John Wesley Shipp Grant Gustin Split - H 2014
Joe Magnani/The CW; Charles Sykes/Invision/APSince news of John Wesley Shipp‘s top-secret fcastingtopcasting on The Flash back in February, there has been speculation over who he was playing. Now, the secret is out.
Shipp will be playing Barry Allen’s (Grant Gustin) father in The CW’s Arrow spinoff, The Hollywood Reporter can reveal. He is first seen in the premiere episode of The Flash and will recur throughout the show’s run.
VIDEO: The CW’s 5-Minute Trailer of ‘The Flash’
Considering Shipp’s history with the comic book superhero, the casting couldn’t have been more appropriate: He starred as Barry Allen/The Flash in CBS’ shortlived 1990-91 television series.
“Given his history with The Flash, Andrew [Kreisberg], Geoff [Johns] and I could only think of one person we wanted to play Barry’s father and that was John Wesley Shipp,” said executive producer Greg Berlanti. “He gives a fantastic and emotional performance in the pilot, and we are looking forward to his presence in many more episodes.”
“Also, personally, it was just wonderful to work with him again since my days at Dawson’s Creek. He’s a great actor and a great guy,” added Berlanti, referencing his run as a producer on The WB teen drama, in which Shipp played Dawson Leery’s ill-fated father, Mitch.
VIDEO: The CW’s ‘Flash’ Teaser Trailer Debuts
The Flash centers on Central City assistant police forensic investigator Barry Allen (Gustin) who visits Starling City to look into a series of unexplained robberies that may have a connection to a tragedy in his past. Through a freak accident, he is given the power of superspeed that transforms him into the fastest man alive.
The premiere episode also features a cameo by Arrow star Stephen Amell.
The Flash will air 8 p.m. Tuesdays on The CW.
Email: Philiana.Ng@THR.com
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