Updated: CW and Arrow producers to bring The Flash to the small screen yet again

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

UPDATE: More details via The Hollywood Reporter have come in regarding the direction CW is taking with The Flash series. CW President Mark Pedowitz elaborates on the move, saying:

"We plan to introduce the recurring character of Barry Allen who is the Flash," Pedowitz told reporters. "We're planning an origin story and we'll see how it goes. We do want to expand on DC Universe, and we felt this is a very organic way to get there."

In addition, THR is reporting that producer Greg Berlanti is developing THE FLASH movie for a projected 2016 release, although this is not officially confirmed. Read on:

"Berlanti is also developing a Flash movie for Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment, with sources telling THR that the feature is being eyed for 2016. Berlanti will direct and pen the screenplay alongside Chris Brancato, Michael Green, Johns and Guggenheim. Pedowitz also noted that there is no conflict between the movie studio or DC when it comes to the TV series and feature film as previous efforts have proven troublesome when there's such an overlap."

For those anticipating the announcement of a movie version of DC's The Flash, I've got some potentially bad news for you. It looks like the character is being set up to be spun out of the currently running (and highly successful) Green Arrow series, Arrow, starring Steven Amell, and will be shepharded to his own series by Arrow co-creators Greg Berlanti and Andrew Kreisberg and director David Nutter.

From Deadline:

"I hear there is an idea is to introduce The Flash on Arrow next season before spinning his off into his own series. I hear Flash will be written by Berlanti, Kreisberg and DC Entertainment’s Geoff Johns who also has written for Arrow. Nutter, who helmed the Arrow pilot, will direct the potential pilot, while Berlanti and Kreisberg are expected to run the potential series."

Hmm. I don't see this as a bad idea, really, but I can hear a collective sigh from fans hoping to see The Flash finally make his way to the big screen, rather than languish on the small one yet again. Many will remember the '90's series starring John Wesley Shipp, which was a pretty cool show at the time, so there's certainly proof that The Flash can be done on film, but it would be nice to see him finally make the leap to the big screen. CW is also attempting a Wonder Woman show, called Amazon, that has been put on hold temporarily, which begs the question: How will this affect the building of the DC Cinematic Universe?

Unless Warner Bros. and DC are planning on using the small screen stars in big screen roles, it feels like overkill to introduce the live-action characters in two different venues. WB has made it clear they are building towards a JUSTICE LEAGUE film, which would no doubt include The Flash and, potentially, Green Arrow (not to mention Wonder Woman). After the success of this summer's MAN OF STEEL and the planned SUPERMAN/BATMAN film for 2015, one has to wonder if DC is testing the waters with these characters on the small screen or if there really isn't a planned "roadmap" to JUSTICE LEAGUE. Perhaps we've been spoiled by Marvel's meticulous planning?

If this news holds true, I'd expect to see The Flash make his newest small screen appearance in the 2nd season of Arrow. More as this develops.