A tease in The Flash season 9 trailer creates the impression that Gorilla Grodd is on his way back to the Arrowverse - as an ally to Barry Allen. One of the Scarlet Speedster's biggest villains in DC Comics, Gorilla Grodd has had a recurring presence in the Arrowverse interpretation of Barry's story. However, the character didn't appear in either of the show's last two seasons.
Plans for The Flash's 13-episode final season point to a stacked roster of villains for the last chapter of Barry's Arrowverse journey. From the looks of things, he'll have his hands full with Javicia Leslie's Red Death, a new Captain Boomerang, Bloodwork, and possibly Cobalt Blue. With this being the end of the road for Barry, it makes sense that the show is paying off old teases like season 5's Red Death Easter egg and bringing back old enemies like Bloodwork. In keeping with that approach, The Flash may find room for a number of familiar faces before the show comes to a close for good. Among those who might show up in The Flash's last 13 episodes is Gorilla Grodd, who hasn't been seen since his guest appearance in season 6's "Grodd Friended Me."
The Flash Season 9 Trailer Hints At Gorilla Grodd's Return
The reason Grodd would come back to the show is hinted at in the marketing. In The Flash season 9 trailer, a growl can be heard just as Barry is waking up from a dream. Immediately afterward, Barry is seen standing in the forest and looking up at an unseen figure as he says, "I need your help to save the world." As for who he could be talking to, the growl combined with the framing of this scene makes Grodd the most sensible answer.
Curiously, The Flash may have already explained why Barry would think he needs Grodd's help. In the extended promo for The Flash season 9, Barry talks about a new speedster's plan to build a time machine and mentions that "the whole timeline will be at stake." If all of Earth-Prime is in danger, it would make sense for Barry to seek allies from outside Central City. If the speedster in question - who may or may not be Red Death - is a threat to everyone on the planet, Grodd would be highly motivated to team up with Team Flash and help them save the planet. After all, he now has a responsibility to look out for the interests of Gorilla City.
The Flash Season 6 Already Made A Barry Allen & Gorilla Grodd Team-Up Possible
In spite of their history, Barry and Grodd working together isn't inconceivable. The Flash season 6 made such an alliance possible by having Barry reluctantly help Grodd in his fight against Solovar. The two are far from allies, but the episode went a long way toward easing the tensions between the characters. Grodd has yet to completely let go of his grudge against Team Flash, but since he's already put his aside his differences with Barry once, he may not be opposed to doing it a second time in The Flash season 9, especially if the timeline is at risk.