CW's "Arrow" series

Any ARROW intel? — Mikey
The TV Addict: SMALLVILLE fans who are still in mourning over their dearly departed Superman series will be pleased to discover that ARROW isn’t wasting anytime when it comes to bringing familiar faces back into the fold. Less pleased, will be actress Keri Lynn Pratt, who it appears will have to re-audition for the role of Cat Grant that producers have re-imagined as a sexy TMZ-style reporter who appears in the ARROW pilot to cover the unexpected reappearance of Oliver Queen.

Cat Grant In The Arrow Pilot? Keri Lynn Pratt? Not So F as t…

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There was a report recently at the very reliable TV Addict website stating that producers are casting for the DC Comics character Cat Grant in the Arrow pilot.

Here is EXACTLY what the site said:

SMALLVILLE fans who are still in mourning over their dearly departed Superman series will be pleased to discover that ARROW isn’t wasting anytime when it comes to bringing familiar faces back into the fold. Less pleased, will be actress Keri Lynn Pratt, who it appears will have to re-audition for the role of Cat Grant that producers have re-imagined as a sexy TMZ-style reporter who appears in the ARROW pilot to cover the unexpected reappearance of Oliver Queen.

Somehow, for some this has translated to “Keri Lynn Pratt is going to be in the Arrow pilot as Cat Grant!”

Pratt played the role in the final season of Smallville, from 2010 to 2011.

Here’s the problem with that: the author of the piece, the titular TV Addict, was making a comment that if she wanted it, Pratt would have to re-audition… mostly, it seems he was saying that they’d go for someone new, and anyone else would have to try for it as well.

Secondly, while the role was listed as “Cat Grant” in at least one draft of the Arrow pilot script, later revisions have just referred to her as a reporter, not by name. It is possible that there are licensing restrictions on using Cat Grant for Arrow, as she is a character originally created for Superman comics and it is likely that her creator (Marv Wolfman?) would be owed royalties if it were to be her. Since it’s such a small role that “Easter egg” might not be worth it unless this reporter were to have a full appearance in an entire episode. As far as we can remember, Cat Grant has never been an active member of the Arrow mythology in the comics —they may not have even met —so, it might not be a battle worth fighting.

Additionally, we are hearing that the Arrow casting people are purposely avoiding casting Smallville actors, at least for now… if we’re going to see any – and being Vancouver, it’s bound to happen eventually! – it probably won’t happen as early as the first episode, and certainly wouldn’t be with the same actor playing the same character.

Our apologies for bursting any bubbles… here at GreenArrowTV we really want to be a definitive source for Arrow news and information, and the last thing we want to do is to see people guided the wrong direction… especially when, in a case like this, the original words were clear enough, but some just took it in the wrong way.

(Besides. Emilie Ullerup was the better Cat on Smallville anyway )

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Paul Blackthorne & Jamey Sheridan Join The Arrow Pilot

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Two more actors have joined The CW’s Green Arrow pilot Arrow.

Paul Blackthorne, currently one of the best parts of The River and late of the Dresden FilesTV series –will be playing Laurel Lance’s father, Detective Quentin Lance. He’s described as a “gruff, determined city detective” who believes true justice comes only from law and order. Oh yeah, and it’s up to him to bring the vigilante, The Arrow, to justice. Oops.

He’ll be formally billed as a “guest star” as his casting is in “second position” to The River — meaning, if The River gets a second season they’ll likely have to recast.

Blackthorne has a comic book connection, too – he recently voiced Metallo in the DC Entertainment direct-to-DVD feature Justice League: Doom.

Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Homeland actor Jamey Sheridan has also been cast in the pilot as Robert Queen, Oliver’s father. Deadline notes that the role may be recurring, but – spoiler warning! – it doesn’t seem like Robert is going to be around very long, unless it’s flashbacks.

The news was revealed by Deadline today.
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Salmon cast in CW's 'Arrow' pilot
Berlanti, WBTV behind comicbook adaptation
By Stuart Levine
British thesp Colin Salmon has joined CW pilot "Arrow."
"Arrow," which is based on the DC Comics book "Green Arrow," is being produced by Warner Bros. Television and Berlanti Prods.

Premise involves former billionaire playboy Oliver Queen, who after being marooned for five years on a deserted island, returns with a mysterious agenda and lethal set of new skills that he uses in a war on crime.

