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The Two Flashes: Where Are Barry Allen Actors Grant Gustin & Ezra Miller Now?

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The role of Barry Allen, the beloved forensic scientist turned Scarlet Speedster known as The Flash, is uniquely defined by two major actors who brought the character to life on screen: Grant Gustin and Ezra Miller. As of December 23, 2025, the conversation around the "Barry Allen actor" is dominated by the future of the DC Universe (DCU) and whether either star will return to the Speed Force. While one actor has concluded a decade-long run and remains open to a comeback, the other's tenure in the cinematic universe has been officially erased, marking a significant turning point for the character.

The distinction between the two versions—the long-running, character-driven Arrowverse series and the high-budget, multiverse-spanning DCEU films—has created a fascinating, ongoing debate among fans about who truly embodies the Fastest Man Alive. This deep dive explores the current status, full biographies, and next career moves for both Gustin and Miller, alongside the other notable actors who have worn the iconic cowl.

The Definitive Barry Allen Actor Biographies

The role of Barry Allen has been portrayed by multiple talented actors over the decades, but the modern perception is anchored by Thomas Grant Gustin and Ezra Matthew Miller. Here is a detailed profile of the two primary actors, followed by a list of other notable portrayals, providing a complete topical authority on the entity "Barry Allen actor."

Grant Gustin (The Arrowverse Flash)

  • Full Name: Thomas Grant Gustin
  • Born: January 14, 1990 (Age 35 as of 2025)
  • Birthplace: Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.
  • Known For: Barry Allen / The Flash (The CW's *The Flash*, 2014–2023), Sebastian Smythe (*Glee*, 2011–2013), and the upcoming film *Operation Blue Eyes*.
  • DC Legacy: Portrayed Barry Allen for nine seasons, becoming the longest-running live-action version of the character and the emotional center of the entire Arrowverse.

Ezra Miller (The DCEU Flash)

  • Full Name: Ezra Matthew Miller
  • Born: September 30, 1992 (Age 33 as of 2025)
  • Birthplace: Hoboken, New Jersey, U.S.
  • Known For: Barry Allen / The Flash (*Batman v Superman*, *Justice League*, *The Flash* 2023), Kevin Khatchadourian (*We Need to Talk About Kevin*, 2011), and Patrick (*The Perks of Being a Wallflower*, 2012).
  • DC Legacy: Introduced as the cinematic version of The Flash, appearing in multiple DCEU films and starring in the 2023 solo movie which explored the multiverse and the Speed Force.

Other Notable Barry Allen/Flash Actors

  • John Wesley Shipp: Portrayed Barry Allen in the 1990 *The Flash* TV series, and later played Barry's father, Henry Allen, and different versions of The Flash in the Arrowverse.
  • Kenny Johnston: Voiced the character in the animated series *Justice League: The New Frontier*.
  • Justin Chambers: Voiced the character in the animated series *Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths*.
  • Jason Spisak: The voice of Wally West/Kid Flash in *Young Justice*, an important entity in the Flash mythology.

The Arrowverse Legacy: Grant Gustin’s Potential DCU Return

Grant Gustin's portrayal of Barry Allen concluded its nine-season run on The CW in 2023, solidifying his version as the quintessential hero for a generation of television viewers. His work on *The Flash* was celebrated for its heart, humor, and exploration of key Flash entities like Iris West, Cisco Ramon, and the Reverse-Flash.

Following the conclusion of the Arrowverse, Gustin has repeatedly been asked about a potential return, especially in light of the new DC Universe (DCU) being developed by co-CEO James Gunn. In the most recent updates, Gustin remains open to reprising the role, but with a significant caveat.

The actor has stated that he would only consider a return if the project felt right and had a substantial budget and story, moving away from the demanding 20+ episode schedules of The CW. This condition highlights the difference between the television production model and the new cinematic DCU approach. The potential for Gustin to appear in a future DCU project—perhaps as a multiversal cameo or even as the main Flash—is a constant source of fan speculation, particularly since James Gunn has not yet announced a new actor for the role in the DCU's initial slate, "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters."

Gustin's next major project is the film *Operation Blue Eyes*, a non-superhero role that demonstrates his career pivot post-Flash. However, the emotional connection fans have to his Barry Allen is a powerful entity that continues to influence the DCU casting discussion, with many hoping Gunn will honor the Arrowverse legacy.

The DCEU's Speedster: Ezra Miller’s Future in the New DCU

Ezra Miller's time as the cinematic Barry Allen was marked by both critical acclaim for their performance in the 2023 film *The Flash* and significant public controversy. Miller’s portrayal was praised for capturing the character's nervous energy and humor, especially when playing two different versions of Barry Allen simultaneously.

Despite the film's multiverse-shaking events, the latest and most definitive news regarding Miller's version is that it has been "officially erased" from the new DCU continuity. This decision is part of James Gunn and Peter Safran's comprehensive reboot of the franchise, which aims to establish a fresh, unified narrative.

The 2023 *The Flash* movie served as a soft reboot for the former DCEU, but the new DCU is moving forward with a clean slate, meaning Miller's Barry Allen will not be the primary Flash moving forward. This makes the search for the next actor to take on the mantle a hot topic. Fan-casting for the new Barry Allen is rampant, with names like Lucas Till and Mason Dye being floated as potential replacements who could fit the new DCU's vision.

Miller's non-DC work includes acclaimed performances in films like *We Need to Talk About Kevin* and *The Perks of Being a Wallflower*, demonstrating their range beyond the superhero genre. While their version of the Scarlet Speedster is now a closed chapter in the DC cinematic timeline, the performance itself remains a notable entity in the character's live-action history.

Who is the Next Fastest Man Alive? The DCU Casting Conundrum

The biggest question surrounding the "Barry Allen actor" is who will be cast in the role for the new DCU. With Ezra Miller’s version retired and Grant Gustin’s return conditional, the door is wide open for a new actor to define the hero for the next decade. James Gunn has emphasized that the new DCU will focus on a mix of both Barry Allen and Wally West, which suggests the possibility of multiple speedsters being introduced.

The DCU's first chapter is expected to feature a new, younger cast for its core heroes, including Superman and Batman. This makes it less likely that the 35-year-old Gustin will be cast as the main, foundational Flash, though a multiversal crossover remains a possibility that would satisfy millions of fans. The new actor will not only have to embody the character's core traits—his forensic scientist intellect, his deep connection to the Speed Force, and his emotional drive—but also fit seamlessly into the new, cohesive vision of the DCU. The casting of the next Barry Allen is perhaps the most anticipated announcement in the entire DC reboot, representing a true fresh start for one of DC Comics' most enduring and beloved heroes.

barry allen actor
barry allen actor

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