Alright folks, buckle up! Let's talk about one of the biggest question marks hanging over James Gunn's shiny new DC Universe: where the heck is The Flash? We're deep into Chapter 1: "Gods and Monsters," heroes are popping up left and right, but our favorite Scarlet Speedster is still MIA. It's 2026, and the DCEU's The Flash movie feels like a distant, slightly awkward memory (we all remember the box office numbers, right? 😬). So, what's the plan? Well, Gunn himself said they're "holding a beat on development," which is Hollywood speak for "we're figuring it out." But that hasn't stopped fans, including some incredibly talented artists, from dreaming up the perfect candidate to pick up the mantle.
And let me tell you, one piece of fan art has the internet buzzing. The folks over at @horrific.heroics dropped this absolutely fire concept of Jacob Bertrand from Cobra Kai suited up as Wally West in the DCU. They've got him rocking Wally's iconic DC Rebirth suit from his 2016 comeback—the one with the classic lightning bolt and the sleek red and silver. It just... fits. Bertrand has that perfect blend of youthful energy and underlying intensity that screams Kid Flash growing into his own hero.
Now, why Wally and not Barry? This is where it gets interesting. We already know the DCU is a world where heroes like Hal Jordan are established veterans (hello, Kyle Chandler in Lanterns!). This has led to a massive fan theory: what if the DCU's Barry Allen is already an older, seasoned Flash? That would make Wally, the protege, the natural focal point for a new generation. It's a fresh take we haven't really seen in live-action. Keiynan Lonsdale was fantastic on the CW show, but the DCU is a whole new playground.
And get this—the casting idea isn't just fan service. Gunn himself has dropped hints! Back in late 2025, someone cheekily asked him about his "preference for people that run fast... blonde or redheads?" (Barry = blonde, Wally = redhead, for the uninitiated). Gunn's reply? A classic, diplomatic, "I like them both. I like blondes and redheads." Classic Gunn, giving us nothing and everything at the same time! 🤡
But here's the kicker: Jacob Bertrand himself has sort of weighed in. In a 2024 interview, he admitted he wasn't a huge comic book kid growing up, but his Cobra Kai co-star Xolo Maridueña (our DCU Blue Beetle!) was his inspiration. Bertrand's take? "If that ever happened, I would have to play a villain. I would love to be the one trying to kill Blue Beetle. I think that'd be funny." I mean, could you imagine? Wally West vs. Blue Beetle in a buddy-cop-style rivalry? The potential for chaos is beautiful.
Let's break down why this Wally West idea is so compelling for the DCU:
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A Clean Slate: After the Ezra Miller-led film, starting fresh with a different Flash (Wally) avoids any immediate comparisons or baggage.
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Legacy Story: The mentor-protege dynamic between an older Barry and a rising Wally is pure, classic comic book gold. Think Spider-Man: Homecoming vibes but with speedsters.
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Flash Family Potential: There's no rule saying only one person can be The Flash! The DCU could eventually introduce both Barry and Wally, building out the whole Speedster family—something the DCEU never touched and the Arrowverse took years to do.
Honestly, the possibilities are electrifying (pun totally intended ⚡). While we wait for official news, the DCU is moving full speed ahead with Supergirl landing this summer and Lanterns on the horizon. The foundation is being laid. When The Flash finally races onto the scene, whether it's Barry, Wally, or both, I have a feeling Gunn's vision will be worth the wait. The fan casting of Jacob Bertrand as Wally West proves there's a huge appetite for a new, vibrant take on the character. Now we just need the boss to make it official!
So what do you guys think? Is Jacob Bertrand your perfect Wally West? Or do you have another actor in mind? Let me know in the comments below! And remember, in the DCU, anything is possible. Stay tuned! ✨