The DC Universe (DCU), under the creative stewardship of James Gunn and Peter Safran, is generating buzz with its bold reimagining of iconic superheroes. As the DCU’s first theatrical release, Superman, starring David Corenswet, soared into theaters on July 11, 2025, speculation about other key roles has reached fever pitch. Among the most tantalizing rumors circulating on platforms like X and reported by outlets such as ScreenRant and FandomWire is that Andrew Garfield, celebrated for his role as Spider-Man in The Amazing Spider-Man series, is in talks to portray Barry Allen, the Flash, in Gunn’s rebooted DCU. While unconfirmed, this casting rumor has sparked excitement and debate among fans, given Garfield’s proven ability to embody complex, emotionally driven heroes.

Garfield’s potential casting as the Scarlet Speedster comes at a pivotal moment for the DCU. Following the mixed reception of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), particularly the 2023 The Flash film starring Ezra Miller, Gunn and Safran have prioritized a cohesive narrative across films, TV, animation, and games. The Flash, a cornerstone of DC’s Justice League, has yet to be officially cast in the DCU, with Gunn confirming in a December 2024 Threads post that no script for a Flash movie is currently greenlit, as DC Studios adheres to a strict “script-first” policy. However, recent posts on X, including one from @rleonp90 on July 7, 2025, suggest Gunn is actively exploring high-profile actors like Garfield for the role, aiming to blend star power with fresh talent. Another post from @JuanitoSay on July 11, 2025, amplified the rumor, igniting fan discussions about Garfield’s suitability.

Garfield’s appeal lies in his ability to balance charisma with vulnerability, traits that align with Barry Allen’s character—a forensic scientist gifted with super speed after a lightning strike. His performance as Peter Parker showcased a quick-witted, emotionally layered hero, qualities that could translate seamlessly to Barry’s earnest, often self-deprecating nature. Fans on X, like @brucebatman007, have expressed enthusiasm, with comments like “SI POR FAVOR” reflecting excitement for Garfield’s potential to bring a new energy to the role. Others, such as @GalloAlHabla, noted a preference for Grant Gustin, who played Barry Allen in The CW’s The Flash for nine seasons, but acknowledged Garfield’s casting as a promising choice, especially given his critical acclaim in films like Hacksaw Ridge and tick, tick… BOOM!.

The rumor’s traction stems from Garfield’s recent career resurgence. His return as Spider-Man in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) was met with widespread praise, redeeming his earlier tenure that faced criticism due to uneven scripts. FandomWire drew parallels between Garfield and Gustin, noting both actors endured unfair backlash for their respective franchises’ shortcomings, yet delivered compelling performances. This sentiment resonates with fans who see Garfield as a chance to redefine the Flash after the DCEU’s struggles. Unlike Miller’s frenetic portrayal, Garfield could offer a more grounded, relatable Barry, potentially exploring themes of loss and redemption, as hinted in Gunn’s vision for a tonally diverse DCU, per a July 2025 IGN interview.

However, skepticism persists. Some fans, as seen in posts like @soorphine’s “don’t even joke lad,” question the rumor’s validity, given Gunn’s silence on casting specifics. ScreenRant reported in July 2025 that Gustin, who expressed interest in reprising the Flash at FAN EXPO Denver, remains a fan favorite, though his Broadway commitments may preclude involvement. Gunn’s praise for Gustin on Threads, calling him “incredibly talented,” suggests openness to working with him, but the DCU’s focus on fresh faces may favor Garfield’s star power. Additionally, The Hollywood Reporter noted in February 2025 that the DCU’s The Brave and the Bold and a potential Teen Titans film could feature the Flash, providing opportunities for Garfield to debut in a supporting role before a solo outing.

The DCU’s “Gods and Monsters” slate, which includes projects like Clayface and Supergirl, emphasizes unique storytelling, and Garfield’s casting could align with this vision. His ability to convey emotional depth could elevate Barry’s narrative, perhaps exploring the multiverse—a concept Gunn has not ruled out, per ScreenRant. While the 2023 The Flash film’s box office underperformance has made DC cautious, as noted in a GameRant article, Garfield’s involvement could signal a bold reset. As the DCU unfolds, with Peacemaker Season 2 set for August 2025, fans eagerly await confirmation of Garfield as the Flash, a casting that could electrify the franchise with new hope.