Recasting The Flash for James Gunn’s DC Universe: 3 Perfect Actors

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The second season of “Peacemaker” has hinted at James Gunn creating a new version of the Justice League, although they haven’t been officially named as such yet. So far, Gunn’s choices for main DC Universe characters like Superman/Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and supporting superheroes such as Green Lantern (Guy Gardner), Mister Terrific, and Hawkgirl have been highly appreciated by fans. As the franchise expands, everyone is excited to see who will be cast in iconic roles like Wonder Woman, Batman, and The Flash in future seasons.

Generally, Barry Allen, known as The Flash in both big and small screen adaptations, is typically the character portrayed with charm, nerdiness, and a hint of mischief and wit. Beyond being the fastest man alive, he is often depicted in a friendly manner. When it comes to deciding who should carry on Barry Allen’s legacy in future projects, these three actors have the right appearance, background, and overall vibe to capture his essence effectively. However, ultimately, it depends on how Gunn writes the character.

3) Austin Abrams

It’s possible you might recognize Austin Abrams – he’s been making waves lately. Most notably, he was part of the star-studded cast in Zach Cregger’s latest horror blockbuster “Weapons.” In this film, Abrams delivered a moving performance as the homeless drug addict James, adding layers of heart and complexity to a character that could have easily become a cliché. Instead, he imbued James with palpable vulnerability, sweetness, and humor, making us believe that he could handle Barry’s nerdy charm and Gunn’s signature edgy wit without compromising the hero’s authenticity and sincerity.

At 29 years old, Abrams has the potential to flourish and adapt well to the character of Barry. Moreover, he boasts a strong resume with notable appearances in various shows and films. For instance, Abrams is a regular cast member on the hit series Euphoria on HBO Max, has recurring roles in prominent shows like The Walking Dead and This is Us, and shared the screen with George Clooney and Brad Pitt in the movie Wolfs. Given these impressive credentials, it’s evident that Abrams can handle working with a renowned director such as Gunn, and his upcoming role in Cregger’s Resident Evil film indicates he’s on track for more leading roles like the Flash in blockbuster productions.

2) Harris Dickinson

After making a significant impact in the critically acclaimed film “Beach Rats” in 2017, Harris Dickinson has emerged as an ascending star in Hollywood. With a versatile acting range, Dickinson boasts the talent required to convincingly portray Barry. He’s accustomed to action roles, having starred in the prequel “The King’s Man” of the popular series Kingsman, and showcased his comedic skills in films like “Triangle of Sadness” and “Babygirl,” where he played a charismatic yet dangerous colleague to Nicole Kidman. Given his past performances, Dickinson would not only deliver Barry’s cleverness, awkwardness, and intelligence on screen, but also bring something unique and innovative to the character, much like how Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult brought their respective comic book characters to life.

Dickinson is approaching his 30th birthday and towers at 6’2″ with broad shoulders, making him both the right age and physique for the role of a fast-paced superhero like The Flash. While he’s often associated with more introspective indie roles, there’s excitement in imagining how a comedy director like Gunn could showcase Dickinson’s comedic talents as the Flash.

1) Jack Quaid

If Gunn desires a nerdier and adorable version of Barry Allen, he doesn’t need to look beyond Jack Quaid. Notably, Quaid has ties with superhero universes, popular franchises, and DC Comics. He garnered fame in the adult-oriented superhero parody series The Boys, and also starred as Ensign Brad Boimler in both animated and live-action versions of Star Trek. Moreover, Quaid even lent his voice to Superman himself in the animated series My Adventures with Superman. Despite missing out on the live-action role to David Corenswet, Quaid’s wholesome charm aligns perfectly with Barry’s character traits, and we believe he might be an even better fit for The Flash than Superman.

Among the three actors mentioned, Quaid, who is older than Corenswet, seems best suited to portray a Flash character who could form a friendly bond with Superman. Notably, Quaid’s acting prowess is impressive enough that he can convincingly embody a role while still being capable of headlining a standalone film or series, should Gunn consider such a project for the hero.

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2025-09-07 21:41