This shouldn't come as too much of a shock as many fans have penciled John Wesley Shipp ("Dawson's Creek") as Barry Allen's father well before today's announcement, but now it is official. Executive producer Greg Berlanti tells
TV Line,
“Given his history with The Flash, [executive producers] 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. 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.”
This is a pivotal role as Barry Allen's father in the series is wrongly accused of killing his wife (played by Michelle Harrison). His son, Barry, knows that isn't the case as he witnessed the heinous event and knows someone with some super-qualities is responsible. This need to prove his father is innocent will be the main motivation for his Barry. Tune into CW this fall to see if Barry can unravel the mystery.
After a particle accelerator causes a freak storm, CSI Investigator Barry Allen is struck by lightning and falls into a coma. Months later he awakens with the power of super speed, granting him the ability to move through Central City like an unseen guardian angel. Though initially excited by his newfound powers, Barry is shocked to discover he is not the only “meta-human” who was created in the wake of the accelerator explosion — and not everyone is using their new powers for good. Barry partners with S.T.A.R. Labs and dedicates his life to protect the innocent. For now, only a few close friends and associates know that Barry is literally the fastest man alive, but it won’t be long before the world learns what Barry Allen has become…The Flash.
Grant Gustin as Dr. Barry Allen/The Flash, Candice Patton as Iris West, Jesse L. Martin as Detective West, Carlos Valdes as Cisco Ramon, Rick Cosnett as Detective Eddie Thawne, Danielle Panabaker as Caitlin Snow & Tom Cavanagh as Harrison Wells.
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