In the last couple of the years, comic book fans have gotten to know actor John Wesley Shipp as the father of Barry Allen on the hugely-popular Flash television series, but soon we will see a different interpretation of Henry Allen on the big screen -- and now it looks like we know who will be playing him. Everyone, get ready to meet the newest member of the DC Extended Universe family: Billy Crudup.
According to Variety, Billy Crudup is now in talks to play the role of Henry Allen in the DCEU's Flash movie, which is currently in development. He is now the third actor to sign on for the Rick Famuyiwa-directed blockbuster, following Ezra Miller (who is playing Barry Allen/The Flash, and Kiersey Clemons, who is on-board as Barry's number one love, Iris West. Even though the movie isn't scheduled for release until early 2018, production is aiming to start up before the end of the year -- which explains why piece of this cast are coming together now.
Not only is Billy Crudup no stranger to big blockbusters, he isn't even a stranger to DC Comics adaptations. Back in 2009 he became the first live-action version of Jon Osterman a.k.a. the god-like Dr. Manhattan in director Zack Snyder's Watchmen. Given Snyder's influence in the DCEU -- being the director of Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and the upcoming Justice League - it would not be any kind of surprise to learn that the director pitched Crudup's name to the Flash team.
For those unfamiliar with Henry Allen either from the comics or the Flash TV show, it's worth mentioning that he's not exactly the most exciting character that DC has created. When Barry was a young boy, his arch-nemesis, Professor Zoom, traveled back in time and killed his mother, Nora. Given that his only excuse was seeing a yellow blur kill his wife, Henry was blamed for the crime, and sent away to prison. What makes the character ultimately compelling is the connection that he has with his son -- not to mention the fact that being able to exonerate his dad is an important mission for the Scarlet Speedster.
With The Flash now moving right along through development, it's very likely that the next few weeks/couple of months will be filled with new updates about the developing post-Justice League superhero movie. Of course, we will be staying up to the minute with all news about the project, so stay tuned for more.
