Arrow, the series that heralded the birth of the Arrowverse, stood as a cornerstone of superhero television on The CW network. Starring Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen, the vigilante archer, Arrow garnered a massive following over its eight seasons. Despite its success, the show was close to concluding with its seventh season. Stephen Amell, the face behind the iconic Green Arrow, contemplated departing from the series after a strenuous seven-year tenure. His decision to stay, driven by a financial standpoint, led to the extension of Arrow to an eighth season.
Amell revealed during a heartfelt discussion on the “Inside of You” podcast hosted by Michael Rosenbaum, how he weighed his options at the end of Season 7. He explained the financial logic presented to him by the show’s producers: continuing for another season under a revised financial agreement was too beneficial to pass up.
“I looked at it, and it would have been fiscally irresponsible for me to say no,”
Amell confessed. His love for the show and the character notwithstanding, his decision was influenced heavily by the financial aspect, highlighting a common dilemma faced by actors in long-running series.
Exploring New Horizons While Keeping the Arrow Quiver Ready
Despite his readiness to hang up the hood, Stephen Amell has not dismissed the idea of reprising his role as the Emerald Archer. His journey with Arrow might have concluded, but the actor sees potential for more stories. In discussions about the evolving landscape of superhero media, particularly with the new directions being taken within James Gunn’s DC Universe (DCU), Amell expressed a cautious curiosity. He humorously noted the need to see “a frame of footage” from the upcoming projects before making a decision on his involvement.
Moreover, Amell’s comments reflect a broader sentiment of openness to exploring more about Oliver Queen, should the right opportunity arise. This reveals his attachment to the role and his understanding of the character’s lasting impact on fans and the genre.“I’ve said this before, but there might be more fun stuff to do with Oliver Queen. So we will see,”
Amell remarked, hinting at the potential for future appearances.
Stephen Amell really refused to do the Green Arrow goatee for 8 seasons only to do it AFTER THE SHOW ENDED. pic.twitter.com/4oFP0H1iKi
— Mo (@MisterMoscle) July 2, 2020
The Legacy of Arrow and Its Star
Arrow’s conclusion marked the end of an era for superhero television, but also the beginning of new ventures for Stephen Amell. His performance as Oliver Queen was pivotal in defining the superhero television landscape, paving the way for numerous spin-offs and related series. The show’s success is a testament to the strong narrative and character development that allowed viewers to connect deeply with the story of Oliver Queen.
Stephen Amell’s candidness about his financial motivations for extending his stay, as well as his openness to reprising his role, paints a picture of an actor who is not only thoughtful about his career choices but also deeply connected to his character. As the Arrowverse continues to evolve, the impact of Amell’s Arrow remains undeniable, and his willingness to return under the right circumstances keeps the door open for more stories in this beloved universe.
In reflecting on his time as Arrow and contemplating future possibilities, Stephen Amell remains a central figure in discussions about the trajectory of superhero narratives in television and film, illustrating the enduring appeal of Oliver Queen and the world he inhabited.
