Summary
Stephen Amellcould leave Green Arrow behind and join James Gunn’sDC Universeas either a popular DC character or one of the comic book giant’s exciting but obscure players.Amell has been a key figure for DC for over a decade. While theDCEU moviesfaltered in theaters, Amell’s work onArrowspawned an entire DC TV universe, with the Arrowverse thriving for several years.
Currently, Amell is not set to appear in theDCU’s Chapter One projects. However, sinceGunn has revealed that he hopes to work with the Arrowverse’s the Flash actor Grant Gustinin the future, there seems to be a chance for Arrowverse actors to join the DCU. While a bit skeptical,Amell said he would join the DCU if asked, and the former Green Arrow could switch roles, with Amell being great for interesting characters.
Stephen Amell’s Dream DCU Role (Besides Green Arrow) Is Perfect For A Villain James Gunn Already Teased
After leading Arrow for years, Stephen Amell could go from one shared universe to another, as he would like to play a villain that fits the new DCU.
10Booster Gold
It is hard to believe that Gunn would cast Arrowverse actors as their characters in the DCU. Adding to that, perhaps the best way to feature Arrowverse characters in the new shared universe would be to have them play very different roles from their past DC characters. As such,Amell could leave his dark take on Green Arrow behind in favor of a lighter, more comedic DCU hero.
Enter Booster Gold. InArrow, Amell had a few times to show that he can be really funny if allowed to flex a different set of acting muscles.Amell has shown that he is a bankable star for DC in the TV space. The DCU could use that as it begins to establish itself, with Amell leading theannounced Booster Gold series. In favor of the casting is the factAmell once auditioned to play Booster Gold.
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9Hush
The Batman Villain Would Fit Amell’s DC Movie Wish
While Amell could subvert expectations and play a more comedic character like Booster Gold in the DCU, the actor might end up going for the same darker tone that usually comes from his roles. The DCU could still keep that element and give fansa fresh DC experience with Amell by casting him as a villain instead of a hero. That could connect with a past comment from the Green Arrow star.
Speaking to theGeek House Showback in 2022, Amell said that if he were to play a character that was not Green Arrow in future DC movies,he would like “a good Batman villain that no one’s played yet.“Tommy Elliot, aka Hush, has yet to appear in a live-action movie. Besides fitting Amell’s comment, Hush is a dark villain that could haunt the DCU’s Batman, given their connection as childhood friends.Arrowshowed Amell could play that kind of dynamic well.
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8Deadshot
A Nuanced Villain With Skills Amell’s Familiar With
Another villain who has had his fair share of run-ins with Batman in DC Comics, the DCEU, and other media is Deadshot. Amell even had the chance to share the screen with one of the iterations of the character. As Green Arrow,Amell briefly operated withArrow’s version of the Suicide Squad, which included Michael Rowe as Floyd Lawton, aka Deadshot.
In the DCEU, Deadshot was played by Will Smith inSuicide Squad. As the actor did not return for Gunn’sThe Suicide Squad, Smith might not come back as Deadshot in the DCU. Amell would be a great fit for the character.His Oliver Queen was many times as confrontational and closed-off as Deadshot, though with a heart hidden under his bravado. The actor also has experience playing a DC character who is an expert at accuracy.
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7Adam Strange
The DCU Could Adapt The Perfect Story For The Character
Adam Strange would be a role that could allow Amell to show both his well-known ability to play a hero more on the brooding side, as well as let him try out a lighter character at DC. The perfect way to do that would be through an adaptation ofthe gut punch of a project that was DC’s Adam Strange limited series, “Strange Adventures.”
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The comic book’s events take place across two different timelines, witha happier Adam Strange in the past as an ideal hero and the character hiding a dark secret in the presentas the world closes in on him. Amell has the charisma and edge to play both versions of Strange in the DCU, with the project allowing the shared universe to explore different planets. Adding to its chances is the fact that “Strange Adventures” writer Tom King is one of the DCU’s creative minds.
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6Deadman
The DCU’s Supernatural Side Can Be Expanded
Deadman is a peculiar hero in DC Comics. As his name states, Boston Brand does not let death stop him, with the character beinggiven the power to possess anyone — as long as they are living — by the Hindu god Rama Kushnaafter he was murdered. Deadman would provide an opening to a very particular kind of DC story that could help keep the DCU fresh.
