THE FLASH Casts Michael Ironside as Captain Cold's Father

If you think Captain Cold is a bad guy, wait until you meet his dad.

The Hollywood Reporter has word that the CW series The Flash has cast Michael Ironside as Lewis Snart, the estranged father of Captain Cold (Wentworth Miller) and Golden Glider (Peyton List).

Ironside will debut in the third episode of Season 2, "Family of Rogues," and is described in the article as "a cold-blooded, ruthless career criminal.  Recently released from prison, he returns to Central City with a plan that will endanger both of his children."

Ironside, 65, is well-known to comic book and science fiction fans for numerous television and film roles.  His television appearances include V: The Final Battle and V: The Series (as Ham Tyler), Tales from the Crypt, seaQuest 2032 (as Captain Oliver Hudson), Andromeda, Stargate SG-1, Superman: The Animated Series, Justice League Unlimited, Wolverine and the X-Men, Castle, and Community.  Ironside's films include Scanners, Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone, Top Gun, Total Recall (1990), Highlander II: The Quickening, Starship Troopers, Terminator: Salvation, and X-Men: First Class.

Interestingly, Ironside appeared in a role on the WB/CW series Smallville as General Sam Lane, father to Lois Lane and Lucy Lane, who was played by Peyton List.

Created in 2002 by Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins, Captain Cold's father first appeared in The Flash (vol.2) #182 in a story titled "Absolute Zero", although he was never named.  He raised his children Leonard and Lisa Snart in a rundown trailer outside of Central City, a former cop on disability who was kicked off the force after being drunk during a routine traffic stop that resulted in his partner being killed.

He was an abusive father, an alcoholic who beat his children and his wife, who would often leave him for days at a time.  Leonard and Lisa often took refuge with their grandfather of ailing health, who delivered ice to restaurants and the ballpark in an ice truck.  When Leonard's grandfather died before he turned twelve, he grew tired of his father's abuse and set out to start a criminal career.

The Flash returns to The CW for Season 2 on October 6, 2015.