Oh, so his father wasn't a speedster. The Flash that's on Smallville is the Bart Allen you're talking about I guess. Everything makes sense now. Thanks for explaining that!
His father was indeed a speedster. Barry Allen's children, Don and Dawn Allen, were a couple of speedsters called the Tornado Twins. Don Allen was Bart's dad.
And yes, the Flash on Smallville was named Bart Allen. In the current comics, he's Kid Flash (formerly Impulse). He also had a brief stint as the Flash when Wally disappeared for awhile.
His father was indeed a speedster. Barry Allen's children, Don and Dawn Allen, were a couple of speedsters called the Tornado Twins. Don Allen was Bart's dad.
And yes, the Flash on Smallville was named Bart Allen. In the current comics, he's Kid Flash (formerly Impulse). He also had a brief stint as the Flash when Wally disappeared for awhile.
So, did Don Allen wear the Flash costume too? And technically I guess that makes Bart from the future then, right?
So, did Don Allen wear the Flash costume too? And technically I guess that makes Bart from the future then, right?
No, neither of the Tornado Twins ever wore the Flash costume, AFAIK. I seem to remember them wearing some generic purple costumes. They were never big characters, only appearing briefly in the comics.
But yes, Bart is from the future. That's how 30-something Barry Allen has a teenage grandson. If I remember correctly, Bart had a problem where his naturally inherited speed powers were causing him to age rapidly. So, his grandmother (Barry's wife Iris) traveled back to modern day with Bart so that Wally West could help him gain control of his powers.
The fanbase would riot if Barry or Wally were not the main character in the movie. What confuses the issue is that Barry Allen is back in the DC Universe. I would prefer Barry Allen, as his origin and story could be translated directly to a movie without much altering from the comics version. Wally's origin depends on the existence of Barry Allen, as Wally was the Kid Flash for many years as a sidekick to Barry Allen. Knowing how gutless Hollywood is, there is no way they would do an origin story of Wally's powers involving the older Flashes, for fear of confusing the audience.
It's simple, Goyer had written I believe an excellent script about Barry Allen & Wally West in the movie together. Halfway Barry is killed off and Wally takes over the mantle. That way Wally & Barry fans would be happy. I grew up with Wally and I've grown to love him, he's just not your typical superhero. Heroic in every way but also a comedian and girl crazy. It can work. Oh and I posted this in another thread but here is my choice for Wally West, he's not doing much.
It's simple, Goyer had written I believe an excellent script about Barry Allen & Wally West in the movie together. Halfway Barry is killed off and Wally takes over the mantle. That way Wally & Barry fans would be happy.
That sounds like a good script. Wally has to be a redhead though for my tastes, since that was always how he was depicted in the comics. I can understand changing plot details and even personal characteristics for a movie, but I feel the visual look of each superhero should be identical to the traditional appearance.
It's simple, Goyer had written I believe an excellent script about Barry Allen & Wally West in the movie together. Halfway Barry is killed off and Wally takes over the mantle. That way Wally & Barry fans would be happy. I grew up with Wally and I've grown to love him, he's just not your typical superhero. Heroic in every way but also a comedian and girl crazy. It can work. Oh and I posted this in another thread but here is my choice for Wally West, he's not doing much.
HELL F'ING YES!!!!, he is freaking awesome, i love his voice as the flash as well, i hope it could be him!
That sounds like a good script. Wally has to be a redhead though for my tastes, since that was always how he was depicted in the comics. I can understand changing plot details and even personal characteristics for a movie, but I feel the visual look of each superhero should be identical to the traditional appearance.
I think people could care less about him not being a redhead if MIchael Rosenbaum gets the part.
I think people could care less about him not being a redhead if MIchael Rosenbaum gets the part.
Yeah, some people might even prefer him have his natural hair color, particularly after all the criticism Affleck's appearance as Daredevil got (not talking about his acting or the performance, just his appearance).
And would you guys really want to see a movie with both Barry and Wally? If they do Barry they could do a sequel with Wally as Kid Flash, then go from there, but I don't want to see a "passing the torch" type story all self-contained within a single film. Mostly due to the fact that almost no one is familiar with these characters, and probably have never even heard of Kid Flash or the fact that there are multiple Flashes in the first place.
And would you guys really want to see a movie with both Barry and Wally?
Five years ago? Yes. Now? They might as well just use Barry Allen since he's back in rotation for good. It's just more accessible on multiple levels. Should the movie actually cause an influx of readers to the comics, it helps to have the same character in both versions. And since these stories are all under the Warner banner, that shouldn't be a problem.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Afrobean
If they do Barry they could do a sequel with Wally as Kid Flash, then go from there, but I don't want to see a "passing the torch" type story all self-contained within a single film. Mostly due to the fact that almost no one is familiar with these characters, and probably have never even heard of Kid Flash or the fact that there are multiple Flashes in the first place.