With aSwamp Thing movie confirmed for the DCU, it seems like Gunn will keep an eye on DC’s supernatural potential.Deadman has been part of the Justice League Dark, and Amell has the star power to be one of the leads of such a project. As for Boston Brand himself, Amell has the skills to bring his tragic origin story to life. Amell’s role as the Spectre in the Arrowverse also shows he would nail Deadman’s bleak nature.
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5Jim Gordon
A Wildcard Casting Choice
While Amell would be expected to play a hero or a villain if he joined the DCU, given his past as Green Arrow, the actor could also suit a major character that should serve in a supporting role over multiple DCU projects. WithBatman and the Bat-Family confirmed to arrive in the DCU’sThe Brave and the Boldmovie, Amell could sit out of the fight and play Batman’s right hand in Gotham City PD.
The casting would be unconventional. However, there is potential in it, with Amell fitting Jim Gordon if the DCU’s Batman is 30 or under, like David Corenswet’s Superman. With the work of a great makeup department,Amell could completely transform into Gordon like Colin Farrell became the Penguin inThe Batman. The actor’s heartwarming talks as Oliver Queen with the Flash, Supergirl, and other Arrowverse heroes show that Amell could be a supportive Jim while keeping the character’s harder edge.
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4Aquaman
A Great Choice To Transition Arthur Curry From The DCEU
Amell would be one of the best choices to play Aquaman in the DCU. While DCEU Arthur Curry actor Jason Momoa is expected to be part of the new DC Universe, the star is heavily rumored to be leaving Aquaman behind and playing Lobo. As such, the whole is wide open, andAmell could be the best of both worlds for fans of Momoa’s portrayal and the comics' Aquaman.
Physically, Amell looks more like Aquaman from DC Comics than Momoa. The actor’s skills are also better suited to a more contained approach than Momoa’s wild, comedic acting in the role.Amell could play the classic, regal Aquaman well. The actor could also use what worked for Momoa’s version, which undid Aquaman’s joke status fromSuper Friendsby making the hero a hardened warrior who instilled fear in others.
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3Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)
An Older DCU Hero
At 43, Amell could go from Green Arrow to Green Lantern in the DCU. The actor seems like a great fit for the direction the DCU is taking with its Green Lantern corner. While Nathan Fillion plays Guy Gardner in the DCU — and thefirst look at Fillion as Green Lantern inSupermanhas been revealed — theannouncedLanternsserieswill introduce Hal Jordan and John Stewart.
When the show was officially confirmed by HBO,a logline forLanternswas revealed, stating, “The series follows new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan.“That points to the DCU casting an older star for Hal Jordan. Amell could play the Green Lantern if the character is in his 40s. InArrow,Heels, and other projects, Amell has shown that he can play a hero whose willpower is his main strength, such as Hal.
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2Batman
A Seamless Transition From Arrow
Since the new DCU was announced, there have been several rumors regarding who will play Batman in the franchise. While names like Jensen Ackles, Alan Ritchson, and Jake Gyllenhaal have become popular picks for an older Bruce Wayne, Amell could be the perfect choice for the role that is flying under the radar. The reason for that is clear, asthere are eight seasons of TV that show Amell would be great as Batman.
Arrowchanged many details of DC Comics' Oliver Queen, with Amell’s character being darker and more violent than his comic book counterpart.Amell’s Green Arrow was a brooding billionaire who operated out of a secret cave and mostly fought crime at night. That is just Batman, and that point was raised by fans throughout the show’s run. As such, Amell would be a seamless fit as the DCU’s new Bruce Wayne.
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1Deathstroke
A Full Circle DC Moment
Finally, Amell could also play a villain that would bring him full circle, thanks to anArrowconnection. With the Teen Titans set to debut in the DCU with a movie on the way,Deathstroke, who is the main villain of the Teen Titans in the comics, could also be coming soon. That is helped byGunn having teased plans for Deathstroke in the DCU.
Deathstroke is perhaps the most important villain Amell’s Green Arrow fought over eight seasons ofArrow. As such, it would be exciting to see the actor switch roles and take on Slade Wilson in the DCU.Amell would excel at Deathstroke’s fighting sequences, with makeup work helping him get the gray look for the role. Deathstroke would also fitStephen Amell’s wish to play a Batman villain in the DCU.
Arrow
Cast
Arrow is a television series that debuted in 2012, featuring Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen, a billionaire playboy who returns to Starling City after being stranded for five years. Transformed by his experience, Queen becomes a vigilante archer, aiming to purge his city of crime and corruption.
