Check Out Grant Gustin's Screen Test for 'The Flash'

Kelly Woo
·Writer, Yahoo Entertainment
Updated

Now it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Grant Gustin playing Barry Allen on The Flash, but he had to prove himself worthy of the role.

Related: ‘The Flash’ Season 2: Barry Is a 'Lone Wolf’

In this clip from the Digital HD release of Season 1, executive producer Greg Berlanti admits Gustin didn’t look like the comic-book version of Barry nor was he exactly the right age. But he “had the heart and Grant had acting chops to carry this role,” Berlanti says.

That’s clear from his screen test footage, which shows an anguished Gustin reading lines from a scene in the pilot. “This morning, I broke the sound barrier!” he exclaims.

Related: The Flash’s New Suit Is a Blast From the Speedster’s… Future

That intensity, mixed with Gustin’s ability to exchange comedic banter (and karaoke the hell out of some songs), is what made him the perfect Flash. And viewers responded — the show averaged a healthy 3.84 million viewers over its first season.

The Flash Season 2 premieres Oct. 6 on The CW; The Flash: The Complete First Season is available now on Digital HD and coming to Blu-ray and DVD Sept. 22.