Should Grant Gustin & Stephen Amell Join James Gunn's DC Universe? Here's What They've Revealed!
Both The Flash and Arrow have had enduring runs on television, but what are the stars' thoughts on joining James Gunn's DC Universe? Find out what Grant Gustin and Stephen Amell have said about the exciting prospect!
Arrowverse stars Grant Gustin and Stephen Amell have both shared their thoughts on the potential of reprising their roles as their iconic heroes in James Gunn's DC Universe. However, it is debatable whether their return would be beneficial for the franchise. Amell's portrayal of Oliver Queen is considered one of the most significant castings in comic book adaptations, akin to Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Through his role in Arrow, Amell played a pivotal part in establishing the interconnected DC TV universe known as the Arrowverse, which continued to thrive even after the conclusion of Arrow's eight-season run in 2020.
Although not the first hero in the Arrowverse, Grant Gustin's portrayal of Barry Allen as The Flash has arguably become one of the most beloved characters in the shared universe. Gustin initially appeared in two episodes of Arrow season 2, forging a connection between his Barry Allen and Amell's Oliver Queen. Subsequently, Gustin headlined The Flash for nine seasons, with the series ultimately serving as the conclusion to the Arrowverse in the previous year. The conclusion of the Arrowverse in 2023 coincided with the imminent arrival of the DC Universe's movies and series. Fans have expressed a desire for Amell and Gustin to reprise their roles in the DCU, prompting the stars to voice their thoughts on the possibility.
The Flash’s Grant Gustin Trusts James Gunn
Gunn Has Debunked Gustin Return Rumors
Grant Gustin's Barry Allen speeds off in The Flash's finale - Gunn Has Debunked Gustin Return Rumors - The Flash’s Grant Gustin Trusts James Gunn
Gustin's trust in Gunn is well-placed, as the director has only helmed fan-favorite superhero projects for both Marvel and DC.
Gustin was noticeably absent from a cameo in one of DC's movies, despite The Flash in the DCEU utilizing the multiverse to feature past DC actors. This absence added to the criticism faced by the DCEU film, especially after Ezra Miller's Flash had a surprising interaction with Gustin's Barry Allen in the Arrowverse's Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover. Despite missing out on a multiverse role in the DCEU, Gustin is in high demand to reprise his role as the Flash, expressing his willingness to join the DCU if given the opportunity.
Gustin expressed admiration for the DCU's creative head, James Gunn, stating, "Yeah, if James Gunn asked me, I would. I trust James Gunn. He hasn't, for the record." Gustin's confidence in Gunn is well-founded, as the director has successfully worked on beloved superhero projects for both Marvel and DC. While Gustin is eager to portray the DCU's Flash under Gunn's direction, it seems unlikely as Gunn dispelled rumors of Gustin's return, clarifying that he simply followed Gustin on social media due to his appreciation for him as an actor.
Arrow’s Stephen Amell Wants To See Footage First
The Green Arrow Actor Would Also Return For The DCU
Stephen Amell as Green Arrow in The Flash Season 9 Episode 9 - The Green Arrow Actor Would Also Return For The DCU - Arrow’s Stephen Amell Wants To See Footage First
Amell, unlike Gustin, shows hesitance towards returning as Green Arrow in the new DC Universe. He has expressed the need to see some footage before committing to reprising his role, stating, "Can we see one minute of film first? Yeah, I’d do it." The actor stands firm on his position of wanting to evaluate the DCU's upcoming projects before making any decisions about a potential Green Arrow comeback.
Amell expressed his thoughts in an interview with MovieWeb, once again mentioning his desire to see footage from a DCU movie before committing to a return. He delved deeper into the topic, emphasizing his love for playing Oliver Queen and stating that being in the cinematic universe wouldn't define the character's significance for him. Despite being open to reprising his role if asked, the actor is content with the 170 episodes of Arrow and is comfortable with the idea of leaving things as they are. Here is the full quote from Amell:
"I don't know. I think it would be really helpful to maybe see like a frame of footage from one of the movies before I decide if I want to be a part of it. Because I loved playing Oliver Queen, and I don't feel like being in the cinematic universe would validate that character. You know, we did eight seasons, we did 170 episodes, and I wouldn't change a thing. So, you know, if he calls, great, if he doesn't, fine!"
Why The Flash & Green Arrow Should Be Recast For The DCU
The Arrowverse Stars Could Return In Another Way
Stephen Amell's Green Arrow and Grant Gustin's Barry Allen - The Arrowverse Stars Could Return In Another Way - Why The Flash & Green Arrow Should Be Recast For The DCU
It would be best for the new DC universe to start fresh with the Flash and Green Arrow, despite Gustin and Amell being open to returning as their Arrowverse characters for Gunn's DCU. The DCU has already recast Henry Cavill's Superman, with David Corenswet taking on the role. Gunn's DCU needs to distance itself from the underperforming final movies of the DCEU and avoid carrying over any negative baggage. While Amell and Gustin's DC characters are adored, the Arrowverse saw a decline in its later years, which is something the DCU should steer clear of.
Enlisting new actors for other prominent Arrowverse heroes, such as Milly Alcock's casting as Supergirl, without bringing back their supporting casts could lead to audience confusion. Adding the two fan-favorite stars but not bringing back their supporting casts or enlisting new actors for other prominent Arrowverse heroes — such as Milly Alcock's casting as the DCU's Supergirl ruling out Melissa Benoist's Kara Danvers return — could lead to audience confusion. The DCU starting fresh with new actors as the Flash and Green Arrow allows the universe to put its own spin on the heroes, perhaps even going for a more comic book-accurate route than the Arrowverse did. Besides, Gustin and Amell could always return for a DC Universe multiverse movie or an Elseworlds project.
Editor's P/S:
The article delves into the potential return of Grant Gustin and Stephen Amell as The Flash and Green Arrow, respectively, in James Gunn's DC Universe. While Gustin expresses enthusiasm for the prospect, Amell is more cautious, seeking to evaluate the DCU's output before committing. The article argues that the DCU would benefit from fresh starts for these characters, citing the declining quality of the Arrowverse later on.
However, the article also acknowledges the actors' popularity and the possibility of their return in alternative ways. It suggests that Gustin and Amell could appear in multiverse or Elseworlds projects, allowing the DCU to capitalize on their fan appeal without detracting from its new direction. This approach would allow the DCU to honor the actors' contributions while simultaneously crafting a distinct and cohesive universe.
