The DC Universe (DCU), under the creative stewardship of James Gunn and Peter Safran, is poised for a bold new chapter, with the upcoming Superman movie, starring David Corenswet, set to premiere on July 11, 2025, marking the official launch of this rebooted cinematic universe. As the DCU takes shape, one question looms large among fans: who will don the scarlet suit as The Flash? With Ezra Miller’s tenure as Barry Allen in the now-defunct DC Extended Universe (DCEU) concluded after the 2023 The Flash film’s box office disappointment, Gunn has confirmed that the character’s development is on hold, sparking fervent speculation about a recast. Among the loudest calls from fans, amplified across platforms like X, is for Grant Gustin, the beloved star of The CW’s The Flash, to take up the role. Gustin himself has fueled the excitement, recently expressing his enthusiasm for joining Gunn’s vision.

Gustin, who portrayed Barry Allen across 184 episodes of The Flash from 2014 to 2023, has become synonymous with the character for many fans. His performance in the Arrowverse, the longest-running series in that interconnected TV universe, earned him a dedicated following, with viewers praising his earnest portrayal of the speedster. At Fan Expo Denver in July 2025, during a reunion panel with The Flash cast members, a fan asked Gustin which DCU role he’d want if offered by Gunn. His immediate, one-word response—“Flash”—drew thunderous cheers and reignited an ongoing online campaign to see him reprise the role. A clip of the moment, shared on X with the caption “GRANT IMMEDIATELY ANSWERING WITH ‘FLASH’. The agenda is still going strong, people,” went viral, underscoring the passion behind the movement to bring Gustin to the DCU.

James Gunn, known for his hands-on approach to the DCU, has acknowledged Gustin’s talent. In April 2025, responding to a fan on Threads, Gunn called Gustin “an incredibly talented guy” and indicated he wouldn’t be “wasted” just because he’s not currently in a DC project. While the two have never discussed The Flash specifically, Gustin revealed in an interview with The Wrap that they’ve exchanged messages, with Gustin expressing his lifelong admiration for Superman and excitement for Gunn’s upcoming film. This mutual respect has only fueled speculation that Gustin could be a contender for the DCU’s Barry Allen, especially as fans argue his decade-long experience makes him the ideal choice.

However, the path to recasting The Flash is not without complications. Gunn has emphasized that no DCU project is greenlit without a completed script, and in December 2024, he stated that The Flash’s development is “on hold” as the studio focuses on other core Justice League heroes like Batman and Wonder Woman. This delay has left fans wondering whether the DCU will opt for Barry Allen or another speedster, like Wally West, as the primary Flash. Some analysts suggest that a multiverse storyline could allow Gustin to cameo as his Arrowverse Barry, bridging the TV and cinematic universes, a strategy Marvel employed with Charlie Cox’s Daredevil. Yet, Gustin has expressed a desire for creative input if he returns, reflecting his deep connection to the character after nearly a decade.

The fan campaign for Gustin is rooted in the disappointing reception of the 2023 The Flash film, which lost Warner Bros. millions and was marred by controversies surrounding Miller. Posts on X consistently highlight Gustin’s portrayal as the definitive Barry Allen, with many fans arguing that his exclusion from the 2023 film’s multiverse narrative was a missed opportunity. Gustin’s recent comments at Fan Expo Denver and earlier statements, like his 2024 remark that he trusts Gunn’s vision, have kept the momentum alive. Meanwhile, the DCU is moving forward with projects like The Brave and the Bold for Batman and a Wonder Woman film, but the absence of a clear Flash project has only intensified calls for Gustin’s casting.

As the DCU unfolds, Gunn’s commitment to a cohesive, comic-accurate universe suggests that The Flash will eventually join the roster, whether as a solo film or part of a Justice League arc. Gustin’s openness to returning, coupled with his proven track record and fan support, positions him as a strong candidate. For now, fans continue to rally on social media, hopeful that Gunn’s vision will include their beloved speedster. Whether Gustin dons the red suit again or a new actor steps into the role, the anticipation for The Flash’s DCU debut remains electric, promising a thrilling addition to this reimagined universe.