Stephen Amell was previously cast for the lead role of Oliver Queen. Greg Berlanti is writing and exec producing with Marc Guggenheim and Andrew Kreisberg. David Nutter is directing the pilot and also receives exec producer credit.

Salmon will play Walter Steele, a former business associate of the late Robert Queen and the No. 2 executive at Queen Consolidated. He married Moira Queen following her husband's death at sea and the disappearance of her son, Oliver.

On the bigscreen, Salmon recently wrapped "Resident Evil: Retribution," reprising his role from the first film

Salmon is repped by Steven Siebert at Lighthouse Entertainment and Curtis Brown Group.

Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Shooting For The Arrow Pilot Begins!
Craig Byrne March 9, 2012 0
The CW’s Green Arrow TV pilot, Arrow, begins shooting on Saturday, March 10!

It sounds like the cast and crew are ready to make some magic. As a bonus – DC Entertainment’s Geoff Johns has confirmed on Twitter that he is up in Vancouver for the action.

To any cast or crew who may be reading – best of luck! Remember you can send any anonymous tips about the filming here.

Castle home to the Arrow

Royal Roads landmark to be featured in pilot for superhero series

By Michael D. Reid, Times Colonist March 13, 2012



Archery wasn't on the agenda at Royal Roads University last time we checked, but apparently it will be soon.

The university's historic centrepiece, Hatley Castle, will face the cameras later this month, we have learned, for two days of filming on Arrow, the CW network's pilot for a new series inspired by DC Comics' long-running Green Arrow franchise.

Produced by Warner Bros. TV in association with Berlanti Productions, the hour-long modern retelling stars Stephen Amell (Hung, Queer as Folk) as Oliver Queen, the former billionaire playboy who, after being marooned on a desert island for five years, returns with a mysterious new agenda and lethal skills he uses in his war on crime.

The legendary Robin Hood-like crimefighter was previously played on the network by Justin Hartley from 2006 to 2011 in Smallville, the long-running Superman-inspired series that ended its 10-year run last year and inspired the spinoff.

Network star Katie Cassidy (Gossip Girl, Supernatural) has been cast as Laurel, a young attorney ostensibly based on Dinah Lance, the comic-book character whose superhero moniker is Black Canary. The daughter of pop star David Cassidy was a familiar face around town last year while here to star in Kyle Mann's untitled thriller, formerly known as The New Girl.

Law & Order: Criminal Intent alumnus Jamey Sheridan, most recently seen in HBO's Game Change and Showtime's Homeland as U.S. vicepresident William Walden, has also joined the cast as Robert Queen, the vigilante crimefighter's father.

The growing cast also features Susanna Thompson (Once & Again) as Oliver's mother; David Ramsey (Dexter) as his private security guard; and British actor Colin Salmon (Resident Evil) in a potentially recurring role as a key executive.

The resourceful hero in CW's Green Arrow project is already being described as the Jason Bourne of superheroes.

"It's very provocative and sophisticated and edgy," CW development head Thom Sherman told Entertainment Weekly.

Sherman described the clever, physically powerful archer as a "very grounded" cross between Bourne and Rambo.

The Arrow pilot is being directed by David Nutter (Entourage, Smallville), from a script by executive producers Greg Berlanti (Everwood) and Marc Guggenheim, his collaborator on Green Lantern. The dynamic production duo joined forces with executive producer Andrew Kreisberg (Fringe, The Vampire Diaries), who they worked with on Eli Stone and other projects.

Details are being kept under wraps on local filming of the comic-book adaptation that will continue shooting in Vancouver before crews briefly relocate. Hatley Castle will reportedly masquerade as home base for the show's central character.

It won't be the first time the oceanfront edifice has hosted superheroes. Hatley Castle notably portrayed Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters in the X-Men movies, and Lex Luthor's estate in Smallville.

Royal Roads University is pleased to welcome Warner Bros., said Lorraine Burtoi, the Campus Service Division's manager of scheduling and events.

"Our ability to support filming activities creates revenue opportunities for the Greater Victoria community at large and showcases our destination worldwide," she said.

The upcoming Arrow shoot, however brief, couldn't be better timed, added Victoria film commissioner Kathleen Gilbert.

"It's been a slow start to the year so I'm extremely happy to have it shooting here," Gilbert said. "The economic impact of those few days can be substantial."

