'The Flash' Season 1 Cast, News, and Spoilers: John Wesley Shipp Cast to Play Barry Allen's Dad, Trailer Video Released [Watch]
It turns out that John Wesley Shipp, the actor who played The Flash in the 1990s TV series, will play Barry Allen's father Henry in the upcoming new version of the TV show.
Earlier this year, the creators of The CW's "Arrow" announced that they will premiere a spin-off based on The Flash from the DC comics. Actor Grant Gustin will star as scientist Barry Allen, who receives the power of super speed after being struck by lightning which transforms him into the fastest man alive. Using his powers for good, Barry hopes to fight crime in Central City and prove his father's innocence after he was wrongly imprisioned for the murder of Barry's mother.
The network confirmed Wednesday that Shipp, who played Dawson's dad in the hit series "Dawson's Creek," will recur on "The Flash," reports ComicBook.com.
"Given his history with The Flash, Andrew [Kreisberg], Geoff [Johns] and I could only think of one person we wanted to play Barry's father and that was John Wesley Shipp," executive producer Greg Berlanti said in a statement, according to TV Guide. "He gives a fantastic and emotional performance in the pilot and we are looking forward to his presence in many more episodes. Also, personally, it was just wonderful to work with him again since my days at Dawson's Creek. He's a great actor and a great guy."
The CW released a trailer of the upcoming adaptation of The Flash. In the video, viewers get a glimpse of Barry Allen's life before he evolves into The Flash. Oliver Queen aka The Green Arrow also makes a cameo in the teaser video, telling Allen, "I don't think that bolt of lightning struck you, I think it chose you." (Allen appeared in Season 2 of "Arrow.")
At least two potential villains, the Reverse Flash and Weather Wizard, are also featured in the teaser.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Gustin explained the differences between "The Flash" and "Arrow."
"I'm more willing to take on the responsibility of being a hero than Oliver was at first, and as I have Stephen [Amell] in real life to guide me through this, Barry really does have Oliver to go to. Hopefully in the future, we can see Oliver guide him," said Gustin.
Gustin also talked about his love interest on the show, Iris West, played by Candice Patton, who starts off as a childhood friend on the show. "They are longtime friends, they kind of grew up together, and she is potentially his love interest in the show. She's in graduate school studying to be a criminal psychologist, so she'll work in the precinct with her father and Barry throughout the show," Patton told EW.
The series will feature two other characters previously seen on "Arrow," Cisco Ramon played by Carlos Valdes and Cailin Snow played by Danielle Panabaker, in addition to Detective Joe West, played by Jesse L. Martin.
The new series will air Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EDT this fall on The CW.
Watch the trailer below.