A new promo for season 4 of The Flash reveals Barry Allen's (Grant Gustin) return to Central City, but as a very different man from when he left. The CW series returns next month, picking up several months after the last season ended (as usual). Season 3 ended with Iris (Candice Patton) being saved from her fate at the hands of Savitar, but with the shocking loss of Barry himself. The speedster walked into the Speed Force in the final moments of the finale, sacrificing himself in order to save Central City yet again, and leaving his friends and family behind.

Fans never doubted that Barry's loss would be temporary -- although there are plenty of other speedsters in Central City these days, he remains the titular character and star of the show. In addition, fans already learned that he would return to marry Iris in season 4, and that he won't be the only character returning to the show. Now, a new promo shows just how his time in the Speed Force may have changed Barry when he finally comes home.

Related: The Flash: Barry & Iris Will Get Married in Season 4

The promo is titled 'Hero Reborn', which is very similar to the title of the premiere itself ('The Flash Reborn'). At only 30 seconds long, it doesn't give too much away, but does show Barry's return. He is first seen stopping a truck on a country road, before he appears bearded and looking exhausted in front of his friends. Cisco (Carlos Valdes) mentions a new suit that he has made for his friend, and we also get a glimpse at the new villain: Baron Katana. One more shot sees Barry with the Speed Force lightning flickering in his eyes, looking much angrier than before, before the promo ends with Cisco saying "The Flash is back!"

Grant Gustin as the Flash

While fans expected Barry to be changed by his time in the Speed Force, this promo seems to confirm that he will not be the same lighthearted hero that he was when he left. It is not clear exactly when he returns, or how long he has been gone (as time runs a little differently in the Speed Force), and of course, how he gets out of the Speed Force. But it seems that he will be appearing almost as soon as the new season begins, and that the changes to his personality are going to be a major part of season 4.

While there is still a lot to be revealed about the upcoming season, fans will be thrilled to see Barry, Iris, and Cisco at the heart of it, and some more unique comic book villains making an appearance as well. As a show known for its uplifting tone, hopefully the new season will not go too dark with the changed Barry Allen, but that remains to be seen.

Next: 15 Shocking Mistakes You Missed In The Flash

The Flash season 4 premieres Tuesday, October 10 at 8pm on The CW.

Source: The CW