Stephen Amell recently looked back on his seven-year journey as Oliver Queen in Arrow, the series that launched the Arrowverse and changed superhero TV forever. In a candid interview, Amell opened up about the challenges of long shoots, social media criticism, and the legacy of Arrow.
Stephen Amell on His Time in Arrow
Amell on the Challenges of Playing Oliver Queen:
“The first two or three years of Arrow, I was gripping so tight. I was white-knuckling it. The hours were long. By the time we got to the fifth episode of the first season, I’d worked more on that show than I’d ever worked on anything in my life.”
Key Takeaways from Amell’s Reflection:
- Grueling work schedule: Arrow filmed almost year-round, making it an intense commitment.
- Social media pressure: Amell tried to “police” online criticism but realized it was a losing battle.
- Personal growth: Over time, Amell adapted and matured, learning to handle the demands of leading a major TV series.
What Amell’s Comments Reveal About Arrow
Network Superhero Shows Demand More Than Streaming Shows
Unlike modern DC series like Peacemaker and The Penguin, which have shorter seasons and bigger budgets, network TV shows like Arrow and The Flash had 22+ episodes per season. This meant:
- Longer filming schedules for actors and crews.
- Lower budgets spread across more episodes.
- Bigger crossovers, requiring coordination across multiple series (Crisis on Earth-X, Elseworlds, Crisis on Infinite Earths).
The Arrowverse Lasted a Decade, But Amell Left at the Right Time
- Arrow concluded in 2020, while The Flash and Supergirl continued for a few more years.
- Amell’s exit allowed his legacy to be honored, making Oliver Queen’s sacrifice in Crisis on Infinite Earths meaningful.
- With James Gunn’s new DCU replacing both the Arrowverse and DCEU, Amell stepped away before burnout set in.
Our Take: Stephen Amell’s Exit Was Perfectly Timed
While Amell could have stayed longer, leaving at the peak of Arrow’s legacy ensured that Oliver Queen’s story ended on a high note. He left before the franchise declined and gave fans a memorable and emotional farewell.
Why Fans Should Appreciate Amell’s Time as Green Arrow:
- He carried the entire Arrowverse, making DC TV a global phenomenon.
- His dedication to stunts and fight choreography set a new standard for superhero TV.
- Oliver Queen’s story had a satisfying conclusion, something many characters never get.
