Danielle Panabaker Interview: The Flash Season 6 and Killer Frost’s Relationship with the Team

Danielle Panabaker hopes we’ll see more of Killer Frost and The Flash (Grant Gustin) teaming up in season six of The CW’s The Flash. During our roundtable interview at the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con, Panabaker talked about Frost’s evolving relationship with Team Flash.

“I think now that we understand that Killer Frost is happy to be a part of Team Flash, I feel like we’ve really earned that. I had some issues in season four when it felt like she was magically showing up to fight bad guys. It’s like, ‘Wait, in season three she tried to kill everyone. She tried to kidnap and kill most of Team Flash.’ I didn’t quite buy that transition,” explained Panabaker. “I feel like they really earned it last season – season five. And so, yes. I think it’s safe to say you will see Barry and Killer Frost in the field more.”

Season six of the comic book-inspired series will premiere on October 8, 2019. New episodes will air on Tuesdays at 8pm ET/PT.

In season three you had input into Killer Frost’s costume. Did you have any input in the new one for season six?

Danielle Panabaker: “I would say more on this one. The season three suit was one of my favorites and I think it definitely includes what I wanted to do with the season’s new suit. This suit was actually built for season five and it just never made it to camera. I’m excited to finally get to put it to work in season six.”

Now that Killer Frost and Caitlin are cooperating, how will that change things?

Danielle Panabaker: “I think it’s great. I feel like the writers gave me such a really good storyline. They really earned it rather than just having them magically get along. We got to see some of their conflict, which was great. I’m excited this season to see Killer Frost take the wheel a little bit more.”

What can you tell us about season six?

Danielle Panabaker: “It’s great. I feel like now that we’re in season six, most of these characters have been established. You know who they are, so we don’t have to spend much time on that. We get to really delve into their relationships a little deeper, go a little deeper.”



Can you discuss Caitlin and Cisco’s relationship at this point?

Danielle Panabaker: “I think what’s great about Caitlin and Cisco’s friendship is that they always have supported each other. Even though it isn’t what Caitlin wants for herself, she understands why Cisco wants that and she’s the one who gave him the cure. I think for the most part their relationship is very consistent. I think she wants Cisco to be happy and she trusts him to know what that looks like.”

Are there any consequences or repercussions after Caitlin gave Cisco the cure?

Danielle Panabaker: “I don’t really think it’s a negative thing that Cisco’s chosen to not have his powers anymore. I think it opens up a really nice conversation about how many people have or haven’t chosen to have these powers and how it’s affected their lives. I think it will be interesting to see how Killer Frost and Cisco relate because that’s a different relationship than Caitlin and Cisco.”

How much does what happened to Nora affect all the relationships overall?

Danielle Panabaker: “I think it really affects Team Flash. We’re obviously very sad to see her go. And, it’s hard. They are family, so Barry and Iris are still struggling with that loss so we have to support them as best we can.”

You’ve said before that you would kind of like to see Killer Frost go full-on villain. Do you think that’s in the rear-view mirror now or is it still a possibility?

Danielle Panabaker: “I think it’s a bit more in the rear-view mirror. I think by allowing her to express herself a little bit more in season five and help find her place and help realize that she’s valued as a member of Team Flash, it’s probably shifted.”

What was the biggest surprise or challenge to you as a director on The Flash?

Danielle Panabaker: “My feet hurt. My feet really hurt. It’s a lot of time on your feet. But I’m directing again this season which I’m really excited about. I’ll hopefully learn more.”