Smash alum Andy Mientus, who was cast in October to play Pied Piper on The Flash, admits the role of the gay supervillain carries with it a lot of pressure.

“With the gay thing, I feel like I’m representing a whole community,” Mientus, who became engaged earlier this year to fellow theater actor Michael Arden, tells Variety. “People are excited to see this character, so it is a lot of pressure. But I’m glad they are introducing the character to the show. It’s a huge step forward, and I’m thrilled to help make that happen. It’s awesome.”

The 28-year-old actor, who originally auditioned to play Barry Allen on the CW drama, will debut on the Jan. 27 episode as Hartley Rathaway, a former STAR Labs tech who gains mysterious sonic powers as he loses his hearing. His quest for vengeance against Harrison Wells (Tom Cavanagh) obviously places him in conflict with The Flash (Grant Gustin).

Mientus reveals the costume for his two-episode appearance is black with a hood and a cape, and totally "badass."

"I can’t put it on and not feel powerful,” he says. “It tells you everything you need to know on how to move and feel like a superhero. It does a lot of the work for you.”

The Flash returns from its midseason hiatus on Tuesday, Jan. 20.