Written By Kieran Bugg • U.K. Editor
Arrowverse star Stephen Amell has recently spoke out on James Gunn’s plans for the DCU and he made some pretty valid points. After 10 years, several shows and multiple crossovers, producer Greg Berlanti’s Arrowverse reached its end with the final season of The Flash.
Beginning with 2012’s Arrow, the CW’s superhero franchise unintentionally became DC’s most successful attempt at a shared live-action universe. Arrow launched to universal acclaim from critics and fans becoming the network’s biggest show at the time. Leading actor Amell quickly cemented himself as the best adaptation of Oliver Queen to date.
The show did, however, receive some criticism for its dark and gritty take on DC’s emerald archer. In the comics, Green Arrow was always known for being a much more wittier character.
As time went by, Amell ended up defining the character. Arrow remained popular throughout its eight season run and thankfully ended on a satisfying note.
While the DCEU was struggling to even take off, the Arrowverse was soaring. Following Arrow’s success, the CW green lit a spin-off series based on The Flash.
Glee’s Grant Gustin was cast as Barry Allen and made his debut appearance on Arrow before starring his own show. Like Arrow, The Flash was a huge hit; it eventually led to even more series set in this continuity. Furthermore, they would all come together for annual crossover events.
Arrowverse Star Critical Of James Gunn For Bias Against DC TV
Image: Warner Bros. Discovery
The Flash only recently concluded with its ninth season, which ultimately left fans feeling disappointed. Originally, the program was intended to return for a tenth season. In addition, this would’ve led to one last massive crossover event if this had happened.
It was revealed that there were plans to adapt to the Blackest Night storyline for the Arrowverse. This also would’ve seen certain characters return from the dead. Including Amell’s Green Arrow, who died during the events of the Arrowverse’s Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover.
Nonetheless, the restructuring of DC following Warner Bros.’ merger with Discovery signaled the end for the long-running multiverse.
Due to the CW’s sale to Nextstar and budget cuts, the Arrowverse met its sad end. This was also to make way for James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DCU. This will consist of various live-action films, TV shows, animated series, and video games.
Recently Amell gave an honest critique on this new direction for DC and their beloved characters. He felt that the Arrowverse and it’s lasting impact was mostly ignored and disregarded by Gunn and Safran.
Ezra Miller, who portrays The Flash in the DCEU, made a surprise cameo opposite Grant Gustin during Crisis on Infinite Earths. However. Gustin wasn’t featured in Miller’s solo Flash movie which featured plethora of cameos from DC’s history, including dead actors.
During a fan signing, Amell was asked about what his thoughts were.
Arrowverse Star Critical Of James Gunn For Bias Against DC TV
Image: Warner Bros. Discovery
Speaking up for all those who worked on the Arrowverse over the last decade, the actor said:
I don’t know, man. I don’t know. Those guys… the DCEU, they need to decide if they think that they’re better than television or if they want to participate. Because I get mixed messages, which to me just signals that, I don’t know. You guys do your own thing. We did our thing. We don’t… I mean… Listen, as of right now, first of all, I wish everyone nothing but the best. I want nothing more than amazing movies, but right now, they need us a lot more than we need them.
After the box-office failures of Black Adam, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, and now The Flash, there remains skepticism that Gunn and Safran can repair a sinking boat.
Although they inherited those flops from Walter Hamada’s previous DC Films regime, Safran did produce the Shazam! sequel so he does have his fingerprints on yet another DC theatrical disaster.