All going well, Arrow would be rolled out as part of the CW's 2012-13 season.

mreid@timescolonist.com

Charlie’s Angel Annie Ilonzeh Joins The Arrow Pilot
Craig Byrne March 12, 2012 0

Annie Illonzeh, who was one of Charlie’s Angels in last year’s reboot, has joined the cast of The CW’s Green Arrow pilot, Arrow.

Details are scarce but the news was broken in a BET article. We’re assuming that the role she is playing is “Joanna,” one of Laurel’s co-workers at CNRI. The role will be a recurring one.

With that… I think we now know all of the major roles from the Arrow pilot, save for perhaps Laurel’s sister, Sara. As always, keep an eye on GreenArrowTV for more updates!

First Image Of Superhero From ‘Arrow’ Pilot BY NELLIE ANDREEVA | Monday March 19, 2012 @ 10:15am PDT Email

The CW‘s pilot Arrow just released the first image of star Stephen Amell as (Green) Arrow. The suit was designed by three-time Oscar-winning costume designer and frequent Tim Burton collaborator Colleen Atwood (Alice In Wonderland). The project, written by Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim and Andrew Kreisberg, is based on the DC character and centers on former billionaire playboy Oliver Queen (Amell) who, after being marooned for five years on a remote island, returns with a mysterious agenda and a lethal set of new skills that he uses in a war on crime. David Nutter, who also helmed the pilot for the Superman-themed series Smallville, is directing Arrow. “When I directed the pilot for Smallville, I knew that making Clark Kent relatable would be the key to audiences believing in him as a hero,” Nutter said. “Arrow is a different show —darker and harder-edged —but it’s the same core idea. We’re creating a real, believable world in which Oliver Queen can do incredible things. Colleen Atwood’s great work on the Arrow costume reflects that effort.” Berlanti, Guggenheim, Kreisberg and Nutter are executive producing the pilot for Warner Bros and Berlanti Prods

Apologist Puncher wrote:Looks like they said:

"Let's take the 'Smallville' costume, add long sleeves and call it original! 'Smallville" WHO??"

Two More Arrow Pilot Cast Members Revealed

CRAIG BYRNE

Thanks to the person who e-mailed at our can-be-anonymous-if-you-want-it-to-be tip line, we now know of two more actors who have been cast in the Arrow pilot.

Darren Shahlavi (Ip Man 2 and “Kano” from Mortal Kombat Legacy) has been shooting for the past few days as a bad guy named Constantine Drakon. The character first appeared in the Judd Winick/Phil Hester run of Green Arrow comics in 2003.

Roger Cross (24, The Gates) also appears in the pilot as a detective.

Got any more tips? Send them our way!

Bold And The Beautiful’s Jacqueline MacInnes Wood To Appe ar In The Ar r o w Pil o t

CRAIG BYRNE

GreenArrowTV has learned that Bold And The Beautiful actress Jacqueline MacInnes Wood will be acting in the Green Arrow TV pilot, Arrow, for a few days.

The actress tweeted that she is NOT leaving the soap, so it’s likely it’s just a guest role.

So who is she playing?

One of the only major roles we haven’t heard about is the role of Sarah, Laurel’s sister who appears in scenes showing off Green Arrow’s origin. Could she work as a relative of Katie Cassidy? Or is she playing a different character? We’ll let you know if we hear anything…

UPDATE: And we did! Jacqueline has confirmed on Twitter that she will be playing Sarah Lance.

Roger Cross Will Be Playing Detective Hilton In Arrow
Craig Byrne March 29, 2012 0

Earlier, we posted that 24′s Roger Cross would be appearing in The CW’s Green Arrow pilot, Arrow… and now we have a character name.

Roger’s detective character is named Detective Hilton.

The detective partner of Quentin Lance, Hilton meets with one of the pilot’s villains, Adam Hunt, who describes the “man with a green hood and bow and arrow” who put two of his bodyguards in the hospital. The sarcastic detective (Cross) tells him he’ll put out an APB out on Robin Hood… at least, that’s how things go down in the pilot script; what we see on the air might change.

Colin Donnell Talks “Tommy Merlyn” With Broadway.com

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Colin Donnell (Tommy Merlyn) is back in New York to resume his role as Billy Crocker in Broadway’s Anything Goes, and Broadway.com caught up with the actor who talked a little bit about Merlyn and his pimped-out ride.

