Earlier this month, word broke that Tom Cavanagh, along with co-star Carlos Valdes, are leaving The Flash at the end of season 7. The loss of both actors is bittersweet, since they have been key cast members since the very beginning. But in a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, Cavanagh revealed why he decided to exit the series.
The multiverse has allowed Cavanagh to play several different versions of Harrison Wells over the years. In the first season, he even played Eobard Thawne/Reverse Flash. And while embodying these different personas certainly challenged him as an actor, Cavanagh feels confident that this was the right time to step away.
“You also have to keep in mind that the show you’re doing is not called Wells,” said Cavanagh. “It’s called The Flash. At a certain point I [thought] in the back of my head, ‘I’m going to do this for as long as I really feel challenged and it’s enjoyable and that I’m contributing to Flash’s story line.’ I thought after [in a French accent] Sherloque was tracking down himself, the Reverse Flash [in season 5], even early on in that season, ‘Yeah, this feels like I might be heading towards the exit now.’ I thought [that would be] a perfect denouement. The Wells characters have been fun, but like we say, the show is called The Flash and it’ll be fine without me.”
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Despite his impending departure, Cavanagh isn’t completely leaving the Arrowverse in the rearview. He was recently tapped to helm the season finale of Superman & Lois. Cavanagh also discussed what it’s like to direct the latest DC show.
“Superman & Lois isn’t a comedy,” added Cavanagh. “And I think the richness of the emotion they’re trying to bring is mirrored by their cinematic style. I think it looks ridiculously great. I remember the [shot of] the amber waves of grey and the sun setting with the iconic Kent mailbox in front of the Smallville farmhouse, it says so much! That shot is pulled out from the best artwork that Superman has offered over the years and they’re doing it on camera. It’s really wonderful.”
The next episode of The Flash airs tonight at 8pm on The CW.
Are you going to miss seeing Cavanagh on the show every week? Tell us what you think in the comment section below!
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