Stephen Amell, known for his role as Oliver Queen in the CW series Arrow, has expressed his discontent with the dark comedic tone of Peacemaker, the spin-off series starring John Cena as Christopher Smith. Premiering in January 2022, Peacemaker follows Smith as he embarks on covert missions with a black-ops team after surviving severe injuries. Despite its popularity for irreverent humor and action, Amell feels the show has disrespected his character.
Amell reacted to a particular episode in which Peacemaker targets several DC superheroes, including Green Arrow. Cena’s character made a disparaging remark, suggesting that Green Arrow “goes to brony conventions dressed as the back half of Twilight.” Amell found the jab unnecessary, stating, “That was a little unnecessary. I didn’t f***ing appreciate that at all.” He elaborated on his feelings, noting that Arrow had been poorly treated within the broader context of the DC universe, particularly compared to the films and Peacemaker.
Amell emphasized the hard work that went into Arrow, which ran for eight seasons, and lamented its lack of recognition. “We got crapped on for years… I’m not actually mad, but I just remember hearing that and just being like, ‘F*** those guys,'” he said. The actor pointed out the challenges of portraying a superhero without superpowers over 23 episodes a year, underscoring the dedication required for the role.
This isn’t the first time Amell has responded to Peacemaker’s critique of Green Arrow. In an earlier social media post, he remarked on being preoccupied with demonstrating what professional wrestling should look like on TV, a nod to his role in Starz’s Heels.
Amell’s protectiveness over his character is understandable, given that his portrayal of Green Arrow significantly shaped the Arrowverse, which has given rise to multiple spin-offs like Supergirl and Legends of Tomorrow. While he acknowledges that Arrow faced criticism, particularly in later seasons, he maintains that the show earned a dedicated fanbase and is deserving of respect within the DC legacy. As Amell continues to advocate for Arrow, his commitment to his role remains evident, solidifying his place as a beloved figure in the Arrowverse.
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