The CW has found significant success with DC Comics superheroes in the past, and the network is hoping to continue that trend with Flash, a spinoff of the popular series Arrow.
CW President Mark Pedowitz announced Tuesday that the network is fast-tracking Flash. The series will follow Dr. Barry Allen, who ultimately becomes the superhero “Flash”, known for his super speed and superhuman reflexes. The character will be introduced early in Arrow’s second season—though, Pedowitz noted, “He may not come in with superpowers.” The episode, a potential back-door pilot for the new series, will serve as Allen’s origin story.
“We do want to expand on the DC Universe, and we felt this is a very organic way to get there,” Pedowitz stated. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the potential series would be executive produced by Arrow co-creators Greg Berlanti and Andrew Kreisberg. Berlanti has acknowledged in the past that when the show brings in characters from the DC universe, they are “careful about doing it right and having a reason to.”
The Wonder Woman prequel series Amazon, however, will not be moving forward for the time being. “The script isn’t where we want it. It’s better to wait and get it right,” Pedowitz told reporters, indicating that the network’s focus would remain on Arrow and its potential spinoff.
Casting is underway for the role of Dr. Barry Allen, and Arrow’s sophomore season will begin October 9.