The Flash: John Wesley Shipp's Role Finally Revealed

John Wesley Shipp's super-secret role on The Flashhas finally been revealed!

In a neat twist — since Shipp played The Flash in the 1990s TV series — the actor will play Barry Allen's (Grant Gustin) father, Henry Allen.

The Arrowspin-off centers on scientist Barry Allen who, after a freak accident, is given the power of super speed that transforms him into the Fastest Man Alive. Using his powers, Barry hopes to prove his father's innocence after he was accused of murdering Barry's mother.

Exclusive: The Flash's pilot features an Arrow crossover!

"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," executive producer Greg Berlanti said in a statement. "He gives a fantastic and emotional performance in the pilot and we are looking forward to his presence in many more episodes. Also, personally, it was just wonderful to work with him again since my days at Dawson's Creek. He's a great actor and a great guy."

Shipp, who is also known for his role on Dawson's Creek as Dawson's dad, will recur on The Flash.

The freshman series will air Tuesdays at 8/7c this fall on The CW. Are you excited to see it? Watch the trailer here.

(Full disclosure: TVGuide.com is owned by CBS, one of The CW's parent companies.)

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