What the average viewer is or isn't familiar with doesn't really matter. It's all in the screen play and how well the story and characters are written. As long as the concept is introduced properly on film, then anything is possible. They could easily have made a Flash film with Barry and Wally along the lines of The Mask of Zorro. I just think the time for that film has passed (though I'd still welcome it).
Today we’re presenting yet another installment of our superhero movie fantasy casting feature, this time for the still-in-development big screen adaptation of The Flash. This film has been stop-and-go (pun intended) for awhile now, with previous versions of the script having been turned in by big name writers (David S. Goyer), and some big name actors having been eyed for the role (or so rumor would have it).
As of last week we have word that The Flash is coming along at a good pace, so as the story of the ‘The World’s Fastest Man’ steps closer and closer to becoming a cinematic reality, we stop to ask ourselves:
Who should play The Flash?
THE RACE TO GLORY
The Flash is one of the oldest heroes in the DC Universe, but it would be a stretch to call him one of the most famous (despite the 1990s TV series). Sure, the character is well known by the comic book fanboy nation - and any JoBlo off the street could probably tell you that “He’s the guy in the red suit who runs really fast.” However, I’d be surprised if that same JoBlo could tell you the names of Flash’s alter egos over the years (Jay Garrick, Barry Allen and Wally West) - or if you could even find a handful of fanboys willing to tell you that The Flash is “The most awesome superhero ever!”
By current estimate, I would place The Flash just a couple notches under Iron Man (before the film came out) in terms of public recognition/love, hovering somewhere around the same plane as Green Lantern. Of course, I must acknowledge that both The Flash and Green Lantern have made serious comic book comebacks over the course of the last half decade - thanks in overwhelming part to DC Comics writer Geoff Johns, who resurrected both Silver Age Flash and Green Lantern (Barry Allen and Hal Jordan) and has written storylines for both characters that have gone on to become modern comic book classics.
Did I mention that Geoff Johns is also acting as a consultant on The Flash movie?
Like Iron Man, The Flash faces the daunting task of elevating a C-list superhero to blockbuster movie height$. There is no doubt that Iron Man got a head start in that same department by casting Robert Downey Jr. - so when casting The Flash, I say forget all this talk about “getting a no name” to play the part; in this case, name recognition is a MUST.
WHO IS THE FASTEST MAN ALIVE?
Back during Comic Con this year I had a chance to toss Geoff Johns a question about the treatment he did for The Flash script (which is now in the hands of screenwriter Dan Mazeau). In the Johns’ response (which you can read HERE), he alluded to several things hinting that we might be seeing Barry Allen, the “Silver Age” Flash in the movie version, instead of “Modern Age” Flash, Wally West, as many fans initially assumed. Of course this all just speculation - but it makes for one doozy of a job for those of us in the fantasy casting business!
That said, I’ll have to cast BOTH versions of The Flash just to be safe. So, if you’re interested, here are my picks for who should play Barry Allen or Wally West, based on the criteria that the actor for either role needs to be both funny and dramatic and able to exude heroism - not to mention having the physical body type of a long distance sprinter (let’s not forget that!).
[And no, Ryan Reynolds is NOT a candidate! He's already Green Lantern AND Deadpool! That's enough!]
For my money there is no better Barry Allen than Castle’s Nathan Fillion. Truth be told, fanboys have been searching for a spot for Fillion to fill in the comic book movie universe for sometime now. Before Ryan Reynolds snagged his role as The Green Lantern, Fillion’s name was being pitched into the ring. The guy is funny, witty, likable, has a loyal cult following in place (Joss Whedon’s Firefly/Serenity nation) and has already done some geek-themed voiceover work on DC animated projects including Justice League and this year’s Wonder Woman animated feature. Fillion is the sort of actor I can see having a ball playing up all the speed-based gags a Flash movie SHOULD offer, and will still look credible kicking serious ass in the climatic fight. I would love to see the man get his shot at the role.
However, whenever I think Barry Allen it’s hard not to consider how the character meshes with Hal Jordan/Green Lantern. DC Comics aficionados already know that the Silver Age Flash/Green Lantern teamups come second only to the legendary Superman/Batman teamups. So, whether relevant or not, it’s hard for me NOT to consider how the actors playing Flash and Green Lantern would mesh onscreen. Actor Ryan Reynolds is currently 34, so the actor playing Barry Allen would have to fit that same age range; Fillion is currently 38, so it would be a stretch, but one worth making, IMHO.
RUNNER UP: Josh Duhamel - I don’t know how funny the guy is, but he can certainly do action (Transformers) and has the physical body type (read: muscular) and enough dramatic acting skill for the serious portions of a Flash movie. Plus, if there were ever a Flash/Green Lantern crossover, fanboys would have to fight for seats in the theater against the hordes of ladies who would flock to see two of their favorite hunks (Reynolds and Duhamel) sharing the screen. So, if Warner Bros. wants to have The Flash appeal to the younger female demographic, there are worst choices than casting Duhamel.
