Does Size Really Matter…?
Aight, get your mind out of the gutter. For this blog is written by the number 1 Flash fan of all time!!! Now that I got that out of my system, I’ll cut straight to the point. On the very first episode of The Flash After Show I made a comment about Grant Gustin’s size and appearance. I think it’s about time for me to clarify. The time allotted for the show isn’t enough for what I have to say. Now we all have our opinions, insecurities, and beliefs on what we perceive as “acceptable” within the boundaries of physique and beauty. Our focus today is Superheros, so let’s keep it as such. May I remind you that this blog is entirely MY opinion and not that of my Flash colleagues. With that being said, let’s hop right on into this madness. Actors who represent Superheros should be required to an extent to replicate the physique along with the behaviors of the character.
Grant Gustin aka Barry Allen aka The Flash in my opinion has done a wonderful job of creating a beautiful television representation of my all time favorite hero. From the laughs, to the tears, I’ve been riding an emotional rollercoaster every minute of every episode. For this I am more than appreciative. But ultimately I’ll always have that thought that scratches the back of my subconscious, Grant doesn’t physically embody the character for me. Does this mean I would replace or come to despise him? Not at all, I’ve grown to love him, but it’ll always remain a silent confession to myself.
I’ve had this conversation with plenty of people and here are a few of the main rebuttals that I come across:
“He runs really fast, shouldn’t he have a slim build like that?”
-In reality, yes. Runners tend to be more lean and slender. This I totally agree with, but seeing as we’re obviously referring to The Fastest Man Alive, let’s think about some of the world’s fastest runners.
Usain Bolt
Michael Johnson
Tyson Gay
Yes, a life of anatomical speed breeds slenderness, but we can’t say that it also means the attrification of muscle.
“Superheros give an incorrect social image of what people should look like.”
-This is my least favorite response. I understand in television and film people love the idea of having a character(s) they can relate to, but I feel there’s got to be some mutual understanding between the artists and the fans. When it comes to relateability, I agree in terms of supplying reasonable varieties of races, ethnicities, genders, etc. but I personally don’t look for similarities between my physique, and the body of a man/woman who can fly, lift a car, run at the speed of light, or beat up 30 bad guys in a dark alley with their bare hands. Now I like to back my logic with photos and evidence. I’ve shown you some of the fastest men alive, here are some of the strongest.
Bill Kazmaier
Mark Henry
Zydrunas Savickas
I think you see what I’m getting at.
“An actor shouldn’t be subjected to harmful body modifying for your entertainment.”
-Ummmm, what? Let’s not get out of hand here. I too do NOT condone folks hurting themselves for the sake of beauty, but actors/actresses losing or gaining reasonable amounts of weight for superhero roles has always been the case. We’re talking about beings portrayed as “Gods among men.” In both television and film we can see examples of this. In television some examples are Clark in Smallville, Barry Allen in the original Flash series, and Thor in the Hulk series. In film it can be especially displayed all over. Henry Cavill as Superman, Ben Affleck as Batman, even Gal Gadot gaining a few pounds of muscle for her role as Wonder Woman. Let’s not forget the obvious size jump of Wolverine from X-Men to Days of Future Past. Did I mention Ezra Miller has even hinted at “working out” in preparation for his role as the DCCU version of The Flash? Yeah, this kind of thing is completely normal among the acting and superhero circle unless the character being portrayed requires otherwise.
As I earlier stated, these are simply my opinions, be they valid or not. In no way/shape/form do I mean to disrespect any of the cast nor Grant Gustin himself. I understand that making a show of this nature takes plenty hours of hard work spread out amongst those in front and behind the camera and boy do I love The Flash show almost as much as I love The Flash himself, but this ideal I’m sure will always be a “controversial” topic between fan and nerd. Thanks for reading my rant for the day, there’ll be more to come I’m sure. Lemme know your thoughts on the matter and any questions you have for me or any of The Flash After Show cast members. Till then, peace out and don’t miss the next episode of The Flash on CW!!!