The Flash‘s Candice Patton believes fans of the comic book-inspired The CW series are going to love the Flashpoint storyline coming up on the show’s third season. Patton and her fellow The Flash cast members were a big draw at the 2016 San Diego Comic Con, presenting a panel with a Q&A for fans of the show as well as participating in interviews in support of the upcoming season. Season three will premiere on October 4th and commenting on the upcoming Flashpoint storyline, Patton said, “I love Flashpoint. I love what they’re doing with it. It’s our different take on it. I’m really pleased with what the writers have come up with. I think fans will be equally as pleased. It’s all of your favorite characters but with a slightly different twist. And Nora and Henry are alive and well. Barry’s never lived with Joe and Iris, so things are quite different.”
Candice Patton Interview:
How much of the relationship between Barry and Iris has changed?
Candice Patton: “It’s changed a lot. It’s changed a lot because having not grown up together it’s a different dynamic. They will find each other in Flashpoint. You will see them interacting, but it’s very different. I hope fans are still pleased by that. There’s good stuff in general in store for Barry and Iris this season. Fans can rest assured.”
You and Grant Gustin have worked together for two years, but this season you have to act differently toward each other even though you’re playing the same characters. How is that to play?
Candice Patton: “It’s pretty normal for us on The Flash. We’ve done the Earth-2 stuff; we’ve been playing versions of our characters and interacting as different versions so it’s pretty normal for us. And, it’s fun. It’s probably the best part of my job the fact that I’m on a show where I get to expand and play, and not always play one version of Iris West. It’s great.”
Will you be doing any cross-overs to the other DC shows?
Candice Patton: “I don’t know. I wish they would tell me. I feel like I’m the only actor on The Flash who has not crossed over with anybody. It’s a shame. I hear it’s a lot of hard work though, so maybe I shouldn’t be complaining. It’s probably inevitable with the four-way cross-over I would go somewhere. I think the most sense would be at Catco so that’s Supergirl. I’m hoping that’s a possibility. I would never turn down the opportunity to work with Calista Flockhart. Hopefully they can figure out how to arrange that.”
Do you have any scenes with Tom Felton?
Candice Patton: “I have not yet worked with Tom. I have not yet worked with Tom – I can say that much. But he is around and we’ve just started. He’s a great addition to our cast. I think people are going to love his character. I think he’s going to elevate our show, so I’m excited to have him.”
How is the West family unit in the upcoming season? Are they in a good place?
Candice Patton: “Yeah. I think the West family…I think what I can say is the West family is a tight unit and no matter what happens, they always find a way back to each other. We’re really all we’ve got. The West family is strong and will stay strong.”
Does Iris interact with Wally in the Kid Flash outfit at all?
Candice Patton: “Yes, she does. She’s very much a part of that realm in the Flashpoint.”
What did you think seeing him in the suit?
Candice Patton: “Awesome. I think anytime we have speedsters on the show it’s cool. I know Keiynan (Lonsdale) was so excited to suit up. He looks great in it. I think they did a great job with the Kid Flash suit.”
Have you ever requested your own suit?
Candice Patton: “I’m always dropping hints. I was asking Todd (Helbing) and Aaron (Helbing) the other day, ‘So, have you ever thought about putting Iris in a suit?’ And they’re like, ‘Do you want to do that?’ I’m like, ‘Maybe not permanently, but maybe for like one episode.’ So, I don’t know. If I were on a different Earth or a different timeline, I would love to suit up. I don’t think it makes sense for her to stay in a suit, but just for something fun for the fans – or mostly just fun for me because I love leather.”
How many scripts have you read so far?
Candice Patton: “I’ve read four. They’ve released four to us.”
And Flashpoint carries through at least four episodes?
Candice Patton: “What I will say is Flashpoint has an effect throughout the entire season. I won’t say how long Flashpoint is, but Flashpoint… Barry going back in time and creating a flashpoint definitely has an effect throughout the entire season.”
How does it feel to be in a third season?
Candice Patton: “I feel old. It feels good. I feel like a pro at Comic Con. I remember doing this the first season and feeling so nervous and scared, and now it’s old hat. But, it’s good. We’ve stood the test of time which I think is the best thing I can say. We’re in a show that people still enjoy and are excited to see. As an actor usually you’re just trying to get a job and pay your rent, so this is icing on the cake the fact that I’m on a successful show, I’m playing an iconic character, and that fans around the globe…when I travel around the world and see how many people are responding to the show, it’s incredible.”
Are you working with any different actors in the Flashpoint storyline?
Candice Patton: “Yes. I have a lot more screen time with Grant which is really great. I love seeing our dynamic when we’re all together. I think there will be a lot more stuff with Keiynan, too, which is really great. I love West family stuff. And Iris will still very much be a part of #TeamFlash in S.T.A.R. Labs. She’s very much in the mix, which I’m happy about.”
Watch the full Candice Patton interview:
(Interview by Fred Topel. Article by Rebecca Murray.)
