Grant Gustin Returning As The Flash Of The DC Universe Just Became More Likely 1 Month After James Gunn’s Comments

The Flash has yet to be cast for the new DC Universe, and after a new update, the rumors of Grant Gustin’s return as Barry Allen in the new franchise have gained strength once again. Gustin made history by playing Barry for The Flash‘s nine seasons. The actor also starred in multiple Arrowverse crossovers, becoming one of the franchise’s fan-favorites.

After 2023’s The Flash movie, which was led by Ezra Miller and did not feature Gustin despite its multiverse storyline, became a major box office bomb, James Gunn’s DC Universe is said to be taking some time before jumping into development when it comes to the Flash. However, Gunn recently teased where the DCU’s Flash corner could go, and a surprising update boosts Gustin’s DC return chances.

Grant Gustin’s New Look Is Boosting DCU Flash Rumors

Gustin appeared as the Flash for what could be his final time in the role on the Arrowverse show’s finale, which was released on May 24, 2023. Since then, Gunn has revealed that he would love to work with the actor in the future, with Gustin claiming that he would want to play the Flash if he came back to DC and that he wants to join Gunn’s DCU.

Now, the actor’s new look is sparking another wave of rumors that he could be returning as the Flash. On Instagram, Gustin’s wife, LA Thoma, shared a bunch of photos and videos of the actor to celebrate his birthday. Some of those shots revealed Gustin sporting blonde hair (via @lqvewests/Twitter), making the actor look strikingly closer to a comics-accurate Barry Allen.

Famously, Gustin had brown hair throughout his tenure as the Flash. If Gustin were to return as the Flash in Gunn’s DCU, it would have to be a new version of Barry, completely separate from all the backstory established in the Arrowverse. By making Gustin blonde, DC would provide a clear visual sign of the characters being different, which is why his new look is boosting the rumors.

James Gunn’s Recent The Flash Comments Open The Door For Grant Gustin’s Ideal DC Return

In December 2025, James Gunn was asked by Younis Alzubeiri about which version of The Flash he liked the most. According to the DC Studios co-CEO, he is a fan of both the Barry Allen and Wally West versions of the character. If the DCU were to use both the blonde Barry and the redhead Wally, then Gustin’s ideal DC return would look even better.

Not only has the actor shown he can rock Barry’s comics-accurate look, but Gustin would be perfect as a slightly older, more experienced version of the Flash in the DCU, helping a younger Wally as he learns the ropes. It would allow the franchise to connect to Gustin’s years of experience in the role without directly addressing the Arrowverse. A fresh Flash with an edge.