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THE FLASH (2014): More Characters Cast for CW TV Show Pilot

Iris West Candice Patton

The CW‘s Flash pilot casts more previously announced characters. Two key characters, from Barry Allen’s (Grant Gustin) circle have been cast. The character of Cisco Ramon (who may or may not become Flash contemporary, Vibe) will be played by Carlos Valdes (Broadway’s Once); the character of Cisco Ramon having been previously mentioned here.

Carlos Valdes

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Carlos Valdes

Also cast is the character Iris West (who may or may not become the love interest for Flash alter ego, Barry Allen), daughter of Ira West (Jesse L. Martin), and described as Allen’s fast-talking, quick-witted best friend. Iris West will be played by Candice Patton (The Game, Heroes).

Candice Patton

Candice Patton

About Iris West:

First appearing in Showcase #4 (September–October 1956), Iris West is a one-time wife of the second Flash (before Flashpoint), Barry Allen, the aunt of the third Flash, Wally West, and the grandmother of the fourth Flash, Bart Allen.

Initially a reporter for the Picture News, based in Central City, and the girlfriend of Barry Allen, who is secretly the Flash, Iris often chides Barry for his frequently being late. Eventually, she learns that Barry is not only the city’s heroic speedster, but her nephew, Wally West, is Kid Flash. In Flash #165 (November 1966), she marries Barry, discovering on their wedding night that Barry is the Flash (through Barry talking in his sleep). During this time, the couple discovers that Iris was born in the 30th Century (c 2945 AD), and had been sent back to the present shortly before “Earth-East” attacked “Earth-West,” when Central City was a self-contained city. After years as a prominent presence in the Flash’s life and Central City, she is killed by Professor Zoom during a costume party. Zoom vibrated his hand into her head, solidifying it just enough to kill her.

Iris did not stay dead for long. As Iris’ biological parents, the Russells (with the help of a future Flash, John Fox), sent the then-infant Iris to the past, where she was adopted by Ira West, her “death” caused a paradox that was resolved after the Russells placed her consciousness into a new body.

For DC’s New 52, the Flash title was rebooted with a new continuity. In this new timeline, Iris is not married to Barry, but they still know each other because of their respective occupations. It is hinted that Iris has a romantic attraction to Barry. She is later accidentally trapped in the Speed Force by Turbine. She is eventually freed by Barry’s alter-ego, and later issues confirms that she is in love with Barry, however Barry does not reciprocate Iris’ affections.

The particulars around Iris West, for The Flash pilot, does leave a lot of room for a ‘Felicity Smoak’ styled role to Allen’s ‘Oliver Queen.’ With Ira West serving as a surrogate father, of sorts, to Barry, a sure-fire romance between Barry and Iris might be… complicated, at best. It would likely be for the best that the series launches free of preconceived expectations for its characters and plot. Die-hard source fans could do with an actual surprise from comic book adaptations, now and then; just don’t leave them feeling betrayed or disrespected. Schumacher and Bay can be swear words, in some circles.

Leave your thoughts on this casting update below in the comments section. For more The Flash photos, videos, and information, visit our The Flash Page, subscribe to us by Email, “follow” us on Twitter, Tumblr, or “like” us on Facebook. There remains no air date announced for The CW Flash pilot.

Sources: Variety, Deadline, Wikipedia

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Sam Joseph

Sam is an Avid consumer/observer of Geek culture, and collector of Fanboy media from earliest memory. Armchair sociologist and futurist. Honest critic with satirical if not absurdist­­ wit with some experience in comics/ animation production.
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