- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
Anticipation has been building for The CW‘s Arrow spinoff The Flash, and, like clockwork, the first official image from the comic book drama pilot has been released.
In the photo below, a smiling Grant Gustin dons the red Flash suit, marking the first time this iteration of Barry Allen has been seen in superhero form. And like Green Arrow’s suit, the Flash has a gritty feel to it. Though the full-body suit has yet to be revealed, the image offers a good preview of the tone for the pilot and potential series.
The Flash costume was designed by Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood, who also helped design the look of the Arrow. Production on the pilot begins next week.
PHOTOS: 2014’s New Broadcast and Cable TV Shows
The CW and WBTV made a similar move last March by debuting first looks for high-profile drama pilots based on properties with built-in audiences: Arrow and Sex and the City prequel The Carrie Diaries. While both shows have surpassed the two-season mark (with Arrow already renewed for a third), the strategy of keeping public interest levels high doesn’t always pay off. Case in point: NBC’s 2011 reinterpretation of Wonder Woman, which drew criticism.
Flash serves as an origin story similar in vein to Arrow. Barry (Gustin) — introduced in Arrow‘s two-part winter finale in December — is a Central City assistant police forensic investigator who visits Starling City to look into a series of unexplained robberies that may have a connection to a tragedy in his past. Through a freak accident, he is given the power of super speed that transforms him into the fastest man alive.
PHOTOS: The Faces of Pilot Season 2014
Joining Gustin in the main cast are John Wesley Shipp (aka the original Barry Allen from the ’90s series); Tom Cavanagh as physics “rock star” Harrison Wells; Jesse L. Martin as Detective West; Candice Patton as West’s daughter and Barry’s love interest Iris; Danielle Panabaker as Caitlin Snow, a bioengineering expert; Carlos Valdes as mechanical engineering expert Cisco Ramon; and Rick Cosnett as Detective Eddie Thawne.
Arrow‘s Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg and director David Nutter are executive producers on the eyed spinoff. Berlanti, Kreisberg and DC Entertainment’s Geoff Johns wrote the pilot script, with Nutter directing. Melissa Kellner Berman serves as co-executive producer.
Email: Philiana.Ng@THR.com
Twitter: @insidethetube
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day