For years, the CW has toyed with the idea of developing a Flash television series, but only officially started its production last summer. In December the CW show Arrow introduced the character of Barry Allen (Grant Gustin), soon-to-be Flash, as a way to develop a spinoff series around the DC comics’ character.

Originally creators of Arrow planned a backdoor pilot with Gustin. He was scheduled to appear in three episodes of the second season, his third appearance would serve as The Flash pilot. However, in November those plans were changed, and The Flash was given its own full stand-alone pilot. The show’s producers wanted Allen’s character development on a bigger scale and budget.

Since this development, the series’ producers hired Law & Order star Jesse L. Martin to portray Detective West, who Deadline describes as “an honest, blue-collar cop who is a surrogate father to Allen.”

Yesterday more casting news came to us in a flash. Danielle Panabaker will also co-star in The Flash. Panabaker plays Caitlin Snow, a very intellectual bioengineering expert, who’s dealing with the loss of her fiancé. He died during an explosion at S.T.A.R. Labs.  Panabaker’s past television credits include Shark, Bones, Mad Men, Necessary Roughness and The Glades.

Another cast addition is Rick Cosnett. He currently appears on The Vampire Diaries as Dr. Wes Maxfield. Cosnett will play Detective Eddie Thawne, who recently transferred to the Central City Police Department. Thawne carries a past full of secrets.  ScreenRant has already started speculating/revealing who these characters may represent from the original comics.

DC Comics’ characters have brought The CW success in the past. Smallville about a young Clark Kent, aka Superman, lasted on the network for ten seasons. Arrow is currently on its second season and has been well-received by both critics and viewers. Therefore, it’s a safe bet to say that The Flash will be another hit for the CW.

The Flash should premiere in the fall of 2014, possibly paired up with Arrow on Wednesday nights.

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