According to US entertainment outlet Collider, Grant Gustin's portrayal of Barry Allen in The CW's "Arrowverse" series "The Flash" is the superior interpretation, truly allowing the character to shine, especially when compared to the DCEU film "The Flash."
The outlet noted that Ezra Miller's starring role in "The Flash" film not only suffered from dismal box office performance but also faced significant controversy regarding its characterization, clearly paling in comparison to the television series.
Collider analyzed that while Miller delivered some standout moments in "Justice League" and "The Flash," many viewers found their portrayal of Barry Allen lacked charisma, even criticizing it as "annoying and unlikable." Furthermore, Miller's own controversial off-screen behavior made it difficult for audiences to separate the actor from the character, and with DC's unclear stance on their future, viewers developed an aversion to this version of the Scarlet Speedster.
Beyond the character's performance, Collider also pointed out that the DCEU Flash costume was overly bulky and technologically advanced, deviating significantly from the classic comic book design. In contrast, The CW series' suit design was closer to the source material, simple yet powerful, effectively conveying the Flash's core characteristic of "speed."
Regarding character development, Collider believes Grant Gustin's Barry Allen possesses more positive attributes, demonstrating a confident, optimistic, and steadfast heroic demeanor from the series' early days. Even when confronted with complex situations like the Flashpoint paradox and difficult family choices, he consistently made mature decisions, such as refusing to alter history for his friends, showcasing deep moral reasoning and heroic growth.
In terms of visual effects, Collider also praised The CW for creatively depicting Barry's high-speed perspective despite a limited budget, using elements like lightning and slow-motion to illustrate his "speedster worldview," achieving results comparable to the big-budget scenes in the film.
Most notably, The CW's "The Flash" demonstrated a deep commitment to honoring the character's history. The report highlighted the return of John Wesley Shipp, who played the Flash in the 1990 CBS series, to portray both Barry's father and Golden Age Flash Jay Garrick. Additionally, Amanda Pays reprised her role as Tina McGee, all serving as a testament to respecting and continuing the character's legacy.
Collider concluded by stating that while it remains uncertain whether Gustin could take over the film version, his portrayal of Barry Allen has already become a benchmark for many fans. Should the DCU decide to reboot "The Flash" series in the future, The CW's established version could offer valuable guidance for the big screen.
via： Collider