The Official Flash Thread

[Kevin Smith]

Go this route, at the very least.

Yes Wally looks up to Barry, but how awesome would it be if Barry showed his respect for how Wally has carried the Flash Legacy by letting him where the main suit. Thats more powerful than Wally handing it back to Barry.

He's NOT "handing it back" to Barry! They're both still gonna be Flash, but Wally is finally gonna get his own costume and be his own man. Why is that so bad to you?

 

[Kevin Smith]

Wally West is a deeper and more fleshed out chracter than Barry Allen.

At the moment, thanks to modern age writing that he and everyone other than Barry got. And Wally's at a dead end (till Rebirth anyway). Go figure...

Wally stories are more character based, in my opinion. And that is what you need for a successful movie. If Barry is used, look for him to have the personality of Wally West at the very least.

Why not use the one Darwyn Cooke/Grant Morrison/Geoff Johns have given him? There isn't any reason why Barry can't be just as fleshed out as Wally or the other characters.

Dan Dido is an idiot for bringing back Barry Allen. I don't know what this guys obession is with taking DC Comics back in time, but as a fan of the newer DC suff this is upsetting and unfair, and I don't just mean blowing off Wally West, but everything he is doing in general.

Didio is awesome for bringing back Barry Allen and Hal Jordan and keeping Wally, Bart, Jay, and Kyle, John, and Guy and Alan around as well. You Wally and Kyle fans have nothing to complain about, getting your own costume (and book, I might add) is NOTHING compared to dying and with the exception of a few rare appearances, being non-existant in comics for 15-23 years, like what happened to Hal and Barry.

And because Barry doesn't have much modern age writing and isn't as "fleshed out" as you say Wally is, those are perfect reasons for him to be back. He could use the stories and it would be cool to see him written with modern age writing. You may actually like him. A silver age character that I once did not give a damn about was Elongated Man, I felt he was a boring Plastic Man imitation, and Brad meltzer made him interesting as hell in Identity Crisis (and it was before Sue died I found him interesting in the series). Barry is already a better character than Elongated man, and he's the definitive Flash like Hal is the definitive GL, so give Barry a chance, huh?

 

[Kevin Smith]

I love how more people think Wally West is the better character, yet think Barry should get an origin movie. Lets not do another run of the mill superhero origin movie, make this film stand out. Do a flick about the Flash Legacy and include Wally, Barry, and Jay. Basic plot outline. Wally West takes over the Flash mantle from the deceased Barry Allen, under the guidance of Jay Garrick.

Jay Garrick is completely irrelevant to both Barry Allen and Wally West, and especially to Bart. He's as relevant as Alan Scott is to Hal Jordan, not that I wouldn't love to see it, but he does not need to be in a Flash movie.

And that sucks to just use Barry like that, as the "dead uncle" type character (we don't need another angst filled, vengeance driven character movie, BTW). I think you (and others) are completely unaware of just how important Barry Allen is, and what could be done with him in the DC movie universe before shoe horning Wally into his suit. A Flash movie shouldn't be about Kid Flash, dammit, it should be about The Flash.

With that plot, you get the most The Flash who has the most character depth and has been fleshed out the best, yet Barry Allen is still important to the story. And Jay Garrick is there and can provide The Flash Legacy aspect. It's a frigging win win all around. Whats great is, you can portray Barry Allen is this larger than life, perfect hero, and now Wally West has to follow that, the film can mirror the comics. That would make good cinema if done right, better cinema than yet another basic origin story.

I agree that the sidekick dynamic is cool and has pros as well and should be done at some point, but it still works best with having the hero already well establsihed before passing the mantle. It gives the story much more weight and depth I think because the audience can relate to everything that's happening and can identify with the task at hand because they know that Wally has BIG shoes to fill, and that Barry was THE Flash, not just "some great hero" and can accept Wally as he accepts himself. So for Wally's sake, to tell the best Wally story, it is still better that Barry gets the movie first. But they still have to make the sidekick thing work, which no one has done to this day. At this point sidekicks are still lame and Wally's overall story as a sidekick only adds to that argument. Making it work on the big screen is going to take a LOT, I'm sure you'll suggest another retcon to make sense of it. Funny thing is, most the "retcons" suggested want to overlook Wally's career as the sidekick Kid Flash entirely, which is funny cuz (IMO) it really detracts from his character.

