Netflix's Arrowverse Viewing Stats Prove Grant Gustin Should Have Appeared in the DCEU

The Flash's Popularity and the DCEU's Mistake

Netflix has released their viewership data for 2023, and the numbers regarding the Arrowverse's The Flash prove the DCEU made a mistake by keeping Grant Gustin's Flash absent. The Flash was a wildly popular series on the CW throughout its nine-season run. Premiering in 2014, the series had a nine-season run before ending in May 2023. At the same time that this series was on the air, DC was introducing Barry Allen into the DCEU, but they chose Ezra Miller and kept the DCEU and the Arrowverse separate. Still, audiences loved Gustin's version of The Flash, and many wanted to see him interact with the DCEU's characters. 2023's The Flash included many cameos from DC legends of the present day and the past but did not include Gustin. Based on Netflix's 2023 viewership data, that snub was a mistake, and it could have created an epic crossover between the DCEU and the Arrowverse.

Ezra Miller and Grant Gustin as the Flash in Arrowverse crossover

Netflix's recent engagement report revealed the viewing stats for its various movies and TV shows. The Flash leads the Arrowverse on Netflix, garnering 311,000,000 views across its nine seasons, demonstrating the massive appeal of Gustin's interpretation of Barry Allen. The Flash's gargantuan viewership numbers demonstrate that DC made an egregious error by not including Gustin's Barry Allen in The Flash film. Gustin and Miller's versions of the character already crossed paths in the CW's Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event, so DC could have put Gustin into the DCEU similarly. While Miller was the star, a brief appearance from Gustin would have fit perfectly, especially in one of the multiverse sequences that brought in past DC heroes like Christopher Reeves' Superman and Adam West's Batman. It also could have given the film a small pop at the box office from viewers of the TV series.

Grant Gustin as Barry Allen in The Flash's final episode

The Flash's viewership numbers on Netflix prove that the decision to exclude Gustin from The Flash film was a missed opportunity for an epic crossover between the DCEU and the Arrowverse. With the immense popularity of Gustin's portrayal, DC could have capitalized on these viewing stats to create a crossover event that would have delighted fans of both the CW series and the DCEU movies.

A still shot of Grant Gustin as Barry Allen in The Flash Season 9

Capitalizing on Viewing Stats: Gustin's Potential in the DCU

The Arrowverse and the DCEU are coming to a close before James Gunn and Peter Safran reboot the universe as the DCU. However, there isn't any reason why Gustin couldn't reappear in the DCU, and the studio should capitalize on these viewing stats. The Flash continues to be popular, and while he wouldn't appear in the main DCU timeline, Gustin could show up in a multiversal event or star in an 'Elseworlds' project. Either way, DC should find ways to include his interpretation of Barry Allen from The Flash and perhaps incorporate other heroes from the Arrowverse.

Grant Gustin wearing the Reverse-Flash costume in The Flash

Netflix's Arrowverse viewing stats prove the missed opportunity of not including Grant Gustin's Flash in the DCEU. The massive appeal of The Flash on Netflix should prompt DC to reconsider their decision and find creative ways to incorporate Gustin's version of Barry Allen in future DCU projects. The success of The Flash series on Netflix is a clear indicator of the audience's interest in Gustin's portrayal, and it's a potential asset that the studio should leverage for the future of the DCU.

Barry Allen and Jay Garrick kneeling in The Flash episode Into the Speed Force

The Impact of Gustin's Inclusion on the DCU

Grant Gustin's inclusion in the DCU could bring a fresh and exciting dynamic to the multiverse concept. With the Arrowverse and the DCEU heading towards a reboot, Gustin's appearance could serve as a bridge between the two universes and open up new storytelling opportunities. The success of The Flash series on Netflix underscores the potential for Gustin's Barry Allen to make a significant impact in the DCU, and his inclusion could spark renewed interest and enthusiasm among fans of both the Arrowverse and the DCEU.

Grant Gustin as Barry Allen standing in his base with his mask off in The Flash