Who is Iris West in ‘The Flash?’

The DCEU’s latest installment, The Flash has ended up becoming the most divisive picture in recent memory despite assembling the strongest team possible. Director Andy Muschietti had peppered easter eggs all over the film as well as a multiplicity of cameos to make it an immersive experience. However, the movie’s minute-by-minute action was a touch too intense, and when combined with the poor CGI, it underperformed at the box office.

But despite all the bad points, the movie has paved the way to bring its fastest superhero to the center of DCEU and further explore his story. The Flash was influenced by the comic book storyline Flashpoint, featuring multiple DC Comics characters in a multiverse. It also introduced a potential heroine, and the love interest of Barry Allen.

Iris West in The Flash

In the film, Iris West is an endlessly driven investigative reporter for Picture News in Flash’s hometown, Central City. She is first seen among a group of journalists interviewing the head of forensic police when she suddenly spots Barry and approaches him. It turns out, she is among the journalists covering Barry’s father’s trial and lured Barry to get a statement from him. The devastated Barry, who initially had a crush on Iris, leaves, but the two reconcile later when Iris apologizes for her insensitive approach.

Barry and Iris studied together in college, and he had a crush on her ever since, as revealed by the 18-year-old Barry in the past timeline. Though she did not have a significant role in the film, her appearance paved the way for her future with Barry if DC decides to follow up The Flash with a sequel.

She was portrayed by Kiersey Clemons, who is known for her role in the 2015 comedy-drama film Dope. Clemons also previously portrayed Iris West in Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021). However, the character has appeared in various Flash adaptations such as by Paula Marshall in the 1990 CBS television series and by Candice Patton in the 2014 The CW television series along with appearances in other Arrowverse shows.

Iris West’s origin and future in DC Comics

Iris West proceeds to wed Barry Allen in the comic storyline and become the aunt and grandmother to the third and fourth Flash, Wally West and Bart Allen, respectively. The character was created by Robert Kanigher and Carmine Infantino and made her first appearance in Showcase #4 in Oct. 1956. She was killed by Professor Zoom (Reverse Flash) during a costume party. However, Iris West’s death creates a paradox when it is revealed that her biological parents sent an infant Iris, who was actually born in the 30th century, to the past with the help of a future Flash.

Barry spends a month together with Iris in the 30th century which is when the Tornado Twins Don and Dawn are conceived by Iris. Don marries Meloni Thawne, the daughter of Professor Zoom in order to end the family feud and Thawne gives birth to Bart Allen.