Since November, we have been reading reports and interviews from Marc Guggenheim and Greg Berlanti regarding their treatment and script for their Flash movie, which sounds like it's picking up speed and will hopefully be brought to us in 2013. In these reports, Guggenheim and Berlanti have confirmed that the movie will center on the second Flash, Barry Allen. I first want to state that I believe this to be a GREAT idea. Yes, Jay Garrick was the first Flash, but Barry Allen was the first incarnation of The Flash that most everyone is familiar with. Not to mention that, not only was the Speed Force created with Barry Allen, but lets face it: Without Barry Allen, there would be no Wally West Flash, Bart Allen as Impulse/Flash/Kid Flash, or any other members of the Flash Family.
Also in these interviews, Guggenheim has made a point of mentioning that this movie will be fairly dark and rely heavily on the forensic science/CSI aspect of Barry Allen. For those of you who are unware, Barry Allen is the best Forensic Scientists in Central City. He's extremely smart, very meticulous and methodical when it comes to his work, but before he gets his powers, he is also very slow. Guggenheim and Berlanti have compared this movie to "Silence of the Lambs" and "Se7en" in terms of the crime scene evaluations and the forensic/CSI presence. And lastly, both Guggenheim and Berlanti have stated that this movie will be more than just Barry Allen running real fast as Flash. It's going to be VERY athletic, be very fast paced, and show just what else a human being capable of moving this fast can do with these powers besides running.
All this being said, the question that I am posing to everyone is: Who do you see playing Barry Allen/The Flash?? Bare in mind, the actor needs to possess these traits (in my opinion anyway): He needs to portray a certain level of intellect, but to the point where he shows it off like Tony Stark or Lex Luthor. He needs to be a little bit clumsy and a clutz. He also needs to have a very athletic build. He needs to be pretty muscular, but not to the point of inflexibility or inhibiting his movements to be able to run and move at fast speeds.
All this said, here are MY choices from first to last for who I think will make a great Barry Allen/The Flash:
1. Edward Norton: He did a phenomial job as Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk and when I saw him, I could really see him pulling off a GREAT Barry Allen. And he's muscular enough to pull off the spandex.
2. Patrick Wilson: While his build in "Watchmen" isn't ideal for the role, he did pack on some pounds for that role. He's usually pretty thin and fit. And he can pull off the awkward, science type, I think.
3. Leonardo DiCaprio: Yes, I know he's expressed very little interest in parts in superhero movies, but I feel like he could bring a great seriousness to the role and he could really portray the passionate, caring side of Barry Allen in every case he investigates and how personal he makes it.
4. Matthew Bomer: He got passed over on the new Superman movie, but I think with a little blonde hair dye, he could fill the Scarlet Speedster's boots pretty nicely
5. Bradley Cooper: Yes, he has the physique. No, he doesn't have the track record to pull off the serious personality required for this role. Yes, I do expect there to be a couple jokes and comedy about his speed and learning to control his powers. BUT, I think that if given the opportunity, Cooper could surprise us and to a great job.
6. Neil Patrick Harris: I think he has the personality and voice for a great Barry Allen, but I don't think that he has the build for it. I mean, he could workout and get a bit bigger, and he could probably pull it off.
7. Matt Damon: Yes, he looks a bit too old for the role right now, but I feel like if he whipped himself back into shape and really did some in-depth research into the character, Damon would not only bring a great star power to the role, but he would also do the character great justice. Say what you want about Damon, but he's a GREAT actor: The Bourne movies, The Departed, Good Will Hunting, Invictus, etc... The man's got skill and could be a great Flash.
Anyway, those are my choices. Feel free to comment on them. Although, I would also like to hear some other choices for Barry Allen. Comment in the usual place