WALLY WEST
Come on! Did you really think I would go with anybody else??? You’ve been saying it for years now - heck, WE’VE been saying it for years now! If they make this Flash movie using the modern age incarnation of the character (Wally West) then Neil Patrick Harris is the way to go! Not only does NPH look the part (see below), he PERFECTLY embodies that mischievous boyishness and wise-cracking charm that Wally is known for. People have said that NPH is “way too skinny” to fill out a crimson body suit - but THIS IS HOLLYWOOD, PEOPLE! They can bulk the guy up in an instant and have him off to the races!
If you want a version of The Flash that will do for that character what Iron Man did for Ol’ Shellhead, then you gotta have an actor with massive amounts charisma (”The RDJ factor”) to get butts in those theater seats. After turning this year’s Emmys into a veritable one-man show, and killing it on both the small screen (How I Met Your Mother), the silver screen (the Harold & Kumar movies) and even the computer screen (Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog), NPH hasn’t been this popular since he played a certain freckle-faced underage M.D. back in the 90s. A breakout film role is the next logical step in the NPH world domination campaign.
Wally West The Flash
RUNNER UP: People have suggested Adam Brody in the past - but it’s been awhile since The O.C. wrapped and I don’t know if Brody has the star power behind him anymore, honestly. So I’m going to say that Jerry O’ Connell might not be a bad second choice - he’s also funny, mischievous, has the physical attributes and would also draw ladies to the theater. But again, there’s that question of how bright his star power is (not) these days…
That’s it for me - what about you guys? Who do you think should play The Flash and which version - Barry Allen or Wally West - should we get?
I'm getting really excited with all these Flash articles poping up. This is how it started with Green lantern. I think they may finally make this movie.
I can't decide between Wally or Barry but I think've made great choices for the characters.
Eh regardless if Allen's back, he's not popular with the younger audience and most people know Wally from Justice League. I want a film with Wally because I prefer him more. I don't want to see Wally as the kid sidekick. THis is a perfect way to change the story yet make it interesting and unique without doing the source injustice *cough Wolverine cough*
I don't know if I could buy someone as old as Neil Patrick Harris as Kid Flash. Only way I could see him as Wally is if they have him go right into being The Flash. But doing that changes the idea of passing the torch. In one case the sidekick takes the role of his mentor and it'll feel natural because he's learned how to be a hero in his position as a junior hero. I just think I might have a hard time buying into someone taking on the mantle of an established hero without having worked with that hero in the past. Hate me if you want, but I'd rather have Wally played as younger than 20 if he's going to be playing secondary to Barry's primary character.
And as for Nathan Fillion, I like the guy and all, but he feels more grizzled than I would expect the Flash to be, even as Barry versus Wally. And even though he's not technically that old, he has an old feeling about him even in spite of not looking that old. I don't know if that makes sense, but hopefully you guys know what I mean.
ps most people don't have any clue who Barry Allen or Wally West are, even people who watched the Justice League cartoon. And seriously, for most of the series, the Flash's secret identity doesn't even matter. They mention it outright in one episode (when the Thanagarians invade and the Justice League decide to go "underground"), and then later we get a single episode devoted to Flash with a bit of his "normal" life and a look at the Flash's rogues gallery. But alter egos factor into Justice League so little that it's very easy to not notice them entering the picture for any of the characters. I would say that a film with Wally as the one-and-only Flash (like how Justice League handled it) would probably have better mainstream appeal though, just because Wally is a funny dude.
Everwood and Eli Stone writer Greg Berlanti has been named as the front running contender to direct Warner Bros. long awaited The Flash movie. It seems they’ve been keen to hand him one of their heroes for a while now, as he was signed to direct Green Lantern for a while before Martin Campbell came along.
Actually, Berlanti’s involvement in Green Lantern doesn’t end there - he’s one of the film’s producers and co-wrote the screenplay with Michael Goldenberg. Hushed word from that production is proving very good indeed, and has likely done Berlanti a great deal of good in chasing the Flash gig. It’s always nice to think a director has really earned a job.
I think that the first real surprise of the IESB story is that there’s currently some forward motion on The Flash. It’s looking like that the creation of DC Entertainment is having a pretty rapid effect on the status of WB’s many comics adaptations, even this long-troubled tale. In the last few years, David Dobkin and Shawn Levy’s worked on developing solo outings for the character, and Adam Brody was cast as Wally West’s incarnation of the character in the scuppered JLA movie.
The current comics Flash is Barry Allen, if I’m not mistaken, with his grandson Bart Allen and Wally West have also taken up the mantle of the Scarlet Speedster in recent years. I’d guess that the film might take a similar approach to the Justice League TV show that features a version of Barry infused with Wally, at least in cherry picking bits and pieces of various character versions.
Berlanti’s previous feature films were The Broken Hearts Club and this year’s Life As We Know It. I’ve seen neither myself, but they seem to be fairly low-key comedies with good casts. On the surface, then, he’s about as curious a pick as Matt Reeves was for Cloverfield
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