The DC Universe (DCU), under the creative stewardship of James Gunn and Peter Safran, is poised for a bold new chapter, and speculation about who will don the scarlet suit of The Flash has been a hot topic among fans. Recently, rumors swirled that Elliot Page, known for roles in Juno and The Umbrella Academy, was in contention to play Barry Allen in Gunn’s rebooted DCU. On July 10, 2025, Gunn took to Threads to firmly debunk these claims, stating that the role of The Flash would be portrayed by a man in his 30s or 40s, effectively ruling out Page. The announcement, reported by ScreenRant, sparked a flurry of fan speculation, with names like Grant Gustin and Andrew Garfield emerging as potential frontrunners, reigniting debates about the future of the Scarlet Speedster in the DCU.

The rumor mill had been churning since Page’s name surfaced on X, with some fans championing the idea of a non-traditional casting choice for Barry Allen. Page, 38, has been a vocal advocate for inclusivity, and their recent work in Close to You (2023) showcased their range as a dramatic actor. However, Gunn’s vision for The Flash, as clarified in his Threads post, leans toward a more seasoned, male actor to anchor the character in the DCU’s interconnected narrative. This decision aligns with Gunn’s approach to casting relatively fresh faces, as seen with David Corenswet’s selection as Superman, a 32-year-old actor who brings a youthful yet grounded energy to the Man of Steel. Gunn’s emphasis on a 30s-to-40s age range suggests a Barry Allen who is established yet relatable, fitting the DCU’s semi-established universe where heroes like the Justice League already exist.

Grant Gustin, the 35-year-old star of The CW’s The Flash, which ran from 2014 to 2023, immediately became a fan favorite for the role. Gustin, who portrayed Barry Allen across 184 episodes, expressed enthusiasm for returning to the character at FAN EXPO Denver on July 6, 2025, responding with a single word—“Flash”—when asked who he’d play in Gunn’s DCU, per ScreenRant. His decade-long tenure as the Scarlet Speedster, coupled with his vocal admiration for Gunn’s work, particularly on Superman, has fueled hopes of a comeback. Gustin’s comments on Michael Rosenbaum’s Inside of You podcast in 2024 emphasized his openness to reprising the role, provided he has creative input, highlighting his desire to evolve Barry’s story. Gunn, in turn, has praised Gustin’s talent, stating on Threads, “I’d love to work with him at some point,” though he clarified Gustin is not currently attached to any DC project.

Andrew Garfield, 41, also emerged as a compelling candidate. Known for his role as Spider-Man in The Amazing Spider-Man series and recent acclaimed performances in Tick, Tick… Boom! and Under the Banner of Heaven, Garfield’s name has been floated by fans on X for his ability to blend emotional depth with kinetic energy. His age and experience align with Gunn’s criteria, and his proven track record in superhero films makes him a strong contender. However, Garfield’s busy schedule, including upcoming projects like After the Hunt (2026), raises questions about his availability. Fan discussions on Reddit’s r/DC_Cinematic suggest Garfield could bring a “mature, introspective” Barry Allen, contrasting with Gustin’s more established, fan-familiar portrayal.

Gunn’s denial of the Page rumor comes as the DCU prepares for its first major release, Superman, on July 11, 2025, which has already generated buzz with a $56.5 million opening day. The Flash, however, remains without a confirmed project, with Gunn noting in December 2024 that the character is “taking a beat” after the 2023 Flash film’s box office struggles, per Collider. Despite this, the multiverse concept central to The Flash’s mythology offers possibilities for Gustin to appear as a variant Barry or even Jay Garrick, as suggested by Nerdist, allowing a nod to his Arrowverse legacy without overshadowing a new DCU lead.

The debate over The Flash’s casting underscores the DCU’s challenge to balance legacy with innovation. Gustin’s fanbase and familiarity make him a safe bet, while Garfield’s star power could attract broader audiences. Other names, like Glen Powell or Joe Keery, have also surfaced, but none carry the same DC pedigree as Gustin or Garfield’s gravitas. As Gunn shapes the DCU, his choice for The Flash will signal how he plans to honor the character’s history while forging a new path. For now, fans eagerly await further updates, hopeful that the Scarlet Speedster’s next run will be as electrifying as his comic book roots.