I’m not sure if this is Warner Bros way of officially tossing in the towel, but word has come down directly from The CW president Mark Pedowitz that later in this season of Arrow (the TV adaptation of Green Arrow), not only will the archer meet Barry Allen, aka The Flash, but this will also build up to a TV spin-off for the character, marking the 3rd superhero franchise for the network.

This would be the second time The Flash has been adapted for television, first seen in the early 1990’s with a CBS run (that I remember loving as a child, but perhaps appropriately, have never revisited as an adult). Arrow co-creators/executive producers Greg Berlanti and Andrew Kreisberg will oversee this new version.

Say what you will about the quality of Arrow since its premiere - I could do without the island - the show has been a huge hit for the network, so I understand The CW’s interest in having lightning strike twice, pardon the pun.

The bit that confuses me? The Flash could legitimately work as a film franchise, and has been pursued as such multiple times.  And what makes it all the more confusing? According to The Hollywood Reporter, a film version is still being worked on at Warner Bros for a 2016 release.  Also being overseen by Berlanti, the film version is apparently not seen as a conflict.

I understand, Warner Bros wishes to get as much as they can out of DC, much how Disney is out of Marvel - but wouldn’t a film version of The Flash, especially if it spins off the TV show, look second rate against a Phase 2 Marvel Studios film?

Watch your steps WB - you’re about to be outpaced.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter