The Flash: Tom Cavanagh talks about playing different versions of his character and early doubts

During a press round table at San Diego Comic-Con, Culturess had the opportunity to sit down with The Flash’s Tom Cavanagh to gain insight into his character progression and early doubts.

Tom Cavanagh has been a member of The Flash family since the show’s very first season. At the time, he was playing not one, but two characters. Not only was he portraying Harrison Wells, but he was also giving life to his impersonator, Eobard Thawne.

And during his round table at San Diego Comic-Con, Cavanagh made it clear that early on there were some doubts as to whether or not his role would continue. In fact, there was a real belief that there might only be one season of The Flash.

According to the actor, after the first season wrapped, “We were like, ‘OK, that’s it’. We did Flash versus Reverse-Flash, and then it’s like, ‘Alright, I’m good’. That was well done.” But that was not the end of the story at all.

Instead, every season since the very beginning, audiences have watched as the world of The Flash has continued to grow and expand in very unique ways. And one of those ways is by watching Tom Cavanagh play multiple versions of his original character, Harrison Wells.

One version of the character that he has played is Sherloque Wells, who came into season five as a form of comedic relief according to Cavanagh. As the actor explained, “Season two was dark, and I was like, ‘We could use a little more comedy.'”

And while Sherloque may not have arrived immediately following that dark season, his arrival does bring a bit of levity to the series, even as the character has “pomposity, but also he’ll actually be good at what he does, tracking down the Reverse Flash. It’s me tracking down me.”

For Tom Cavanagh, getting to play multiple versions of the same character is clearly a fun experience, and with the Sherloque persona, he made it clear that it “was a delight to play.”

Perhaps the one version of his character that remains consistent is the Reverse Flash. As the actor himself pointed out, “If you look closely, almost every year, that yellow suit is coming on.” And in his mind, that is the real reason that he is on the show: to play this villain that seems to haunt The Flash.

But while some people might not love playing a villain every season, Cavanagh had a much different take on the situation. He finds the entire thing “delicious,” as it adds new layers to getting to play those other characters.

Considering how well loved The Flash and its cast are, it makes sense that Tom Cavanagh himself loves the characters he plays. And getting to play different versions of the same character has to be a great way to keep things fresh and fun.

We love learning more about the way actors see their characters, and it seems like Cavanagh has a lot of fun with his own. Any time you can call the process “delicious,” you know you are enjoying what you do.

As an added bonus, we can expect to see Tom Cavanagh directing another episode of The Flash this season — although, sadly, he did not share what episode that might be or when we will see it happen.

The Flash is set to return to The CW on October 8.