Snyder Didn't Want Grant Gustin as New Flash, but What About Gunn?

Summary

• The Flash has been the worst-performing superhero movie in 2023 so far.
• The CW's The Flash is the most popular DC TV show.
• Zack Snyder doesn't believe Grant Gustin fits the big-screen version of The Flash.
• James Gunn has been asked about casting the actor as the Flash in future films.

This year has seen an array of superhero movies, including Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. However, none were as underwhelming as DC's big-screen installment of The Flash.

Premiering in mid-June, The Flash struggled to attract audiences from the outset of its theatrical release, making only $55 million in its opening week. With a hefty $220 million budget, the film was a commercial disappointment, making less money than what's projected for Marvel's upcoming film, The Marvels. As the thirteenth installment in the DC Extended Universe, The Flash marked a turning point with future projects to be helmed by James Gunn, who aims to rejuvenate the cinematic universe. But who will he choose as his Flash? Grant Gustin?

Who is Grant Gustin?

If you're a DC fan unfamiliar with Grant Gustin, don't fret. With the influx of superhero TV shows that either complement films or run independently, keeping up with all of the properties can be a tall order.

Owned by Warner Bros, DC has multiple shows airing on The CW, which is also part of the company. The Flash, starring Grant Gustin in the lead role, is one such show. Launched in 2014, this TV adaptation has spanned an impressive nine seasons, concluding earlier this year. Understandably, many fans hope to see the celebrated Flash actor continue the role in James Gunn's versions, but that seems unlikely.

DC Directors on Gustin

Zack Snyder, the visionary behind the DC universe as we've come to know it over the past decade, shared his take on Gustin's portrayal of The Flash and the likelihood of him transitioning to the big screen. In Snyder's view, Grant's interpretation of the Speedster superhero is cherished for its fun factor and consistent positivity, whereas the cinematic DC universe leans darker. Such a stark transformation could potentially alienate fans.

Meanwhile, James Gunn, who currently helms DC's direction, hasn't indicated any inclination to cast Grant Gustin as his Flash. Furthermore, Gunn quashed rumors suggesting he was contemplating this casting choice when fans observed mutual follows between the two on social media.

Considering Gunn's ambition to revamp the DC universe, reverting to previous actors might seem incongruous. A more pressing question is whether Grant Gustin would even want to reprise his signature role in the first place. That, however, is a tale for another day.

Source: Threads.