Grant Gustin is fondly remembered by fans for his interpretation of The Flash in the CW’s Arrowverse. This affection has sparked a strong movement among supporters advocating for his inclusion in James Gunn’s new DCU as the iconic speedster, illustrating the significant appreciation he has earned from the audience.
Nonetheless, despite the admiration he has received within the CW universe, Gustin might not be the best fit for the newly envisioned DCU. There are those who argue that he could excel in Gunn’s revamped iteration of DC heroes, but it seems that Gustin may not meet the high standard that James Gunn is seeking for his ambitious cinematic project.
Ultimately, Gustin is primarily recognized as a television actor. His career in performance has been defined by notable roles, but they have predominantly been in budget-friendly series on the CW. Considering the nature of the high-stakes films that hinge on star power to attract viewers, his prior experience may not align with the needs of a major motion picture.
While James Gunn has cast actors from television, such as Nathan Fillion and Rachel Brosnahan, these individuals have demonstrated commercial success in leading roles within the film industry. In contrast, Gustin has mainly starred in shows targeted at younger demographics, which people generally consume from their homes rather than in theaters.
The identity of the Flash in the DCU remains uncertain. James Gunn might opt for Wally West as the speedster for this new universe, although Barry Allen is also a contender. Rumors suggest that Hal Jordan will be portrayed as older, which opens the door for Jay Garrick to become the original Flash of this universe, potentially leading into Barry Allen's introduction later on.
It appears that Gunn will likely avoid reusing actors from previous projects for his DCU, as this could confuse new audiences regarding character portrayals. Considering the MCU’s similar approach and the DCU’s apparent shift away from multiverse concepts, it would be logical to introduce fresh talent for the new universe.