Stephen Amell Voices Discontent Over Green Arrow’s Portrayal in Peacemaker

Stephen Amell critiques Peacemaker's portrayal of Green Arrow, highlighting his frustration with the Arrowverse's treatment compared to the DCEU, and expresses his dedication to his role while clarifying the absence of personal animosity towards John Cena.
SummaryStephen Amell, known for his role in the Arrowverse, discussed his displeasure regarding the portrayal of Green Arrow in the Peacemaker TV show, part of the DC Extended Universe. Amell criticized the perceived disrespect towards the Arrowverse compared to the DCEU, expressing frustration over the years of negative comparisons despite the Arrowverse’s significant impact on modern DC media. He highlighted the challenges of portraying a superhero without powers and clarified that his disappointment is not personal against John Cena, who stars in Peacemaker. Amell’s reaction was sparked by a humorous but unflattering mention of Green Arrow in the Peacemaker finale. While the future of Green Arrow in James Gunn’s DC Universe is uncertain, fans await more news on Peacemaker’s second season and the broader DC Universe.

Stephen Amell’s Response to Peacemaker’s Green Arrow Portrayal

Stephen Amell recently shared his thoughts on the depiction of Green Arrow in the Peacemaker TV show within the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). As one of the few television series branching from the DCEU’s cinematic timeline, Peacemaker follows John Cena’s character from The Suicide Squad. Garnering significant success, Peacemaker is slated for a second season, now integrated into James Gunn’s DC Universe.

During an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Amell discussed his reaction to Peacemaker season 1’s satire involving Green Arrow. He expressed frustration over the Arrowverse’s treatment compared to the DCEU, stating:

> “That was a little unnecessary. I didn’t fing appreciate that at all. Okay. I am just going to come right out and say this. There was just such…between the movies and Peacemaker a little bit…our show was kind of treated like s*t. I get it, we’re on The CW, I get it, it’s TV.”

Amell further elaborated on the perceived disrespect, highlighting the Arrowverse’s impact on contemporary DC media:

> “But I also get the fact that when people think about the most recent iteration of DC, they don’t think about the Snyder Cut – they think about the Arrowverse. We got cd on for years, and years, and years, and this just seemed excessive. I’m not actually mad, but I just remember hearing that and just being like, ‘F those guys,’ like seriously.”

He emphasized the dedication required to portray a superhero without powers across 23 episodes annually:

> “I’m up here. I’m working just as hard as anyone else. Do you know how hard it is to play a superhero with no superpowers for 23 episodes a year? It’s really, really, really hard, and I’m not looking for a prize, but, like, maybe don’t st on our show.”

Amell concluded by clarifying his stance, noting that his ire isn’t personal, particularly towards John Cena:

> “If I should be mad at anyone, it should be James Gunn for writing that in the first place. But [John Cena] could not be a nicer guy. It’s not a personal vendetta against [Cena].”

Stephen Amell’s Original Peacemaker Reaction Explained

In the Peacemaker season 1 finale, Oliver Queen, or Green Arrow, receives his inaugural mention in the DCEU. The reference, however, is less than flattering, as Peacemaker quips about the hero attending Brony conventions in costume, humorously suggesting a costume modification that was less than dignified. While this was more indicative of Peacemaker’s irreverent style than a factual representation, it didn’t sit well with everyone.

Amell was queried on Twitter (now X) about his thoughts on the Green Arrow mention in Peacemaker. His response was succinct and pointed, referencing his wrestling show, Heels:

> “Haven’t seen it. Too busy showing Cena what professional wrestling should actually look like on tv.”

The future of Green Arrow in James Gunn’s DC Universe remains uncertain. With characters like the Green Lanterns and Booster Gold set to appear, there’s potential for a new live-action adaptation of Oliver Queen. Fans eagerly await updates on Peacemaker’s second season and the broader DC Universe developments.

Peacemaker

  • Adventure
  • Comedy
  • Action

John Cena stars as Christopher Smith, AKA the titular Peacemaker in James Gunn's spin-off/sequel TV series to The Suicide Squad. Set after the film's events, Peacemaker follows the misguided hero with a vanity complex but believes in peace, no matter how large the body count he has to rack up to get it. Having survived his mission in the Suicide Squad (Aka Task Force X), he's been enlisted again to join a new team and save the world. With his blade eagle sidekick, Eagly, Peacemaker will embark on a misguided quest for peace as he fights to do the right thing - as wrongly as possible. 

Cast
Steve Agee, Christopher Heyerdahl, Jennifer Holland, Annie Chang, John Cena, Chukwudi Iwuji, Danielle Brooks, Robert Patrick, Lochlyn Munro, Chris Conrad
Release Date
January 13, 2022
Seasons
1
Network
HBO Max
Streaming Service(s)
HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video
Franchise(s)
DC Extended Universe
Showrunner
James Gunn

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          Source: Chris Van Vliet/YouTube

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