Reports have surfaced that The Flash season 5 will feature classic DC Comics villain Rag Doll. The CW recently released a casting notice looking for an actor to take on the loose and limber role of one of DC's most iconic supervillains.

Created by Gardner Fox in 1942, Rag Doll is the supervillain name given to Peter Merkel, a man with a strange condition called "triplejointedness," which provides him with extreme contortionist abilities. Although he began as a carnival attraction, Merkel soon discovered that his unique skills were more suitable for a life of crime. Merkel hid inside a large rag doll for his first heist, which led to him earning his villain nickname. His crimes eventually got the attention of the Jay Garrick version of the Flash, with Merkel becoming one of the speedster's archenemies. Merkel eventually retired, but his son, Peter Merkel, Jr. picked up where his father left off.

That Hashtag Show reports The CW is looking for an actor to step into the shoes of Rag Doll for season 5 of The Flash. The character description is:

"The casting call is searching for a male in his 20s as Peter is described as an incredibly emotional damaged criminal who has the power to bend out of shape and fit his whole body into small spaces. As he is enjoying his criminal activities, Team Flash will be challenged by the Rag Doll in shocking ways as his sick plan is revealed. The breakdown specifies that they would ideally like to get actual Contortionists/Dancers or any kinds of performers who are able to contort their bodies in very disturbing ways."


Rag Doll probably won't appear for more than one or two episodes, though. The big bad villain for season 5 of The Flash is Cicada, played by Chris Klein. Cicada, otherwise known as David Hersch, is a relatively new Flash villain in the comic books, but Hersch will soon arrive on the TV show. The team also has to deal with the unexpected arrival of Barry and Iris' daughter, Nora, who finally introduced herself during the season 4 finale. It's likely that Nora's appearance and Cicada are connected somehow, but The CW remains tight-lipped about how the two are linked.

Additionally, Flash will get a slightly new look in season 5. After images of the new superhero suit began to leak on social media, Flash actor Grant Gustin offered an official look at him in the new costume. The suit seems similar to previous versions, although it's likely this suit came from the Flash Ring Nora gave Barry at the end of season 4.

The Flash has already brought back a lot of classic DC Comics characters, so it's nice to see it continue to honor the comic book's Golden Age past with another classic villain. Rag Doll is an excellent addition to the Rogue Gallery, so here's hoping he will last more than just an episode or two.

The Flash season 5 premieres October 9 on The CW.