I understand what you're saying, and I agree that that is an interesting ideal as well, BUT you get to tell one good story with that plot, it only works once. What happens after that? What else is there that differentiates the legacy character from the original once he gets past that "shadow" and that plot point is done other than being just some other name behind the hero's mask? And why do it with Wally? Especially when he ends up so much like Barry; he gets a secret identity again, marries a reporter, has a police job, gets a Kid Flash and Reverse Flash of his own, his wife gets attacked by said Reverse Flash (just like Iris West, Barry's wife did), gets an upped power level, has twins, add to that the fact that he's wearing Barry's suit and has a rip off of his origin to boot and all Wally really seems like is, ultimately, a whiny, less intelligent, weak imitation and rip off of brand Barry. And who wants to see that? Why not just settle for the real thing and use Barry Allen? The only thing "original" about him as The Flash is that he's the first sidekick to "fulfill the promise" and become the superhero. After that he's pretty much a Barry wannabe. So why not use that plot that you want to see on screen so much with some other character who is vastly different from their predecessor? Why not a Bucky Captain America movie? How about a Ryan Choi Atom film? Kyle Rayner GL? Even a Flash film where Bart Allen takes over for Wally West, all are ultimately more different than a Wally film where he takes over for Barry because those characters are incredibly different than their predecessors. A really great place to showcase that story you want to see so badly would be in the Batman films; First, Bruce Wayne is sadly dead in the comics and someone else will be Batman, presumably one of the Robins (preferably Dick Grayson on my part), so depending on how long he stays dead, it would be synonymous of them to do this with the films, secondly, Batman/Bruce Wayne is already so well known and well establsihed that they wouldn't have to do a film series devoted to establishing him, and thirdly, Robin is well known, better known than The Flash and Kid Flash to say the least, so if done right, they'd have one helluva movie and it adds soooo much more weight to it, which uses the sidekick/legacy thing to its fullest potential with everyone well aware and identifying with the task at hand that Dick Grayson or whoever would have to face. Everyone knows who Batman is as I said so this would be the perfect place to do the "legacy" thing. So why do it with Wally? Is it because he was "the first" to "fulfill the promise", or maybe it's because you think he's the "definitive/iconic/'greatest' legacy character", that they should do it with Wally just cuz he's Wally? As far as the "passing the mantle/legacy" thing goes, they also did that with the *****fest that was the Phantom and will be doing it with the Green Lantern film, so it is out there.

The Green Lantern storyline is complex enough that it needs to be shown from the start of it all, with Hal Jordan.

So is The Flash.

The movie can be called "The Flash: Legacy".

Great idea. Let's introduce EVERYONE, that's 50 + years of continuity in one movie to people who have no idea who The Flash is so it will be really confusing. duh.

Bottom line on why they should be using Barry and not Wally first:

Sidekicks are lame.

Having several Flashes in the first film and trying to introduce the character to new audiences isn't going to work. they won't care that there have been multiple Flashes if they don't care about The Flash, and how will they do that when they don't know which one to care for?

Wally West's story is lame and hokey.

The sidekick taking the mantle dynamic works for only one story and then Wally becomes a whiny, weak imitation of brand Barry.

Forensics are in. Wally doesn't even have a job.

We don't need another movie about a whiny hero or a vengeance driven one, and you know Wally would be both.

We don't need another movie about a hero who became a hero because of some big cartharsis someone's death caused in his life.

Wally as Flash in the first film is a three act origin story as well (like all superhero movies, come on!), only difference is it's more confusing and complicated.

Wally is uncompatible with the other DC characters who are getting films (Hal Jordan, origin, Batman, origin, JLA, etc), and if they bridge the films and do a JLA origin surely he cannot be Flash.

Using Wally to his best potential would be to do a Titans film before cramming him in The Flash suit.

It would be a nice change of pace to see amovie about a guy who is a hero because he likes comic books like us and knows it's the right thing to do as opposed to having some big in depth cartharsis that drove him to do it like everyone else. Nice and simple, just like that.

Wally may have better characterization thanks to modern age writing but he doesn't have a "human side" like Barry Allen. Barry got superpowers when he was 24, he was an "average joe" most his life, albeit slow and dubbed "lazy". Wally had powers and was a hero for almost all of his life. Barry had to do a lot of adjusting and discovering and inventing when he became Flash, unlike Wally who was a hero for years but wasn't as smart as Barry so he couldn't figure out how to do all the things Barry did as Flash on hiw own.

