'The Flash' Spoilers and Casting News: The CW Casts Original Flash Actor John Wesley Shipp
The CW's brand-new television "The Flash" is already capturing the interest of viewers everywhere months ahead of its premiere date.
Further adding to the excitement of the series premiere, The CW is offering hints at what the spin-off of "The Arrow" will offer, including casting information. This week, reports indicated that the network hired the original "The Flash" actor who played the superhero in 1990s to appear on their new TV series.
John Wesley Shipp portrayed the speedy, red-clad hero on CBS' television series two decades ago, but now, the actor will portray the father of The CW's superhero. Shipp was cast as Henry Allen, father of actor Grant Gustin's character Barry Allen, AKA The Flash, according to The Wrap.
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"The Flash" will follow Barry, a scientist who was struck by lightning, resulting in supernatural speed capabilities. The full trailer for the television series was unveiled online earlier this month offering glimpses of Gustin as the Flash. Moreover, the five-minute trailer provided a deeper look at the DC Comics-inspired television series, including the colorful cast of characters. "Ed" star Tom Cavanaugh and "Law & Order" actor Jesse Martin co-star alongside Gustin. Moreover, Candice Patton portrays Barry's love interest Iris West and Chad Rook portrays the villainous Weather Wizard, while Steve Amell appears in a cameo as Arrow.
"I don't think that bolt of lightning struck you, I think it chose you," Arrow says during the extended promo.
Other notable details about the show revealed in the trailer included The Flash's famed red and yellow costume was revealed. The garb was designed by Academy Award winning Colleen Atwood who has worked on costumes found in "Chicago," "Alice in Wonderland" and "Memoirs of a Geisha."
In addition to debuting the trailer, The CW announced that "The Flash" would air in the coveted Tuesday night time slot beginning this Fall. "Arrow" executive producers Greg Berlanti and Andrew Kreisberg have signed on to "The Flash," as well as comic book writer Geoff Johns.
