What’s the one thing better than a superhero adventure coming to fans every week? How about a second hero to join in on the action in a series of their very own – but sharing a universe? That’s clearly the thinking with The CW’s Arrow and The Flash, with the network using one show to launch the other, and planning a crossover event already. But according to the network’s president, crossovers between their own DC Comics series may be just the beginning of their grander plans.
It was inevitable that questions of cross-network universes would arise, with Supergirl heading to CBS, Fox finding success with Gotham, and now a Teen Titans series being planned for TNT. With all shows tied together through Warner Bros. Television, it would still be a challenge – but nowhere near as impossible as that of big screen superheroes at competing studios.Speaking with AdWeek, CW president Mark Pedowitz explained that the discussion of potential cross-network crossovers isn’t just a pipe dream; and while he warns that the Arrow/Flash universe overlapping with that of Supergirl or Fox’s Gotham is unlikely, there is a chance that the currently in-development Titans could work.But as it stands, the network sees enough potential with its own budding TV universe: “What you’ll see embedded in Flash and Arrow is that we’ll have the ability to test characters out. Is there room to grow them into the next show? I can’t tell you yet. There are discussions going on.”Those words will immediately point to both Firestorm (Robbie Amell) and The Atom (Brandon Routh) – set to be introduced in the coming season on The Flash and Arrow, respectively – as potential spin-off stars. We speculated that after the success of launching The Flash through Arrow, The CW would be eager to repeat the task; something backed up by the early villains The Flash will face.Few would question that Brandon Routh could be a leading man in a comic book property (well, some might), and with the actor confirming that he’ll suit up as The Atom by the end of Arrow‘s Season 3, could a potential spin-off be out of the question if fans seem on board? And that’s not to rule out Firestorm either, with Robbie Amell – former star of Tomorrow People – having a lead role under his belt as well.
That’s not even addressing the chances of seeing Black Canary (Caity Lotz/Katie Cassidy?) and Huntress (Jessica De Gouw) join forces for a do-over of Birds of Prey. Perhaps with some help from Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Rickards) – whom viewers continue to speculate will rise to the role of Oracle. Or a certified spin-off for the Suicide Squad, having already made their mark on the previous season’s story lines.Who knows: maybe Wally West’s Kid Flash is being discussed more than the producers have let on. It’s all speculation at this point, but the head of the network speaking so freely shows that their shared universe’s potential should be clear to all fans. Just how soon – and how much – they choose to capitalize on that remains to be seen.Which heroes would you like to see get a chance in the spotlight next? Does the idea of introducing characters through established shows seem like a wiser course of action, or would you prefer other shows stand on their own without heading to a different network? Share your thoughts and picks in the comments.
