11 Years Ago Today, the Arrowverse Debuted the Superhero Show James Gunn’s DCU Will Struggle To Beat

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Working at DC Studios isn’t easy. James Gunn often talks about the difficulties of managing a superhero universe, like deciding which projects to move forward with and which to cancel. But from an outside perspective, his biggest challenge so far has been finding the right actors. For example, David Corenswet wasn’t initially considered for the role of Superman until Gunn saw his performance in the movie *Pearl*, and other actors Gunn preferred didn’t work out. Gunn consistently needs to be willing to try new approaches, since many of the iconic DC characters have already been portrayed on screen.

Though the DC movies, particularly those centered around the Justice League and Suicide Squad, often get the blame, the Arrowverse also deserves attention. Even though The CW’s shows have been off the air for a while, many fans continue to rewatch them on streaming platforms. One series, in particular, will be difficult for James Gunn and his team to overshadow, as it revolutionized the superhero landscape eleven years ago today.

The Arrowverse’s Second Show Started With a Bang

On October 7, 2014, The CW launched *The Flash*, building on a major storyline introduced in season 2 of *Arrow*. The series begins with Barry Allen waking up after months in a coma at S.T.A.R. Labs. He should have died when struck by lightning, but instead, the event gave him extraordinary powers. Having always searched for the impossible, Barry finds purpose when he starts stopping criminals and protecting Central City. What could have been a typical superhero story quickly becomes more complex, hinting that the answers Barry has been seeking were nearby all along.

The biggest twist in *The Flash* was revealing Harrison Wells was actually Eobard Thawne, also known as the Reverse-Flash – and it immediately shaped the direction of the show. The following seasons introduced new speedster villains, forcing Barry to figure out their identities and stop their schemes. While this became a recurring pattern, the show succeeded because Barry had personal connections to these villains. The series faltered when it tried to move away from this formula. Luckily, the current creative team understands what made *The Flash* work, and they can use that knowledge to build on the show’s successes instead of trying to reinvent it.

The DCU Just Needs to Do Its Own Thing With The Flash

James Gunn’s biggest challenge with his new Flash project will be casting the right lead actor. Grant Gustin has consistently delivered excellent performances as the Flash, capturing the emotional burden of a hero making difficult choices. To avoid inevitable comparisons to Gustin, Gunn might consider focusing on the story of Wally West instead of Barry Allen. Wally West hasn’t had as much screen time or development as Barry Allen in the Arrowverse, and his character even spent time away from the show exploring his own path.

Now that Wally West is involved, it makes more sense to focus on the Rogues instead of other speedster villains. While Captain Cold and Heatwave are key characters, they shine when working *with* the Legends team, rather than constantly opposing The Flash. James Gunn may have different plans, and might not be interested in ideas from the Arrowverse. However, ignoring a show like *The Flash*, even with its flaws, could be risky for a franchise trying to avoid superhero burnout.

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2025-10-08 01:42