The DC cinematic universe is moving at lightning speed. After Ezra Miller’s turbulent exit as The Flash and the upcoming full reboot by James Gunn and Peter Safran, the question isn’t whether there will be a new Flash—it’s who will don the iconic red suit. Will it be Barry Allen, or a new version from the multiverse? Whoever steps into the role will need to be funny, charming, and brimming with energy. So, which of these stars could you imagine racing through the DC universe as The Flash?
12. Timothée Chalamet
Timothe Chalamet, Hollywood’s golden boy, has shown his versatility by taking on a range of projects from an epic sci-fi (Dune) to an intimate drama (Call Me by Your Name). As the Flash, he could add a darker, more thoughtful layer to the character, but he would still be incredibly captivating. Despite being sought after by many, if DC is looking for a mixture of star power and acting depth, then Chalamet might be the ideal pick.
11. Austin Butler
Elvis himself—Butler exudes charisma in spades and has some serious acting credentials. Having some starring roles behind him and a track record of holding his own on screen, he might imbue the Flash with a grittier, earthier feel. Old-school suave plus next-gen hero.
10. George MacKay
If you saw 1917, you realize that this man can move. MacKay adds emotional depth and stamina to his performances, ideal for a Barry Allen who goes hard on the character’s humanness. He’s not a household name yet, but he could headline a superhero franchise.
9. Dylan Minette
From 13 Reasons Why to Scream, Minette’s got the range and the intensity. He’s got a sharp, grounded presence that could make him a very believable forensic scientist-turned-speedster. Plus, he brings the kind of youth and relatability DC might be aiming for.
8. Jahi Di’Allo Winston
Young, talented, and up-and-coming, Winston has already shown he can do emotional storytelling as well as action. He’d allow the DCU to reboot the character with fresh energy—and perhaps introduce a younger audience. And his acting skills? Rock solid.
7. Darren Barnet
If you need a Flash with charm and comedic sense, Barnet’s your man. Never Have I Ever fans are aware that he can convey heart and flames on the screen. He’s a relative newcomer, but under the right guidance, he could run into superstardom.
6. Elliot Page
Page is no newcomer to the world of superheroes, with appearances in X-Men and The Umbrella Academy. Adding Page to the DCU would be a forceful step toward increased diversity—and an intelligent one, at that, considering his capacity to keep up with complicated, action-packed characters.
5. Dylan O’Brien
A long-time fan favorite choice, O’Brien has the credentials (check out Maze Runner, Teen Wolf) and charm to make a natural Flash. He’s hilarious, acrobatic, and can handle emotional moments with finesse. Surprisingly, he hasn’t donned the suit yet.
4. Shameik Moore
Moore is already cherished as Miles Morales’ voice—and he’s got the energy, heart, and swagger to make a live-action Flash come to life. If DC wants someone familiar with superhero storytelling and brings a new perspective, Moore’s a no-brainer.
3. Justice Smith
Smith has demonstrated he can helm high-budget movies (Detective Pikachu) and ground characters in some sense. His approach to Barry Allen would introduce more vulnerability and warmth to the character, as well as take advantage of a more diverse future for the DCU.
2. Joseph Quinn
Thanks to Stranger Things, Quinn has a devoted fanbase already—and the chops to match. Stealing every scene as Eddie Munson, he found equal parts humor, emotion, and mayhem. That is seriously Barry Allen energy if you know what we mean.
1. Grant Gustin
If you’re a product of The CW, this is a no-brainer. Gustin had Barry Allen for almost a decade and earned a dedicated fan base doing so. He is the Flash in many people’s eyes. With the multiverse at play and the Arrowverse in his rearview, this may be the ideal time to move him to the big screen.
With DC looking to reinvent itself, there’s no shortage of actors who could bring new life to the Flash. Whether they go with a rising star or a fan-favorite, one thing’s clear: whoever takes over the role will have some very fast shoes to fill. And we’ll be watching—hopefully at lightning speed.