James Gunn's DCU launched as a soft reboot rather than a hard clean slate, retaining beloved characters like Peacemaker and Blue Beetle from the previous DCEU continuity. This approach has fans wondering which other legacy heroes might transition into the new universe, sparking endless speculation about potential crossovers and recastings.

The latest rumor circulating social media claims Grant Gustin will reprise his iconic Flash role from The CW series.

A recent X post claims Grant Gustin has been officially cast as The Flash in James Gunn's DCU, complete with a supposed theatrical release date of October 27, 2028. There is no official announcement supporting either claim. DC Studios' announced projects have not included a Flash movie, while current reporting continues to describe Gustin's possible return as fan speculation. The alleged date also does not appear in DC Studios' publicly announced slate.

The X post also stand in contrast Gunn's address of the speculation himself. In January 2026, a fan posted a picture of Gustin as Barry Allen and said the casting had to happen, prompting Gunn to respond.

“It happened on TV for 9 seasons.” In September, another fan asked about a rumor suggesting Gustin could return as a comic-book variant. Gunn replied, “Please define ‘decent rumor,’” with a laughing emoji. Neither response announced a casting deal.

Gustin remains closely associated with Barry Allen after leading The Flash from 2014 to 2023. He has also said he would play the character again if Gunn asked him, showing that a return has been something he has publicly considered. For now, though, there is no verified evidence that DC Studios has hired him for the DCU.

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There is one real DCU project involving Grodd, but its details point in a very different direction.

HBO Max has ordered The People v. Gorilla Grodd, an eight-episode half-hour comedy from DC Studios and Warner Bros. Television. Skyler Gisondo stars as Jimmy Olsen, while Jimmy Tatro voices Gorilla Grodd. Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault serve as showrunners, writers, and executive producers, with Yacenda directing every episode.

The official premise centers on a superintelligent ape accused of murdering his father, the King of Gorilla City. Jimmy Olsen reopens the case for a “true” crime documentary, investigating whether Grodd was wrongly convicted in one of Metropolis' most famous trials. That places the story around the Daily Planet and Metropolis, rather than Central City and Barry Allen.

The announced cast does not include Peter Serafinowicz, and DC has not announced Grant Gustin as part of the series. The studio's August 2026 announcement also did not provide a premiere date. Nothing in the official material indicates that the show is being used to introduce the DCU's Flash.

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What do you think about the latest Grant Gustin Flash rumor? Let us know in the comments.