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DCU's 'The Flash' versus Arrowverse's 'The Flash': All the differences between two beloved speedsters

'The Flash' fans wonder how the DCU created a unique version of the superhero as opposed to the one portrayed on CW's show

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The long-awaited DCU film, 'The Flash', is set to zoom across big screens across the world. The movie stars Ezra Miller as Barry Allen/The Flash and marks the character’s highly anticipated solo adventure. With a similar show already in place, fans naturally find themselves drawing connections and wondering how DCU has created a unique story around the beloved speedster.

The storylines of DCU and Arrowverse began two years apart, with 'Man of Steel' hitting theaters in 2013 and 'Arrow' premiering in 2011. The entirety of DCU movies and the CW shows were not connected right from the start, despite hopes that characters in 'Arrow' would transition to DC movies. The release of the DCU movie made it abundantly clear that these two universes will never join hands. After appearing as Barry Allen in 'Justice League' and 'Peacemaker' among others, Miller's portrayal of the character has left fans eager for more. However, compared to other iconic superheroes such as Wonder Woman or Superman, little is known about DCU's take on Barry. 'Justice League' shed light on various layers of Barry's storyline, distinct from the TV series. While these differences may confuse some fans, DCU has made it clear that they intend to lend a fresh perspective to the character, rather than rehashing what has already been shown during the nine-season run of 'The Flash' in the Arrowverse.

DCU’s Flash rides with the Justice League

The major different between DCU’s ‘The Flash’ and Arrowverse's ‘The Flash’ is that the former is part of the ‘Justice League’ while in the TV show, the JLA does not exist. In the Arrowverse, the Flash was the second superhero and the first one to gain superpowers. The CW was limited to inculcating certain DC Comics characters which was why Batman never appeared and it took so long for Superman to show up. However, that was not an issue with DCU. In fact, the Justice League appeared when ‘Wonder Woman’ and ‘Man of Steel’ released. DCU’s ‘The Flash’ has already fought alongside the Justice League whereas the TV show’s Barry never joined it.

No Reverse Flash in DCU’s 'The Flash'

When comparing ‘The Flash’ movie vs the show, the latter created its own version of the Reverse Flash, which has been an important part in its entire storyline. It brought in elements from the comics and resulted in an original character. It was actually the Reverse Flash who was responsible for Barry becoming Flash, and was his biggest nemesis. However, DCU is not planning to involve this character and the story is inspired by the DC Comics story arc 'Flashpoint'. The focus of the movie is majorly on the multiverse rather than time travel. Considering how much Reverse Flash appeared on the CW show, it is indeed a good thing that we won’t get to see more of him in the movie.

DCU’s Barry Allen adventures solo

The biggest difference between ‘The Flash’ movie and the show is that the former does not have friends or a supportive team unlike the character on the show. In fact, DCU’s Flash teased in ‘Justice League’ that he did not have friends nor the name ‘Flash’ yet. Moreover, DCU’s Barry doesn’t have a forensic chemist's job until the end of Justice League and no connection with STAR Labs. However, Arrowverse's Flash had a team who assisted him and fought alongside him. In the comics, the Flash doesn’t have many supporting characters outside Wally West.

Batman is DCU’s Flash's mentor

Another crucial difference in ‘The Flash’ movie and the CW show is that in Arrowverse, Barry’s mentor was Oliver Queen from the ‘Arrow’. The first glimpse of Barry in ‘Arrow’ was in Season 2 when he did not have his powers. Barry and Oliver became friends and when the former gained his power. In fact, it was Oliver who advised Barry to wear a mask. However, in DCU Flash has Batman as a mentor figure. In ‘Justice League’, Bruce Wayne recruited Barry and mentored him on how to be a superhero. He will make a comeback to guide him again in the movie. While the Flash and Green Arrow’s friendship is central in the Arrowverse, DCU’s ‘The Flash’ will have a different mentor dynamic to offer.

DCU and Arrowverse Flash are acquainted

The important thing the fans should know about ‘The Flash’ movie and the CW the show is that both the Barry's exist in the same multiverse and have met. They met during the 2019 Arrowverse crossover, ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’. It was when Barry was running through time and ended up in the Speed Force that he met the DCU’s Barry. Although the two were very different, they were connected.

Debates around the movie and the show about 'The Flash' are somewhat superfluous as it’s possible for every version of the superhero to exist at the same time. Besides, as the release of DCU's 'The Flash' approaches, fans cannot keep calm. 

‘The Flash’ will hit in theaters on June 16.