“[Arrow] is very real, very grounded,” Colin told the site. “[It’s] not just comic book-y. It’s a mixture of Batman Beginsmeets Jason Bourne from The Bourne Identity.” With all that action, did Colin get to do anything exciting and dangerous himself? “No,” he laughed. “But I got to lie on a wooden pallet while Stephen Amell did all that stuff, so that was pretty cool.”

Donnell’s character Tommy Merlyn did, however, get to cruise Vancouver in a $500,000 car. “[Merlyn] is a billionaire playboy, bad-boy kinda guy,” Donnell told the site. “I’m kind of a car guy, and I read in the script that he [gets] out of a Mercedes McLaren. I was like, ‘This is gonna be awesome.’” He didn’t get to drive the car, but even being IN the car was exciting “Even sitting in that thing is awesome!” he exclaimed.

The article mentions what GreenArrowTV has already told you – the decision on more Arrow doesn’t come until late May. If it goes to series, Colin and the others should be back to Vancouver in July.

You can read the entire Broadway.com article here.

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Colin Donnell wrote:“[Arrow] is very real, very grounded,” Colin told the site. “[It’s] not just comic book-y. It’s a mixture of Batman Beginsmeets Jason Bourne from The Bourne Identity.”

Kathleen Gati To Play “Raisa” In Arrow

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Add Kathleen Gati to the list of actors appearing in the Arrow pilot.

The actress, who can count 24, Alphas, and a Transformersmovie among her credits, will be playing “Raisa,” a member of the “house staff” at the Queen Mansion. Raisa and her husband, Ivan, are said to be “like grandparents” to Oliver. Once he is back home, Oliver surprises her at one point by speaking in Russian.

Comic adaptation Arrow, starring Stephen Amell as the DC hero, and The Carrie Diaries with AnnaSophia Robb as a young Carrie Bradshaw, are both considered locks for series orders among the network's eight dramas.

CW Picks Up ‘Carrie Diaries’, ‘Arrow’, ‘Cult’, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ & ‘First Cut’ To Series BY NELLIE ANDREEVA | Friday May 11, 2012 @ 2:00pm PDT Email

This The CW has made five new drama series pickups, with all early standouts making the cut. That includes the Sex And The City prequel The Carrie Diaries, the Green Arrow-themed Arrow, the contemporary reboot of the 1980s series Beauty and the Beast, mystery Cult and medical drama First Cut starring Mamie Gummer. Picking up five new scripted series is a record for the CW which, under new topper Mark Pedowitz, has vowed to increase the amount of originals on the air at any time, avoiding long spells of repeats. There had been speculation that the CW would pick up as many as 5-6 of its eight pilots to series. The sixth drama pilot that had been in serious contention but did not get a nod today was the book adaptation The Selection whose chances were boosted by its similarities to the blockbuster Hunger Games movie franchise. Were those similarities too close for comfort? The large number of new series pickups does not bode well for the CW many bubble series but a couple, like Hart of Dixie, Gossip Girl and maybe Nikita, would likely make the cut. Studio-wise, three of the five new CW series, Carrie Diaries, Arrow and Cult, hail from Warner Bros. TV, the other two from CBS TV Studios. Two of the series are co-produced by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage’s WBTV-based Fake Empire.

Based on the novels “The Carrie Diaries” and “Summer and the City” by Candace Bushnell, The Carrie Diaries was written by Amy B. Harris who is exec producing with Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage, Len Goldstein and Candace Bushnell. Miguel Arteta directed the pilot. First Cut is executive produced by Jennie Snyder Urman, Dan Jinks and Bharat Nalluri who directed the pilot. Cult was written by Rockne S. O’Bannon who is exec producing with Schwartz, Savage, Goldstein and Jason Ensler who directed the pilot.

Based on characters appearing in comic books and graphic novels published by DC Comics, Arrow is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros Television, with executive producers Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg and David Nutter. Melissa Kellner Berman is co-exec producer. The pilot was directed by David Nutter from a script by Andrew Kreisberg & Marc Guggenheim, story by Greg Berlanti & Marc Guggenheim. Beauty And The Beast is from CBS Television Studios with exective producers Jennifer Levin, Sherri Cooper, Bill Haber, Paul J. Witt & Tony Thomas, Ron Koslow ”) and Gary Fleder.