With the new DC film The Flash currently showing in cinemas, Ian Loh plays Little Barry (The Flash) with Ezra Miller starring as the older version of the character. Ian was directed by Andy Muschietti, and he reunited with the cast last month when he attended the red carpet premiere in Hollywood. Also this year, Ian voices Joon in the new animated series Princess Power for Netflix, and during his acting career so far, one of his early screen appearances was in the feature film Literally, Right Before Aaron. We caught up with Ian, who talked to us about being cast in the new DC film The Flash, playing Little Barry (young Ezra Miller) in the worldwide release and voicing Joon in the Netflix animated series Princess Power.

How did you find the experience on set of The Flash and how was it being directed by Andy Muschietti?

It has been the coolest experience of my life so far! I loved being there on set, even if it was a day where I didn’t have to film. Everyone was so kind and I learned so much working alongside and watching other actors. Andy was so nice, and I loved working with him. I hope I can work with him and Barbara (Muschietti) again one day.

How much did you know about The Flash before auditioning and how did you feel finding out you’d booked the role of Little Barry?

My mom loves the DC Universe, so we grew up watching all things DC. I already knew The Flash from comics and movies. When I found out I booked the role of Little Barry, I was so happy!

What was it like joining the DC franchise and working on a superhero film?

It is a dream come true! It is so cool, and sometimes I still can’t believe it.

What was Little Barry like to play and how was it getting into character?

It was so fun to play Little Barry, even though it’s a really emotional scene. Andy and Barbara made sure I got to spend time knowing my on-set parents and creating that bond, and also I got to know Ezra (Miller) too. For example, I got to spend time in Little Barry’s room before filming, which was really cool to see what he liked and how the character was a lot like me (my room is a mess too!). My on set acting coach, Ben Perkins, helped me realise how much I was like Little Barry; how much I love my mom and have a really close bond with her. This helped me be very natural in my approach.

Can you tell us about your time working with the rest of the cast and sharing the role with Ezra Miller?

I could not think of anyone else I would want to share a role with. Ezra is very kind and fun to be around. It felt like I was just hanging out with another kid because we like a lot of the same things, like Nintendo Switch and just having fun. It was so great to work with Ezra and the whole cast, like Sean, Ed and my on set parents, Andy, Barbara, Ben. The stunt crew was so much fun and all of the people working were really cool. It was really an amazing time. Everyone was so helpful and kind!

Do you have any stand-out memories from filming as Little Barry in The Flash?

So many, but I think one I’ll never forget is one time we had a night shoot and everyone was trying to stay awake. In between takes, someone started playing music and everyone started dancing! It was cool and kind of funny because Ezra was dancing in the Flash suit!

How was it attending the red carpet premiere in Hollywood last month?

The red carpet premiere was so cool! At first I was like, wow – this is a lot of people. But once I started seeing people I knew, I felt so much better. It was really cool to sign autographs and meet fans. I loved watching the movie on the big screen and being with everyone to celebrate all of our hard work!

What has it been like seeing the fan response to The Flash and your portrayal of Little Barry, and who do you think will enjoy watching the film?

It’s been amazing. My Instagram blew up overnight and that was a little crazy, but the messages I’ve received were mostly how much people loved the movie. It’s cool to hear it from people all over the world. I think the film is really for everyone – not just comic book fans, because it is an emotional story and really funny too at some parts.

In the new Netflix animated series Princess Power, you voice the role of Joon, how would you describe your character and what is he like to voice?

I loved voicing Joon! I booked that job right after The Flash, and recorded it at home the day before I left for London! Joon is just a sweet kid and wants to help in his fruitdom.

What is Princess Power like to be part of and what do you enjoy most about voiceover work?

It was really fun! Because we recorded at home during COVID, I didn’t get to meet anyone else until we screened it at the premiere; so that was super fun to finally meet all of the princesses. I think voiceover work is really unique because I was allowed to do a lot of it at home in my pyjamas! I love cartoons, so it’s fun to have been the voice of one!

Can you tell us about some of the other projects you’ve worked on over your acting career so far?

I worked on a film called Literally, Right Before Aaron with Ryan Eggold and Justin Long. I was really little at the time, but Ryan was so kind to me and it was a really fun day because Justin kept knocking candy out of my hands for the scene. It was actually hard not to laugh.

Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get into it?

My brother Ethan did a lot of commercials, and I was always asked to go in for auditions too. Once I was able to read, I started to love making characters come to light and trying to find new ways to play them.

What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch?

My favourite movies are still The Lego Batman Movie and The Flash. My favourite TV show is SpongeBob SquarePants.

How do you like to spend your time away from acting?

I like playing video games with my friends, and basketball.

Have you been given any advice over your career so far that has stuck with you?

Ezra gave me a lot of advice about being myself and how to use my nervousness in auditions, and I literally think about that advice every time I audition now.

Do you have any upcoming acting work that you can tell us about and what are you hoping 2023 brings for your career?

Nothing that I can talk about just yet. 😀

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