'The Flash' movie release date and cast news: 'Watchmen' actor Billy Crudup cast as Barry Allen's father

While "The Flash" movie may be more than a year away, pre-production is ongoing for the movie centered around the Scarlet Speedster. Just recently, the film has cast "Watchmen" star Billy Crudup as Barry Allen's (Ezra Miller) father, Henry Allen.

According to Variety, the movie is going to be be directed by "Dope" helmer, Rick Famuwiya. The story comes from "21 Jump Street" directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller while the actual script is being written by Seth Grahame-Smith.

It's quite interesting to note that in '"Watchmen," where Crudup played the super-powered Dr. Manhattan, was directed by "Batman v Superman" and "Justice League" helmer Zack Snyder. Though Snyder is not the one sitting on the director's chair for "The Flash," it's still nice to see a familiar face from Snyder's previous work coming into the universe DC is building now.

Aside from Crudup, Kiersey Clemons has also been cast as Iris West, who is the love interest of Barry Allen in the comics. She is also Wally West's (Kid Flash) aunt.

The villains for the movie is a group called The Rogues, and it features Flash villains like Mirror Master, Captain Cold and Heat Wave. "Suicide Squad's" Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney) is also a member of the team, but there have been no reports on whether he will be reprising his role for this movie.

As of now, fans are still waiting for the home run movie that the DC Cinematic Universe desperately needs. The franchise is already three movies in ("Man of Steel,""Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice," and "Suicide Squad") yet every movie so far has been slammed by critics. A lot of hope is riding on the Gal Gadot-fuelled "Wonder Woman" coming out next year. Hopefully this movie will be the saving grace of the DCCU that will finally impress audiences.

"The Flash" is expected to release on March 16, 2018.