Tom Cavanagh and Carlos Valdes, two original cast members of The CW’s superhero series The Flash, won’t return to the series for season eight. The news was confirmed earlier this week by executive producer and showrunner Eric Wallace.
Cavanagh played Eobard Thawne/Reverse-Flash in the show while also starring as Harrison Wells in the character’s various incarnations. According to Deadline, he was set to end his run as a series regular on The Flash after season six, but COVID-19-related production issues made him keep this status until episode “Mother” in season seven. He made his later appearances as a guest star.
Valdes portrayed mechanical engineering genius Cisco Ramon/Vibe, who is responsible for the majority of the equipment Barry Allen/ The Flash uses. He also served in the role of Ramon’s Earth-2 doppelganger Reverb and character’s Earth-19 doppelganger Echo. Valdes will keep his status as a series regular through season seven and is expected to make an appearance in the finale.
The exit of Cavanagh and Valdes from The Flash isn’t definite according to Wallace, who left the door open for the actors to make guest appearances down the road.
“Both are incredible talents who created beloved characters that fans and audiences around the world have come to love,” said Wallace. “Which is why we are happily keeping the door open for return appearances.”
The CW previously renewed The Flash for season 8 in February, with the show’s star Grant Gustin already penning the contract to return for new episodes. Candice Patton (Iris West-Allen) and Danielle Panabaker (Caitlin Snow / Killer Frost / Frost) are in the process of negotiating their new deals with the network.
