Stephen Amell, known for his decade-long portrayal of Oliver Queen’s Green Arrow in the Arrowverse, has recently revealed his willingness to reprise the role if it brings joy to fans. Amell, who began his Green Arrow journey in 2012 on Arrow, described how embodying the character has significantly impacted both himself and viewers. His potential return as the James Gunn DCU Green Arrow remains a topic of anticipation, as no official confirmation has emerged regarding his involvement in the DC Universe as reimagined by James Gunn and Peter Safran.
Amell’s Relationship with Green Arrow and the Fan Community
During an Arrowverse Heroes panel at Motor City Comic Con, hosted by Joe Deckelmeier for Screen Rant, Stephen Amell shared his feelings about potentially wearing the iconic hood again. He emphasized the importance of audience satisfaction, stating,
“[I would be] down to do anything that makes the fans happy,”
– Stephen Amell, Actor. This openness, along with his evident ongoing passion for both Oliver Queen and the Green Arrow, was further illustrated when he said,
“I love playing the Green Arrow, I love playing Oliver Queen.”
– Stephen Amell, Actor.
Amell also reflected on the strong bond he feels with fans, revealing the emotional connections the show has fostered over the years.
“I think, more than that, I like how it makes people feel when I come to these conventions, or just when I’m walking around on a daily basis. Not a day goes by that someone doesn’t talk to me about Arrow, the Green Arrow, Oliver Queen. But they always then relate it back to their experience with the series, how it made them feel, whether they bonded with a sibling, or a parent, or a friend with the series.”
– Stephen Amell, Actor. His comments suggest that beyond any personal career goals, the relationship he has nurtured with viewers is a central motivator for considering a return.
The Status of Green Arrow in the New DC Universe
The future of Green Arrow in the reimagined DC Universe remains uncertain. While the character received a humorous nod in the first season finale of Peacemaker, titled “It’s Cow or Never,” he has yet to be integrated into any official DCU projects. The new continuity, overseen by James Gunn and Peter Safran at DC Studios, raises the question of whether Oliver Queen will join heroes like Superman and Batman in the updated cinematic universe. Gunn himself commented during the Peacemaker: The Official Podcast, sharing,
“[Green Arrow is] not part of [the DCU’s] system right now, so maybe Green Arrow exists, maybe he doesn’t.”
– James Gunn, Co-CEO of DC Studios. This ambiguity leaves possibilities open for the Green Arrow’s inclusion, either with Amell or another actor in the role.
Potential New Directions and Casting Possibilities
As an established member of the Justice League in DC Comics, Green Arrow’s return in the DCU would be a welcome addition for many longtime fans. Now at 44, Stephen Amell could offer a more mature and seasoned version of Oliver Queen, capturing both nostalgia and new narrative territory. Alongside him, fans have suggested actors such as Sam Claflin, Austin Butler, Charlie Hunnam, and Garrett Hedlund, reflecting the broad interest in the character’s next chapter. The introduction of the Green Arrow could enable fresh, street-level, and politically relevant stories, and provide space for a new Justice League formation within the evolving DCU.
The Impact of the Arrowverse and Fan Experience
Stephen Amell’s portrayal helped redefine the modern DC television landscape, turning Arrow into the anchor of an entire interconnected universe of shows. The Arrowverse’s influence on the depiction of superheroes has been lasting, nurturing deep connections between fans and fictional figures. According to one reflective note,
“13 Years Ago, the Arrowverse Changed a DC Hero Forever (Will They Ever Recover?)”
– Source, Arrowverse Retrospective. This legacy adds layers of expectation for any reappearance of Oliver Queen, as viewers remember the emotional resonance between character and audience through events shared across families and friends.
What Comes Next for the Green Arrow?
Fans and industry watchers wait for official word on whether the James Gunn DCU Green Arrow will arise in upcoming films or series. Stephen Amell’s public affection for the role and its fandom signals that, if given the opportunity, he would consider resuming his journey as Oliver Queen. Meanwhile, the search for casting and narrative directions continues, drawing attention from both those who grew up with the Arrowverse and newcomers to the franchise. Whether played by Amell or someone new, the character’s potential DCU arrival could usher in innovative thematic directions, reinvigorating the Justice League and continuing Arrow’s legacy for a new era of viewers.
