Summary
Stephen Amell's initial reaction to the meme of Grant Gustin next to Oliver Queen's grave was harsh, as he told everyone who reuses it to "kindly f-ck off."
Grant Gustin's recent recreation of the meme at a convention has given an even stronger impression of Amell's harsh reaction. Despite Amell's disapproval, the meme featuring Gustin by the grave has gained considerable popularity and become cherished within the legacy of Arrow.
Grant Gustin's recreation of the meme, where he poses next to Oliver Queen's grave on the set of Arrow, brings attention to Stephen Amell's harsh initial reaction. The Arrow series finale focused on the aftermath of Oliver Queen's death during the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover. Due to the interconnected nature of the Arrowverse, it was logical for characters like Barry Allen (played by Gustin) to be present at Oliver's funeral, leading to the creation of the meme.
Arrow's most memorable episodes often involved crossovers with The Flash, as Oliver Queen shared a close friendship with Barry Allen. However, despite the significance of the Green Arrow series in launching the entire Arrowverse, Amell did not appreciate the meme-ification of his character's burial. In 2021, Amell responded to the Arrow grave meme.
Why Stephen Amell's The Flash Meme Reaction Is Harsher Now
: In a rather direct and explicit manner, Amell expressed his strong disapproval towards anyone who dares to repurpose this photo. The actor's precise sentiments about the viral meme may not have been explicitly stated, yet it is quite evident that Amell harbors no appreciation for its widespread popularity and continuous utilization on the internet. Significantly, with the emergence of a new photo featuring Gustin, the intensity of Amell's reaction now appears even more severe.Gustin recently participated in a convention photo opportunity where he recreated the famous meme of himself alongside Oliver Queen's grave. During the event, a fan dressed as the grave, while Gustin playfully crouched beside him. With a raised hand making a peace sign, Gustin appeared to be in fits of laughter as the photo was taken. This lighthearted recreation not only adds humor to the original meme but also places Gustin in the group of individuals whom Amell humorously instructed to "kindly f-ck off."
The Flash Next To Oliver Queen’s Grave Meme Explained
: Undoubtedly, Amell probably never had any intentions of including Gustin, or any other co-stars, in his genuine reaction to the meme. However, in hindsight, Amell's unfavorable response to the Oliver Queen grave meme appears even more severe, especially considering the jovial demeanor Gustin displays in the recent photo alongside fans. It's possible that after nearly two years since Amell's initial reaction, he has warmed up to the meme, or at the very least, he does not hold any resentment towards Gustin for reenacting it. Nevertheless, without any additional insights from the actor, Amell's current sentiments regarding the meme remain uncertain.Gustin's original photo by Oliver Queen's grave was shared on Instagram by Arrow star Echo Kellum in January 2020. The post included other cast members like Katie Cassidy, Juliana Harkavy, and Rick Gonzalez. Even though the original post was deleted, a screenshot can still be found on Know Your Meme. The photo itself has been edited numerous times and turned into various memes. The unedited version of this meme regained popularity earlier this year when Amell voiced his criticism of the SAG-AFTRA strike. Despite Amell's lack of enthusiasm towards the meme's popularity, it has now become an integral part of Arrow's legacy. Fans will undoubtedly continue to use and appreciate it.