Videos by ComicBook.com
Barry Allen is typically the incarnation of the Flash we see on screen big or small. Apart from being the fastest man alive, Barry is usually portrayed as affable, geeky, and having a mischievous and wry sense of humor. Of course, it will come down to how Gunn scripts the character that will determine who’s best to pick up the Flash’s mantel, but we feel these three actors all possess the right looks, credits, and vibe to do Barry Allen justice.
3) Austin Abrams
If you think Austin Abrams looks familiar, it’s not just you. He was part of the ensemble cast of Zach Cregger recent horror megahit Weapons, where he brought a compelling amount of heart and complexity to the role of the homeless drug addict James. In a role that could have so easily been a trope, Abrams brought a palpable vulnerability, sweetness, and humor to James, convincing us that he could easily handle Barry’s nerdiness and Gunn’s signature edgy humor without sacrificing any of the hero’s sincerity and integrity.
At 29, Abrams can grow into and with the role of Barry. Plus, he has a list of formidable credits and co-stars to his name. Abrams is a series regular on HBO Max phenomenon Euphoria, he’s recurred on major shows like The Walking Dead and This is Us, and he starred opposite George Clooney and Brad Pitt in the film Wolfs. Therefore, there’s no doubt Abrams can hold his own with a major director like Gunn, and his upcoming role in Cregger’s Resident Evil movie means he’s poised for more blockbuster roles like the Flash.
2) Harris Dickinson
Since his breakout role in the indie darling Beach Rats in 2017, Harris Dickinson has established himself as a star on the rise. Dickinson possesses an impressive range with all the necessary chops to play Barry. He’s no stranger to action after starring in the Kingsman prequel The King’s Man, plus he lit up the screen in the dark comedy Triangle of Sadness as a directionless model/influencer, and gave a scintillating performance as Nicole Kidman’s bold, dangerously charismatic colleague in last year’s erotic thriller Babygirl. We know that Dickinson wouldn’t just bring Barry’s wit, awkwardness, and brilliance to the screen, he’s the kind of actor who could find something new and fresh to bring to the character, similar to Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult’s portrayals of their respective comic book icons.
Dickinson’s also on the cusp of 30 and stands at broad-shouldered 6’2″, meaning he’s the right age and has the right build to play the speedster superhero. Though he may be known for broodier indie roles, we’d love to see what a comedic filmmaker like Gunn could bring out of Dickinson as the Flash.
