When the news first broke that the CW was finally bringing Kid Flash to the small screen, fans went a little wild. Everyone wanted to know who plays Wally West in The Flash, mostly because the character carries such heavy weight in the DC mythos. He isn’t just a sidekick. To some comic purists, Wally is the definitive Flash.
Keiynan Lonsdale landed the role.
It was a big deal. Honestly, it was more than just a casting choice; it was a shift in how the Arrowverse handled legacy characters. Lonsdale, an Australian actor who had already started making waves in the Divergent series, stepped into the sneakers of Iris West’s long-lost brother. He didn't just show up as a speedster on day one, though. We had to watch him struggle. We watched him deal with the chip on his shoulder and that deep, burning desire to be part of something bigger.
The Journey of Keiynan Lonsdale as Wally West
Lonsdale’s introduction in Season 2 wasn't about lightning bolts. It was about drag racing and family resentment. This version of Wally was different from the ginger-haired, quippy kid many grew up with in the Silver Age comics. Instead, the show drew inspiration from the New 52 iteration of the character.
He was fast. Even before he had powers, he was obsessed with speed.
The chemistry between Lonsdale and Jesse L. Martin (who played Joe West) really grounded the show. You felt the tension. You felt the awkwardness of a son meeting a father he never knew. When Wally finally got hit by that burst of Speed Force energy—well, technically when Alchemy "restored" his powers from the Flashpoint timeline—the dynamic shifted. He became the apprentice. He became the hero we were all waiting for.
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Why Lonsdale Left the Main Cast
Fans often wonder why Wally disappeared for stretches of time. It wasn't because the writers ran out of ideas. It was actually a personal choice for the actor. Around 2018, Keiynan Lonsdale took a step back from being a series regular on both The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow.
He needed to find himself.
He spoke openly about his journey with his identity and his desire to explore new creative paths, including music. He didn't want to be tied down to a grueling 22-episode television schedule. It’s understandable. Filming superhero shows involves 14-hour days in a leather suit in the Vancouver rain. That wears on a person.
Even though he wasn't a "regular" anymore, Lonsdale returned for several guest spots. His appearance in Season 6 was particularly memorable. He showed a more Zen version of Wally, one who had traveled to the East and learned that the Speed Force wasn't just a battery—it was a spiritual connection. It was a cool departure from the impulsive kid he used to be.
The Other Wally West: Is There More Than One?
This is where things get a bit trippy for casual viewers. In the comics, there are actually two Wally Wests. They are cousins. Both are named after their great-grandfather.
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- Wally West (The Original): The redhead who became the Flash after Barry Allen died in Crisis on Infinite Earths.
- Wallace West (The Current Kid Flash): The younger version who was introduced more recently.
In the context of the TV show, Keiynan Lonsdale’s character is essentially a blend of both, though visually and narratively, he aligns more with Wallace. However, if you're looking for who plays Wally West in The Flash movie (the 2023 DCEU film), you’re going to be disappointed. He isn't in it. That movie focused almost entirely on Ezra Miller’s Barry Allen and the Multiverse, leaving the West family largely out of the picture.
It's a bummer, really. Seeing Lonsdale's Wally interact with a big-budget Barry could have been electric.
How Lonsdale Changed the Character Forever
Before Lonsdale, Wally West was almost exclusively portrayed as a white teenager in animation and print. By casting a Black-Australian actor, the CW opened the door for a new generation of fans to see themselves in the cowl. Lonsdale leaned into this. He brought a certain swagger and vulnerability that made the character feel modern.
He also brought a different kind of energy to the set. Grant Gustin (Barry Allen) has mentioned in various interviews how much he loved the "brotherly" vibe Lonsdale brought. They weren't just coworkers; they felt like a family. That’s probably why those scenes where Barry mentors Wally feel so genuine. You can't fake that kind of rapport.
Where Can You See Keiynan Lonsdale Now?
Since hanging up the yellow suit, Lonsdale hasn't slowed down. He starred in the critically acclaimed Love, Simon, which was a massive moment for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream cinema. He’s also released several singles and an album. He's an artist in the truest sense—he doesn't stay in one lane for too long.
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He’s active on social media, often sharing his thoughts on spirituality and fashion. He’s become a bit of an icon in the "alt" fashion space, known for breaking gender norms and wearing whatever makes him feel free. It’s a far cry from the restrictive superhero costumes, but he seems happier than ever.
The Legacy of Kid Flash on The CW
The Flash ended its nine-season run in 2023. While the finale had a lot of moving parts, the presence of the "Flash Family" was the heartbeat of the show's conclusion. Wally West represents the idea of legacy. He represents the fact that being a hero isn't about being the first or the best—it’s about passing the torch.
Even though Lonsdale wasn't in every episode of the final seasons, his impact was felt. Every time Barry mentioned "the others" out there protecting the world, we knew Wally was one of them. He was likely off in another city, or perhaps another dimension, saving people with that same cocky grin he had back in Season 2.
Actionable Takeaways for Flash Fans
If you're looking to dive deeper into Wally West's history or follow the actor's current journey, here is how you can stay updated:
- Watch the Essential Wally Episodes: If you want the best of Lonsdale, rewatch Season 3. "The Present" and "Borrowing Problems from the Future" show his transition from a reckless teen to a true hero.
- Follow Keiynan's Music: Check out his album Lonsdaleite. It gives you a much better look at the person behind the mask than any interview could.
- Read the Comics: Pick up The Flash: Rebirth (the 2016 version) to see the "original" Wally return, or read the current Flash run to see how Wallace West (the version Lonsdale plays) is evolving today.
- Check Out Legends of Tomorrow Season 3: Many fans think Wally was actually used better on the Legends ship than on the main Flash show. He was allowed to be weird, funny, and powerful without Barry Allen overshadowing him.
The question of who plays Wally West in The Flash is simple on the surface, but the performance Keiynan Lonsdale gave turned a simple supporting role into a cultural touchstone for the Arrowverse. He brought heart to the speedster. He made us believe that a kid from the streets could eventually outrun the gods themselves.
Whether he ever puts the mask back on for a multiverse cameo or a future reboot, Lonsdale has permanently etched his name into the history of the DC Universe. He wasn't just a replacement; he was the future.