What Grant Gustin & Stephen Amell Have Said About Joining James Gunn’s DC Universe (& Should They?)

Arrowverse stars Grant Gustin and Stephen Amell have both commented on a potential return as their heroes in James Gunn’s DC Universe; however, that might not be what is best for the franchise. Amell’s casting as Oliver Queen is one of the most important castings in comic book adaptations. Like Robert Downey Jr. playing Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Amell’s turn in Arrow helped set up an entire shared DC TV universe — the Arrowverse — that would continue for years even after Arrow’s eight seasons came to an end in 2020.

While not the Arrowverse’s first hero, Gustin’s Barry Allen might have become its most popular star. The actor first appeared in two episodes of Arrow season 2, creating the link between his Barry and Amell’s Oliver. Then, Gustin got to lead The Flash for nine seasons, with the speedster’s series concluding the Arrowverse last year. The 2023 end of the Arrowverse came just a year before the first of the DC Universe’s movies and series arrives. Given their popularity, fans have requested that Amell and Gustin return in the DCU, and the stars have shared their opinions on that possibility.

The Flash’s Grant Gustin Trusts James Gunn

Gunn Has Debunked Gustin Return Rumors

Gustin could have appeared in one of DC’s movies, as the DCEU’s The Flash used the multiverse to bring in cameos from past DC movie and TV actors. However, Gustin was nowhere to be seen, which contributed to the backlash the DCEU film suffered, especially since Ezra Miller’s version of the Flash had surprisingly interacted with Gustin’s Barry Allen in the Arrowverse’s Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover. Despite missing out on a DCEU multiverse role, the Arrowverse actor is highly requested to return as the Flash, and Gustin has revealed he would join the DCU if asked.

Gustin had nothing but praise for the DCU’s creative chief, Gunn, saying, “Yeah, if James Gunn asked me, I would. I trust James Gunn. He hasn’t, for the record.” Gustin’s trust in Gunn is well-placed, as the director has only helmed fan-favorite superhero projects for both Marvel and DC. While Gustin would jump at the chance to play the DCU’s Flash if Gunn called, that might not be in the cards, as Gunn debunked a rumor that Gustin would return as the Flash, revealing he just followed Gustin on social media because he liked him as an actor.

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The Green Arrow Actor Would Also Return For The DCU

While Gustin seemingly would not think twice if asked to return as the Flash due to his trust in Gunn, Amell is more skeptical of the new DC Universe. Amell has addressed whether he would join the DCU as Green Arrow, saying, “Can we see one minute of film first? Yeah, I’d do it.” The actor would later double down on his stance of seeing footage from one of the DCU’s announced projects before making a decision about his possible Green Arrow return.

In an interview with MovieWeb, Amell once again asked to see footage from one of the DCU’s movies before making a decision. The actor also went more in-depth about his possible DCU return and what it would mean, saying, “I loved playing Oliver Queen, and I don’t feel like being in the cinematic universe would validate that character.” The actor explained that he is happy with the 170 episodes of Arrow, and while he would be open to returning for the DCU if asked, he is okay with leaving things as they stand. Check out the full quote below:

“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!”

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Why The Flash & Green Arrow Should Be Recast For The DCU

The Arrowverse Stars Could Return In Another Way

Despite Gustin and Amell both being open to returning as their Arrowverse characters for Gunn’s DCU, it would be for the best that the new universe starts fresh with the Flash and Green Arrow. The DCU has already recast Henry Cavill’s Superman, with David Corenswet playing the new Man of Steel. With the final movies of the DCEU underperforming, Gunn’s DCU already has to try to get rid of the negative baggage from that universe. While Amell and Gustin’s DC characters are beloved, the Arrowverse also waned in its final years, and the DCU does not need to handle that.

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Also, 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.

Arrow

Release Date

January 10, 2013

Cast

colin donnell , Paul Blackthorne , Willa Holland , Susanna Thompson , Katie Cassidy , David Ramsey , Stephen Amell

Seasons

8

The Flash

Release Date

October 7, 2014

Cast

Rick Cosnett , jesse l martin , Candice Patton , Tom Cavanagh , Grant Gustin , Danielle Panabaker

Seasons

9