Arrowverse Star's Unexpected Role on the Front Lines Amidst Strike Controversy

Highlights

Arrow star Stephen Amell was seen on the picket line in New York after making and retracting controversial comments about the SAG-AFTRA strike.

Amell's appearance at the picket line supports his union endorsement and his intention to commemorate the television series he wholeheartedly committed to. Some people speculate that Amell's conduct might have been influenced, bringing up worries about suppressing the voices of union members.

Stephen Amell, the star of Arrow, was seen actively participating in the picketing outside Hollywood studios following his controversial remarks about the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. Arrow first premiered on The CW network in 2012 and quickly gained popularity, giving rise to the Arrowverse franchise. This interconnected universe of TV shows and crossover events features characters and storylines originating from DC Comics. The series revolved around the protagonist, Oliver Queen, who transforms into a vigilante known as the Green Arrow after a life-altering experience on a deserted island. Despite receiving positive reception from fans, the show concluded in 2020. However, Amell has expressed his desire to potentially revisit the character with a darker approach.

Amell has experienced significant success during and after his time on Arrow, particularly in the wrestling drama Heels. However, he recently gained attention when he was seen at the forefront of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. Variety reported that Amell was captured on camera at the picket line in New York City. In contrast, his former Arrow colleagues, including actors Kirk Acevedo, Katie Cassidy, Juliana Harkavy, and executive producers Marc Guggenheim and Wendy Mericle, reunited on the picket line in Burbank.

Amell's appearance at the picket line was something that many anticipated, especially after the Arrow actor seemed to initially oppose the Actors Guild strike. However, he quickly retracted his comments after facing backlash from online commentators and other SAG-AFTRA members who misunderstood his statements. "I am simply disappointed that we won't have the opportunity to celebrate a show that all of us put a tremendous amount of effort into... For the foreseeable future, I choose to support my union," the actor clarified. "If you see me on a picket line, please refrain from throwing any hard fruit."

Amell stayed true to his promise and joined the picket line, capturing attention from the online community and fellow actors with his fruit-remains-free photographs. By backing up his words with actions, Amell has likely put an end to any doubts about his stance on the matter. His actions could serve as a blueprint for Zachary Levi, another DC actor who faced criticism for complaining about the SAG-AFTRA Strike. Despite making critical remarks about the strike at a fan event and then retracting them, Levi has yet to make any demonstrations of solidarity to resolve the issue.

Amell's actions indicate where his loyalties lie during the ongoing double strike by the actors and writers guild. However, some speculate online, whether jokingly or genuinely, that Amell may have been coerced into his apparent change of heart. Given the past controversies involving the unions, including instances of actor conflicts and SAG-AFTRA striking a new deal despite internal disagreements, the notion of a hard-working union member being silenced in any way may raise concerns for some.

Arrow is available for streaming on The CW and Netflix.

Source: Variety