Here's Why Keiynan Lonsdale Quit The Flash

Sometimes it's hard to keep track, things move so quickly. Swiftly. Fast. Like — a Flash. The Flash is a character from the DC Comics universe who's been around in one form or another for nearly 80 years. Different individuals have inhabited the suit of The Scarlet Speedster over the years of storytelling, and the character has appeared in several different iterations outside the world of comic books themselves. Currently, it's part of the Arrowverse on The CW, springing forth from the series Arrow, itself based on a DC property, Green Arrow. Arrow and The Flash in turn intersect with Legends of Tomorrow, sharing timelines and sometimes characters.

The Flash debuted in 2014, picking up a People's Choice Award for Favorite New TV Drama. The show has been a steady performer ever since, and has been renewed for yet another season, set to debut in January 2021. Grant Gustin portrays Barry Allen, the crime scene investigator who uses superhuman speed to fight crime and general bad guy-ness.

Joining the cast two years in was Keiynan Lonsdale, an Australian actor who took on the role of Wally West, who becomes Kid Flash. The character also crossed over to Legends. When Lonsdale announced his departure from the character in 2018, he said, "It's definitely not a total goodbye or 'see ya never' situation," as Entertainment Weekly reported.

The decision was personal, rather than professional, Newsweek related — no huge internal conflicts within either of the productions. "My perspective on life & what I want from it now is just completely different," said the report, quoting from Lonsdale's announcement on Instagram. Lonsdale also said he was "grateful" to both shows "for honouring and respecting" what he called his "journey on an unknown path" going forward.

He's had other projects already, including recording and other acting jobs. "I hope you stick around for the new adventures, the only thing I can promise is Magic," Lonsdale posted.