John Wesley Shipp to Play Henry Allen in 'The Flash'

Courtesy THR

Back in February, we teased that John Wesley Shipp was cast in a mystery role in The CW's "The Flash" series and now we know what role he'll be playing. Executive producer of the "Arrow" spin-off, Greg Berlanti, revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that Shipp, who played Barry Allen in CBS's 1990s "Flash" series, will be playing the role of The Flash's (Grant Gustin) father, Henry Allen.

Henry Allen will appear in the premiere and will be recurring. Shipp's stint in the 1990-91 series was short-lived but Berlanti commented on the casting that, "Given his history with The Flash, Andrew [Kreisberg], Geoff [Johns] and I could only think of one person we wanted to play Barry's father and that was John Wesley Shipp. He gives a fantastic and emotional performance in the pilot and we are looking forward to his presence in many more episodes."

In addition to Shipp appearing in the premiere, Arrow himself, Stephen Amell, will make a cameo. The new superhero series "centers on Central City assistant police forensic investigator Barry Allen (Gustin) who visits Starling City to look into a series of unexplained robberies that may have a connection to a tragedy in his past. Through a freak accident, he is given the power of super speed that transforms him into the fastest man alive."

The show will air on The CW at 8 p.m. ET, Tuesdays this fall.

Here's that magnificent five-minute extended trailer that debuted two weeks ago...



-Larissa Mrykalo