There are other reasons but I won't go on cuz I have to go for the night. Cheers.

 

[Eddie Dean]

Jay Garrick is completely irrelevant to both Barry Allen and Wally West, and especially to Bart. He's as relevant as Alan Scott is to Hal Jordan, not that I wouldn't love to see it, but he does not need to be in a Flash movie.

This is completely untrue. Garrick has served as a mentor for all 3 Flashes and was even Barry's original inspiration for his secret identity. I'd say Garrick is more deserving for a spot in The Flash movie than Barry.

Wally as Flash in the first film is a three act origin story as well (like all superhero movies, come on!), only difference is it's more confusing and complicated.

Having Wally established as The Flash would not follow a typical 3 act origin. It by passes all the experimenting with powers, setting up villains, etc... We've all seen that way too many times, let's move on. And how would it be confusing at all? A ten minute prologue setting Wally West as Barry's sidekick and Barry's death is all you need. People aren't stupid.

The sidekick taking the mantle dynamic works for only one story and then Wally becomes a whiny, weak imitation of brand Barry.

We don't need another movie about a whiny hero or a vengeance driven one, and you know Wally would be both.

Except that's not how Wally deals with Barry's death. Wally becomes an arrogant *******, which is something we really haven't seen in a Superhero movie (with the possible exception of Iron Man). Not to mention he eventually surpasses Barry, which is something I've seen him admit in a few comics. I'll post scans from Quiver later.

Bottom line, The Flash is DC's greatest legacy character and to limit the movie to only Barry Allen would be an insult.

 

[The Major]

I love how more people think Wally West is the better character, yet think Barry should get an origin movie. Lets not do another run of the mill superhero origin movie, make this film stand out. Do a flick about the Flash Legacy and include Wally, Barry, and Jay. Basic plot outline. Wally West takes over the Flash mantle from the deceased Barry Allen, under the guidance of Jay Garrick.

With that plot, you get the most The Flash who has the most character depth and has been fleshed out the best, yet Barry Allen is still important to the story. And Jay Garrick is there and can provide The Flash Legacy aspect. It's a frigging win win all around. Whats great is, you can portray Barry Allen is this larger than life, perfect hero, and now Wally West has to follow that, the film can mirror the comics. That would make good cinema if done right, better cinema than yet another basic origin story. The Green Lantern storyline is complex enough that it needs to be shown from the start of it all, with Hal Jordan.

The movie can be called "The Flash: Legacy".

And in the sequel, you can go all GodFather Part 2, and show flashbacks of Barry Allen that mirror the present day Wally West, perhaps against the Rogues.

I like the idea its just they can do that once Barry is set up. In fact, the Legacy movie would have more meaning after Barry since the audience would actually know him.

 

[The Major]

Jay Garrick-William H Macy

Barry Allen-Tim Olyphant

if not for Barry, what about The Riddler? I know wrong may be wrong thread, but the idea just hit me and I had to throw it out there before I forget.

His performance in Die Hard sold me on Riddler.

Wally West-Sean William Scott

He hasn't got the range. Wally should be more then a two dimensional comedian.

 

[Eddie Dean]

Scott isn't a terrible actor, he was actually pretty good in Southland Tales and The Promotion. I would prefer in a role like Guy Gardner or Booster Gold, though.

 

[The Major]

Didio is awesome for bringing back Barry Allen and Hal Jordan and keeping Wally, Bart, Jay, and Kyle, John, and Guy and Alan around as well. You Wally and Kyle fans have nothing to complain about, getting your own costume (and book, I might add) is NOTHING compared to dying and with the exception of a few rare appearances, being non-existant in comics for 15-23 years, like what happened to Hal and Barry.

Barry and Hal have had a presence within the DCU after being replaced. Kyle was always in his shadow and every so often he appeared in GL as Parallax or as a GL (Emerald Knights) with the occasional appearance in mini-series over the years. Hal even got his own ongoing as the Spectre. Barry had less presence but still got the same respectful treatment Hal did.

Without Wally and Kyle to keep the franchises relevant the GL and Flash mantles in the comics would have faded greatly.

 

[The Major]

Scott isn't a terrible actor, he was actually pretty good in Southland Tales and The Promotion.

Haven't seen those movies. Its possible I'm underestimating his acting range.

