Without being given options, DC Movies! asked page members who they would like to see as the Flash. All of the commentary is done by myself.
These are the top ten results:
10. Paul Walker
While Paul Walker has the looks to pull off nearly any superhero, his acting chops are not refined. I doubt he could deliver funny dialogue because he can barely spew dramatic dialogue!
9. Nathan Fillion
I would say, Nathan Fillion is this generations Bruce Campbell. He's a favourite amongst the fanboy community for any given superhero, whether it's Green Lantern, Captain America, or Ant-Man, he's always being suggested as a potential... anything. I'm not sure he'd fit as Barry Allen, but I could definitely see him as Jay Garrick!
8. Chris Evans
Although Chris Evans is a pretty good pick, what with the look and comedic timing, the logistics of Evans taking the role is not likely at all. He was already weary going from Human Torch to Captain America in the first place. Now that he has a lucrative deal as a first tier superhero, I can't see him taking on a second tier hero for a rival studio.
7. Adam Brody
In 2008, Adam Brody was cast as the Flash in George Miller's unproduced Justice League: Mortal film. He is a legit comic book fan and had been vying for the role. His comedic timing and his natural look is enough!
6. Ryan Reynolds
Ryan Reynolds was my personal favourite to play the Flash and I was slightly disappointed to see him cast as Green Lantern. That move made me wonder if they were trying to give Hal Jordan a personality and after seeing the movie, that's still what I think.
5. Michael Rosenbaum
Michael Rosenbaum was perfect as the voice of the Flash in the Justice League animated series and coincidentally, resembles the Flash out of costume. Much like Brody, Rosenbaum naturally looks like Barry Allen (the Flash's secret identity) and has experience in comedies, appearing in Sorority Boys (which is under-rated), It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Smallville.
Take that, Smallville.
4. Ryan Gosling
Although Ryan Gosling was in the running to play Hal Jordan, he is on the fast-track to becoming one of Hollywood's A-list. After that bullet-dodging, I don't know if he would be willing to tryout another superhero venture, but especially not a second tier hero like the Flash.
3. Bradley Cooper
Another fan-favourite, Bradley Cooper was also in the running for Hal Jordan and when questioned if he was in talks for the Flash, claimed to not know who the character was. He seems very uninterested in the role, so it's not likely we'd ever see him don the red jumpsuit and yellow boots. I do believe he would have been a better choice for Hal Jordan, but I was also convinced Martin Campbell would make an epic film. We're all wrong sometimes.
2. Chris Pine
Chris Pine had the perfect blend of seriousness and comedic flare in both Star Trek and Smokin' Aces. He has a good build for the Flash, but after being cast as Captain Kirk, I don't know if he could take a back seat if there were ever to be a Justice League film. Other than that one thing, I believe he would be a good fit for Flash, so long as they made his hair curly.
1. Neil Patrick Harris
This is one of the few comic book roles I could see him pulling off and being extremely popular in. The public is undeniably in love with NPH and what better vehicle for him, than a smart-aleky, speed demon superhero?