Why Did Wally Leave The Flash TV Show? | CBR - CBR - Comic Book Resources

Wally West made an electric entrance into The CW's The Flash series during the Season 2 midseason finale. As the show was expanding into the Flash universe, bringing in more comic characters and plot lines, the introduction of Keiynan Lonsdale as Kid Flash was exciting. He quickly became a beloved character among fans, as Lonsdale gave Kid Flash an energetic and endearing personality.

Naturally, it came as a shock to fans when news broke that Lonsdale would be leaving The Flash after Season 4. With the seeming success of the role, one would think the actor would want to stay; however he had other plans.

Who Was Wally West?

Wally West was the son of Joe and the late Francine West and the brother of Iris West-Allen; he was raised by Francine in Keystone City. The two didn't have a lot of money growing up, but Wally was always drawn toward cars. He began participating in street races and soon became a champion drag-racer in Keystone. However, he had to go to Central City to keep racing since he no longer had competition in his hometown.

It is here that Wally became The Flash; however, this was in an alternate timeline called Flashpoint. Wally had super-abilities, mainly speed, just like Barry Allen. He used his powers to protect Central City. Post-Flashpoint, he regained his superpowers and took on the name Kid Flash. He and The Flash teamed up for a time, but, eventually, Kid Flash decided to leave Central City on a soul-searching journey. He ended up at a monastery in China, where he joined the Legends of Tomorrow in Season 3 of that series.

Why Keiynan Lonsdale Left The Flash

Lonsdale announced his departure from both The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow in a 2018 Instagram post, in which he wrote, "I love Kid Flash, I love the family I’ve made, [and] I’m absolutely in love with the invaluable lessons I’ve learnt along the way." Lonsdale knew it was time for him to move on. The year preceding his departure announcement was a major one for the actor: After starring in the teen romantic comedy Love, Simon, he spoke out about his sexuality, saying he's attracted to people regardless of their gender, and prefers not to use a label.

Lonsdale said left The Flash as a series regular following the fourth season, but returned as a special guest star in seasons 5 and 6. He likewise departed Legends of Tomorrow as a series regular after Season 3, but subsequently appeared as a special guest star in two episodes, as well as in the Supergirl episode of the crossover "Crisis on Earth-X."

The Flash stars Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Jesse L. Martin, Danielle Panabaker, Carlos Valdes and Tom Cavanagh. New episodes air Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The CW.

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