The fear that plagues the depths of most nerdy nightmares? Actors from fan-favorite, long-running shows moving on to new things. *shudders*
The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow fans are living this reality as Keiynan Lonsdale, who plays Wally West, announced his low-key departure from both shows. This comes as a bit of a surprise, as he just made the switch from The Flash to becoming a series regular on Legends toward the end of the season this year. Legends just finished building up his presence on the Waverider by the season finale and he seemed to fit right in. With Amaya’s season finale departure to fulfill her destiny, it was clear that Wally West was meant to (try) to fill the massive void she left. These continual changes in the lineup for Legends are what’s likely preventing it from being as successful as it can be. And it’s always the PoC characters and actors getting written off or leaving.
Lonsdale wrote a heartfelt goodbye of sorts on his Insta to thank fans for their support and to let everyone know that it’s just goodbye for now, not forever. He said, “It’s definitely not a total goodbye or ‘see ya never’ situation, cause Wally West will still be round when you need him the most! It’s just that it won’t be full time anymore.” He went on to say, “I love Kid Flash, I love the family I’ve made, & I’m absolutely in love with the invaluable lessons I’ve learnt along the way. Thank you for believing in me & rooting for Wally to thrive, you honestly helped me see that i did indeed deserve to play him, & that shit right there made me a stronger actor ?? Anyway, I hope you stick around for the new adventures, the only thing I can promise is Magic.” Everything’s fine.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjr2MG1HXS8/?utm_source=ig_embed
Once again tasked with filling a void on the Waverider, Legends upgraded Matt Ryan to a series regular. Ryan previously played Constantine on his own show and was brought to Legends last season. As great as Constantine is, the whole dark demonic exorcism thing really doesn’t vibe all that well with the campy time travel tone the show hinges on, so this decision is an interesting one. The episode he guest starred in felt more like an episode of Supernatural than a Legends episode, which could either make or break the ratings if it keeps heading in the angsty demon direction. Most fans who gravitate toward Legends and Supergirl watch for a much needed campy superhero distraction from the doom and gloom seriousness of shows such as Arrow and Supernatural, so the change will possibly alienate the current fanbase or it could attract Constantine fans and potentially Arrow fans that didn’t hop on board when it premiered.
In addition to Ryan, Jes Macallan, who plays Sara Lance’s love interest, Ava Sharpe, was also upgraded to series regular status. Who knows where the Waverider will take fans in season four, but at least Heat Wave will still be around to bring on the fiery jokes.
