The Flash Season 9 is filled with exciting Arrowverse guest stars, and it looks like three more stars, including an unexpected major villain, will make a comeback to pay Barry Allen a visit in the final episodes.
The upcoming final season is set to raise the stakes for Central City as it introduces surprising foes for the titular speedster.
Javicia Leslie's evil Batwoman, Red Death, is at the top of the list, with the antagonistic speedster taking the fight to the DC hero. Moreover, another wave of villains from past seasons, such as Pied Piper, Goldface, and Hotness, will come back in Season 9.
Now, another dangerous speedster will return.
The CW Announces The Flash's Major Villain Comeback
The CW, via Entertainment Weekly, announced the return of Arrowverse stars Rick Cosnett, Matt Letscher, and Jessica Parker Kennedy for The Flash Season 9.
Letscher is set to come back as Eobard Thawne, the original Reverse Flash. The actor previously reprised his role in Season 8, returning as an ally for Team Flash in a shocking twist of events.
Aside from The Flash, Letscher also made several appearances as the Arrowverse supervillain in other shows, such as Legends of Tomorrow and Arrow as multiple different versions of the evil speedster.
While a past report already spoiled Cosnett's return, The Flash showrunner Eric Wallace admitted that his comeback is a "no-brainer" for the series:
"We’re so excited to have Rick join us once more as we put together our final batch of emotional and thrilling episodes. It’s especially wonderful as Rick was an integral part of the show’s inaugural season. So having him return to help us conclude our show’s incredible nine-year run was more than a privilege. It was a no-brainer.”
Cosnett portrayed Eddie Thawne, an ancestor of Eobard and Joe West's partner detective in the Central City Police Department. The actor reprised his role in Season 2, Season 3, and most recently, Season 8.
Parker Kennedy will be back as Nora West-Allen, Barry's daughter who is known to be the speedster XS.
Wallace offered the following statement about the actress' return:
“The Flash has always been a show about the importance of family. So having the incredible Jessica Parker Kennedy back as fan-favorite speedster XS was always in the cards. As the daughter of Barry and Iris, Jessica’s already made an unforgettable mark on our show’s history. And with her latest season 9 adventure, Jessica’s taking her incredible portrayal of Nora West-Allen to even greater heights in a way the audience has never seen before.”
Why Reverse Flash Returns in The Flash (Theory)
Rick Cosnett and Jessica Parker Kennedy's respective returns in The Flash Season 9 aren't surprising, considering that they are a crucial part of what story the Arrowverse series is trying to tell.
Cosnett's appearance could have something to do with his villainous return as Cobalt Blue, another DC villain. As for Parker Kennedy, seeing her as Nora is a no-brainer since Season 9 seems poised to end with Iris being pregnant.
Meanwhile, Reverse Flash's return in The Flash Season 9 is surprising, considering that Barry Allen defeated Eobard Thawne at the end of Season 8. However, an Arrowverse season of The Flash wouldn't be complete without its resident villain.
Given that Matt Letscher is the one returning and not frequent Reverse Flash actor Tom Cavanagh, it's possible that this version of Eobard is from the original timeline. That said, Season 9 may finally tackle the Reverse Flash's tragic origin story.
In Season 1, it was revealed that Eobard Thawne is a scientist from the future who became obsessed with the Flash, which led to his transformation into the evil speedster, Reverse Flash. The pair's rivalry has played out in past seasons, but the show has yet to explore the true origins of the villain.
The CW's announcement of Letscher's return in The Flash is also timely, mainly because the series is now filming its final three episodes.
It would be quite fitting for the Arrowverse show to expand Eobard's story in The Flash's swan song, giving a much-awaited answer to one of the franchise's lingering mysteries.
The Flash Season 9 is set to premiere on The CW on Wednesday, February 8 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
