project.
Gunn Acknowledges Gustin’s Talent and Past Flash Legacy
James Gunn has consistently praised Grant Gustin’s abilities as an actor, affirming that Gustin’s career extends beyond his role as The Flash. When questioned in March 2024 about Gustin’s absence from the new DCU lineup, Gunn responded on the social platform Threads, addressing concerns that Gustin’s skills were being overlooked. He said,
“Grant is an incredibly talented guy, performing now on Broadway, I believe, and is absolutely not going to waste just because he’s not currently in a DC project. But of course I’d love to work with him at some point,”
highlighting Gustin’s current Broadway role in Water for Elephants.
Gunn’s remarks suggest an openness to future collaboration while underscoring that Gustin’s career remains vibrant even outside of the DC franchise.
References to Arrowverse in Gunn’s Work Highlight Ongoing Appreciation
On the official Peacemaker Season 2 podcast, James Gunn, along with co-hosts Steve Agee and Jennifer Holland and guest Freddie Stroma, discussed elements tied to The Flash and broader DC continuity. In an episode covering Season 2, Episode 2, titled
“A Man Is Only As Good As His Bird,”
Gunn spoke about characters of the show while making a nod to the extended DC universe. He referenced Jitters Coffee, a fictional cafe introduced in the 2010 comics of The Flash Vol 3 #1, which also featured prominently across Arrowverse shows such as The Flash, Arrow, and Supergirl.
Gunn elaborated on Jitters’ significance as he praised Gustin, saying,
“Which is of interest to DC fans because Jitters Coffee started in the comics in 2010, and then was in the– you know, Grant Gustin, the great Grant Gustin, great guy, his TV show, ‘The Flash,’ and then it’s appeared throughout different media in the world of DC, including a little bit in the ‘Superman’ movie.”
His remarks reflect the lasting cultural imprint of Gustin’s version of Barry Allen within the DC media landscape.
Fan Persistence Reflects Enduring Connection to Gustin’s Flash
Fans’ continued campaigning for Grant Gustin to join the new DCU under James Gunn’s direction speaks to a strong emotional connection forged by Gustin’s portrayal over nine seasons on television. When a fan responded to one of Gunn’s posts on Threads by sharing artwork from Gunn’s Arrowverse work, urging, “This gotta happen,” Gunn’s reply highlighted that this chapter of Gustin’s Flash had already been extensively explored on TV.
This interaction signals Gunn’s intention to distinguish the DCU’s cinematic Flash as a fresh interpretation, even as fan enthusiasm for Gustin remains high. The dialogue between fans and creators showcases the balance between honoring past successes and moving forward creatively in the franchise.
Looking Ahead: The Future of The Flash and Possible Collaborations
While James Gunn has not shut the door on collaborating with Grant Gustin, the current DCU continues to build its version of Barry Allen with a new actor. Gustin’s Broadway commitments and ongoing projects keep him in the public eye, and the mutual respect between him and Gunn leaves room for potential future opportunities.
As the DC Universe evolves, the passion from fans for Gustin illustrates the enduring impact of his portrayal on the superhero genre. Whether this enthusiasm will influence casting or storytelling remains uncertain, but it undeniably shapes the conversation around The Flash’s legacy and future under James Gunn and Peter Safran’s leadership.
