TV Line has learned that The Flash star Grant Gustin has signed a new one-year deal to return as the titular Scarlet Speedster for a ninth season of The CW's flagship superhero series.
While the network has yet to issue an official renewal for season nine, coming to terms with Gustin is almost certainly only a precursor to a more formal announcement in the not-so-distant future.
It's also believed that the next season could be the show's swan song, as Gustin declined a multi-year offer for the more favorable one-year deal. However, it should be noted that any final season talk is just speculation, and perhaps premature, as neither Gustin nor The CW has commented.
As per his new deal, which comes just ahead of the team wrapping season eight, Gustin has signed on to appear in 15 episodes next season, so it seems like we'll be getting a shortened season nine. He'll also be receiving a well-deserved raise, as he's now expected to earn over $200,000 per episode.
With season nine all but confirmed, The Flash will now become the longest-running Arrowverse show, surpassing Arrow, and, if it is indeed the final season, will settle in as the second longest-running DC TV series, behind Smallville.
The Flash season eight returns March 9; check out the latest trailer below:
"Impulsive Excessive Disorder" - Midseason premiere on March 9
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