I’m definitely starting to feel like I’m in the skin of Barry

From the Arrow creative team of executive producers Greg Berlanti and Andrew Kreisberg, The Flash is a fast-paced super hero drama that follows the high-speed adventures of the ‘fastest man alive’. With the thrilling action drama about to launch, we catch up with actor Grant Gustin – who plays Barry Allen [aka The Flash] in the show – to find out more.

How much comic book research did you undertake when you won the role of The Flash?

I did a lot of research into The Flash when I landed the role. I read some of the old comic books, but it started to get a little confusing because I was reading a lot of different eras of the character. Then I started to read the New 52 series because I loved the way it looked and it’s the closest to our origin story in the show.

At the same time, we’re doing things that are new in our story, things that aren’t in the comics. Many of the characters are different to how they are in the comics, but they still have the same heart. I’ve done plenty of research already, but the writers and producers of the show are all my research tools now. If I need information, I just talk to them.

Do you feel like you have slipped comfortably into the dual role of The Flash and Barry Allen?

I’m definitely starting to feel like I’m in the skin of Barry Allen, and I’m having a lot of fun with it. It was a little daunting when I first landed the role. It’s a different take on The Flash and the writing is already written in my voice, so it’s easy enough to just do it. To be honest, this is the most fun I’ve ever had on a show. It’s great.

When you appeared on Arrow, did you know that it would lead to The Flash spinoff series?

When I auditioned for the role of Barry Allen, I knew that it was a potential spinoff. At that point, I thought it was a backdoor pilot – but we didn’t know it would be a stand-alone show. Personally, I was excited about the show long before I had anything to do with it. It’s really exciting to be here talking about it.

Does Barry find it a struggle to cope with his newly acquired powers?

He doubts himself, and much of it is because Joe is doubtful. As Joe doubts Barry, Barry begins to doubt himself – but his optimism and his hope make him the hero. Protecting people is more important to him than worrying about keeping himself safe. Barry puts other people first and that’s going to get in his way sometimes. When he’s trying to stop a bad guy, he worries about the injured person left behind on the street rather than chasing after the baddie.

Dr. Harrison Wells [played by Tom Cavanagh] invented the particle accelerator that caused Barry’s accident. How will their relationship develop?

Harrison Wells is definitely a mentor in Barry’s life. Before they met, Harrison was someone that Barry had looked up to in a professional sense, career-wise. Now that they’ve met, he’s not exactly what Barry expected. He’s one of the only people Barry can trust; he’s one of the only people that knows everything about what’s going on with the powers. Barry has to trust him, but he’s also a little on edge with him. It’s going to be fun to see what happens.

Will Barry have any time for love in the show?

Before his accident, he had feelings for Iris West – but she’s dating someone else now and Barry wouldn’t get in the way of that. I don’t think he’s putting love at the top of his priority list because he feels a responsibility to use his powers to protect the city right now.

What’s been the most challenging aspect of tackling the role of The Flash?

At first, I thought the most challenging aspect of tackling the role was going to be the pressure I would get from the fans, but they have been really accepting. I think it’s because the team working on The Flash earned their trust with Arrow. Now, the main challenge for me is working with the shooting schedule while trying to maintain my body. I’m eating as much as I can because I’m a thin guy!

What physical training do you undertake in order to tackle the role?

I’ve always been pretty active, so I haven’t had to make any drastic changes to my workout schedule. I go to the gym often, but I’d probably be twenty pounds lighter than I am now if I didn’t go. I grew up dancing, so I have a pretty intensive dance background, which makes it a lot easier to pick up the fight choreography. I haven’t had to change too much in my life, but it can be hard to try and fit everything in with my busy schedule.

The Flash has the power of super-human speed. How is that achieved on screen?

When we are filming, there is an allotted day for ‘green screen’ work. This means I spend the day running on a green treadmill in front of a green screen. The special effects team also took thousands of pictures of my body and my face. They have amazingly detailed shots of me, right down to the pores in my skin. They are using these images to create computer-generated images of me running. It’s fascinating.

Did you have to learn how to run correctly?

I’ve always been a fast runner, but I worked with a track and field trainer to get the right movements. You don’t realise that there is a real way of running correctly. Well, I didn’t!

What was it like to try on The Flash costume for the first time?

I knew the suit would be the thing that made this entire experience feel real because it is such an iconic part of the character. It’s so different to any suit that’s ever existed before, which is exciting. Seeing pictures of myself in the suit and seeing the merchandise of me in the suit makes me feel really cool. It’s going to have its place in history no matter what else happens with The Flash. I couldn’t be more honoured to play the guy in the suit.