For a character who can outrun time itself, ‘The Flash’ has been stuck in place for a while now. Following the underwhelming debut of ‘The Flash’ in 2023 and the silent collapse of the old DCEU, Barry Allen is one of the most glaring omissions in the newly rebooted DC Universe. No casting announcements. No release dates. Not even a tease.
However, when you take a closer look at what James Gunn and DC Studios are up to at the moment, you will realize that this silence is not negligence, but a strategy. Instead of rushing The Flash back to the big screen and making another misjudgment, Gunn seems to be reestablishing the world bit by bit.
The Flash Isn’t Missing, He’s Being Rebuilt In James Gunn’s DC Universe
The lack of Flash in DCU Chapter One has been a source of frustration for fans, particularly those who became fond of Grant Gustin’s Barry Allen in the TV series. Gustin was, to many, the definitive live-action Flash, with over nine seasons and numerous crossovers. His kindness, hopefulness, and emotional receptiveness were a stark contrast to the darker, more anarchic image in the 2023 film.
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So, Ezra Miller’s Flash was supposed to be a breakthrough for DC. Instead, it turned into a representation of all that had gone amiss with the DCEU: behind-the-scenes controversy, creative confusion, and audience fatigue. The failure at the box office virtually ensured that DC would put a long pause on the character. Additionally, Gunn has admitted publicly that it was the correct decision to make. The point, however, is that Gunn did not say that The Flash was never coming back.
As a matter of fact, the manner in which DCU projects are being organized is indicative of the contrary. Gunn has stressed that in this new universe, there will be a focus on long-term storytelling, character-driven arcs, and world-building. The one thing it won’t do is rush towards marquee moments. That is a logical choice for a character as multifaceted and narratively risky as The Flash. Instead of starting with Barry Allen, Gunn is starting with the world Barry Allen lives in.
Central City Without The Flash Is A Smarter Way Forward
One of the most intriguing clues about The Flash’s future comes not from a Flash project at all, but from a Superman spinoff series currently in development. After ‘Superman’s huge success, it is moving forward with a show centered on Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen, a surprising but inspired choice. The show is said to be structured in the manner of a true-crime documentary series, with an emphasis on investigative journalism and strange cases in the DCU.
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And most importantly, its first season is likely to feature Gorilla Grodd. That fact is more important than it may appear. Gorilla Grodd is not Superman’s villain. He is very much connected to Central City and the mythos of ‘The Flash’. Grodd’s introduction, without introducing The Flash, is an indication of a conscious decision: Gunn is establishing narrative groundwork. He is allowing audiences to get acquainted with Flash-related dangers before bringing the hero back into the picture.
This gradual burn approach will enable the DCU to restore the Flash brand in an organic manner. The universe is asking them to revisit what made Flash stories so interesting. Meanwhile, the DCU has already shown its readiness to change the traditional roles. John Stewart taking the Green Lantern center stage rather than Hal Jordan is one of the brightest examples. So, when The Flash finally arrives, be it as Barry Allen or Wally West, the audience won’t be meeting him in a vacuum. Central City will be inhabited. His rivals will already be intimidated. His arrival will feel earned.