I would prefer in a role like Guy Gardner or Booster Gold, though.

Agreed.

 

[Lane & Kent]

Why do so many peaple cast dark haired guys as Barry? He's blonde!

 

[The Major]

Why do so many peaple cast dark haired guys as Barry he's blond.

A wig or hair dye can fix that.

 

[cerealkiller182]

Scott can impress if given the chance. Wally would be a good character for him to make the jump. Frankly, if a Deadpool spinoff happens I'd like to see him play Agent X, since Scott is kind of Reynolds-lite.

Olyphant I see more Deadshot. His crazy, funny, scary characters are much more impressive acting wise than his Die Hard role which i think lacked a lot of presence

 

[tyler-durden]

Scott isn't a terrible actor, he was actually pretty good in Southland Tales and The Promotion. I would prefer in a role like Guy Gardner or Booster Gold, though.

I actually own both of those, he's really good in them, he doesn't play to his typecasting, as the ******* or Jackass in either one, they're both really good movies, that are very underrated.

 

[Octoberist]

This is completely untrue. Garrick has served as a mentor for all 3 Flashes and was even Barry's original inspiration for his secret identity. I'd say Garrick is more deserving for a spot in The Flash movie than Barry.

Let's be honest: Who wants to see a movie about Garrick? Really?

 

[Eddie Dean]

I'll give you that, but I don't think anyone would deny that he deserves a place as a supporting character.

 

[The Major]

Let's be honest: Who wants to see a movie about Garrick? Really?

He's got good potential for at least one solo film IMO. He is a very interesting character whether he's a rookie or an elder statesmen super-hero.

Most of the public haven't got a clue about Barry, either. It's all about the film making executing it properly so they can reach their potential to appeal to the general audience.

 

[protocida]

I would use Barry Allen as the Flash, and show a early-15s Wally West, before he gets his powers. Jay Garrick would also appear, as a comic-book hero, but, during the movie, it's noded that Garrick might have been real and used to produce comics of himself to protect his identity.

 

[Double Down]

Let's be honest: Who wants to see a movie about Garrick? Really?

I think the poll in this thread effectively answers that.

 

[cerealkiller182]

I think the poll in this thread effectively answers that.

I think the poll in this thread effectively answers that.

I think theres a difference between what you would see and what you would prefer to see.

If Garrick is chosen as the Flash I'm sure some people would be interested just not as excited

 

[Webhead2006]

yea personally i would like to see the flash film be about barry first, include wally like i and others said and make him be a teen. Have barry and iris already in a relationship. Then i like that idea saying jay gerrick was either a comicbook character or maybe even a old movie/tv series(ala like the 60s batman(not cheesy though)) and barry comes up with costume/name ideas from that. Then either say wally was at the lab the night barry got his powers and was zapped too but the powers dont automatically show signs in him to a sequel.

 

[The Major]

I think the poll in this thread effectively answers that.

Public opinion can be changed. The public couldn't care less about Blade, Iron Man, Hellboy, the X-men or numerous their movies about characters the public has never seen before or know a tiny bit about unless they had movies which were showed their potential.

I'm not saying they should start with Jay, Barry should get that task but Jay has enough potential for spin-off films.

I think theres a difference between what you would see and what you would prefer to see.

If Garrick is chosen as the Flash I'm sure some people would be interested just not as excited

That's the same argument for Wally over Barry, though. Jay just needs the opportunity to get them excited, just like Barry would be doing in a film.

 

[Octoberist]

people were hard on Brody; but he's actually very funny and kinda had the look. Just because he was from The OC doesn't mean that he's a bad actor.

 

[Double Down]

I was OK with Brody getting the role.

 

[Kokomo29]

I have just recently become interested in THE FLASH and was very excited to hear that there is a strong possibility that a movie could be made. I apologize if this has been discussed already, but does anyone know or have a guess as to who will be featured as the main villain in the upcoming film?

Thanks.

 

[cerealkiller182]

That's the same argument for Wally over Barry, though. Jay just needs the opportunity to get them excited, just like Barry would be doing in a film.

Get them excited? I'm talking about forum members and Flash fans getting excited in anticipation during pre-production, not general audiences which you seem to be implying.

Im refering to who could be used effectively, which is any of them, and who you prefer to see, which is what the poll answers are. Meaning I dont think the poll is an accurate survey of who people don't want to see just who they prefer to see.