How The Flash’s Candice Patton changed the DC universe

In 2014, The Flash made its debut on The CW. It was the spin-off series that launched the Arrowverse into existence and set the network on a trajectory toward a superhero heavy line-up.

Over the years, there’s been much discussion about the impact of DC TV in pop culture and in the lives of fans who picked up their first comics because of The CW’s live-action adaptations of characters that have been loved by readers for generations.

However, as groundbreaking as The Flash was for the network, it wasn’t Grant Gustin’s turn as Barry Allen that set in motion change for the DC universe at large. That distinction belongs to Candice Patton whose decision to step into the shoes of investigative reporter Iris West opened the door for Black women to have more prominent roles on The CW, in DC projects, and arguably even in Marvel.

Iris wouldn’t be Black in the comics, the DCEU, and animated adaptations without Patton. The amount of Black women who’ve been superheroes on The CW can also be credited to her historic presence on the network. The actresses behind Lightning, Thunder, XS, Ryan Wilder, and Naomi walked through the door that Patton held open.

Candice Patton’s Iris West sparked a shift for Black women in the superhero genre

Her portrayal of Iris West is the spark that led to more roles for Black women in the superhero genre even outside of The CW. We wouldn’t have Anna Diop’s Starfire without her nor Leslie Grace’s Batgirl. There’s even an argument to be made that Zendaya likely wouldn’t have been cast as MJ in Tom Holland’s Spider-Man trilogy if The Flash and Westallen hadn’t proved that a Black woman could be the female-lead in a successful superhero franchise.

Candice Patton portrays Iris West with a quiet determination, a fearlessness that speaks to the character’s heart and desire to always seek the truth, and a passion for community, family, and justice.

From the moment she first appeared onscreen, Iris has been an inspiration to many viewers, some of whom would never have watched

The Flash

if it weren’t for her presence on the show. Admittedly, I’m one of those fans.

I owe my journey with the Arrowverse to Patton. To her refusal to be pushed out of an opportunity by racism and bigotry, and to the fans who’ve rallied around her and Iris in effort to defend both the actress and the character we’ve all come to admire.

Representation matters; Patton has said so herself. Onscreen and behind-the-scenes, the people we see, the people whose voices are heard, are the ones who inspire others to create and to go after a role they never would have otherwise. To believe they, too, can “dare to defy” as The CW is always championing.

No one would have guessed that an actress saying, “Yes,” to an opportunity would change so many lives and an entire franchise’s universe but that’s what happened. Candice Patton took up the mantle of Iris West and the rest is history.

FanSided Entertainment is celebrating Women’s History Month by spotlighting women in entertainment. The video below features Candice Patton, Betty White, Chloé Zhao and more inspiring women who’ve made an impact in the industry.