Who could have predicted that the Amell’s were set for superhero greatness? That’s right, the cousin of “Arrow” star Stephen Amell has officially been cast in the “Arrow” spin-off adaptation of DC’s “The Flash”. Robbie Amell will bring the heat as Ronnie Raymond, or better known as half of the Firestorm team. Amell is well acquainted with The CW and executive producer Greg Berlanti, having previously worked on the short-lived series “The Tomorrow People”, a heroes-esque drama following ‘the next evolution’ of mankind.
Also see: DC’s ‘Gotham’, ‘The Flash’ and ‘Constantine’ to Storm Comic-Con 2014
Robbie Amell
Given a second chance to portray a superhero, Amell will take on the role as Firestorm, a living nuclear reactor with the ability to transmute elements. His powers come from the Firestorm Matrix, an energy source that requires him to bond with another being when he turns into Firestorm. Fused with the consciousness of brilliant Nobel Prize-winning physicist Martin Stein after a nuclear accident, Raymond can control matter, adopting the name of ‘Firestorm’ and retaining Stein as voice in his head along for the ride. In the comic books, the same accident also transformed Barry Allen into The Flash.
Executive Producer Greg Berlanti said in a statement:
“[DC Comics Chief Creative Officer] Geoff Johns, Andrew Kreisberg and myself designed the pilot and series to include Ronnie (aka Firestorm) — and to actually have someone with Robbie’s talent playing the role is beyond exciting,”
“We can’t wait for viewers and fans of the character to check it out.”
“The Flash” will branch off the “Arrow” universe story arch and will be filmed as a traditional stand-alone pilot. CW initially planned a backdoor pilot but Barry Allen’s “The Flash” will receive his own grand opening! “Arrow” co-creators Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg and series scribe Geoff Johns will pen the pilot. “Arrow” helmer David Nutter will serve as director. Grant Gustin takes on the titular role, he is supported by Rick Cosnett, Danielle Panabaker, Candice Patton and Carlos Valdes. The spin-off is set to premiere on Tuesday, October 7 at 8 P.M. on The CW.
Fused with the consciousness of brilliant Nobel Prize-winning physicist Martin Stein after a nuclear accident, Raymond can control matter, adopting the name of ‘Firestorm’ and retaining Stein as voice in his head along for the ride.
For those of you not in the know, here is some additional info describing Firestorm, courtesy of dc.wikia.com:
“Firestorm is a nuclear-powered super-hero with the ability to transmute elements. The Firestorm Matrix is a composite of multiple people bonded together, originally college student Ronnie Raymond controlling the body and professor Martin Stein giving direction as an additional consciousness. Mikhail Arkadin became a later Firestorm, Stein took control at one point, and Lorraine Reilly was also part of the matrix for a period. Jason Rusch takes over the identity after the death of Raymond during Identity Crisis, and goes through several partners including Mick Wong and his girlfriend Gehenna. Blackest Night sees Raymond’s resurrection, and he is now sharing the matrix with Rusch. Ronnie Raymondwas created by Gerry Conway and Al Milgrom, first appearing in Firestorm #1. (1978) Jason Rusch was created by Dan Jolley and ChrisCross, first appearing in Firestorm (Volume 3) #1. (2004)”
Source: tvline.com
