DC Comics fans can only hope that James Gunn and Peter Safran gives us a movie that focuses on Green Arrow, and there a few actors who would nail the role.
James Gunn and Peter Safran are looking to take the DC Universe to new heights and one of the heroes that can help them do that is Green Arrow. We’ve seen Stephen Amell take on the role in The CW’s Arrow and he will forever be Oliver Queen, but if the archer appears in the DCU, there will likely be a new actor chosen to play the role.
Green Arrow is a character that has always been more politically-driven than most superheroes, and the story of Green Arrow: Year One would make for an excellent movie adaptation. In this retelling of Oliver Queen’s origins, we see a young and reckless playboy billionaire who must learn the ways of the bow and arrow to survive on an island full of danger. This story shows us how Oliver Queen transforms into the Green Arrow we know and love today.
However, it takes a special type of actor to pull off the duality of Oliver Queen and Green Arrow. Green Arrow is a character who is equal parts charming billionaire and tough-as-nails vigilante, and the actor who portrays him must be able to capture both sides of the character flawlessly.
It’s not just about looking the part, but also bringing the necessary gravitas to the role. With the right actor, Green Arrow could become a major player in the DCU, both as a standalone hero and as a member of the Justice League.
5. Glen Powell
Glen Powell is a rising star in Hollywood would would kill it as Oliver Queen. His breakout role in Top Gun: Maverick proves that he has what it takes to play a gritty hero like Green Arrow. Although he may not be a household name yet, Powell has been building an impressive resume with roles in TV and both big budget films and independent features.
One of Powell’s most notable roles was in Devotion, a critically acclaimed film about two elite US Navy fighter pilots during the Korean War. His performance as Lieutenant Tom Hudner showcased his ability to portray a hero with depth and complexity.
Powell’s range as an actor is evident in his previous roles, from playing an arrogant frat boy in Scream Queens to a philosophical college baseball player in Richard Linklater’s Everybody Wants Some! His ability to tackle both comedy and drama make him a versatile actor, perfect for a character like Green Arrow.
A lower budget film like an adaptation of Green Arrow: Year One would be the perfect opportunity for Powell to shine as the titular character. The focus on character development and story would allow him to show off his acting chops, while still delivering the action-packed moments fans expect from a superhero film.
4. Jordan Patrick Smith
Jordan Patrick Smith is an incredibly talented actor who would also be perfect for the role of Green Arrow in a lower budget film such as Green Arrow: Year One. Fans of the hit series Vikings will recognize Smith as Ubbe, the level-headed and strategic son of Ragnar Lothbrok. In Vikings, Smith proved that he can deliver a nuanced and complex performance, bringing depth to his character and making him a fan favorite.
But Vikings is not the only show where Smith has shined. He also had a standout role in the hit HBO series Lovecraft Country, playing William, a character that quickly became integral to the show’s mythology. Smith brought both charm and menace to the role, demonstrating his range as an actor and ability to portray characters with depth and complexity. Moreover, in perhaps his best known role as Andrew Robinson in Neighbours, he played the son of business tycoon Paul Robinson and had to learn a lot as he took on more responsibility.
Green Arrow: Year One is a story that focuses heavily on the character of Oliver Queen and his journey to becoming the Emerald Archer. This type of character-driven story requires an actor who can convey the duality of Oliver Queen and Green Arrow, and Jordan Patrick Smith has proven himself more than capable of doing just that. In a lower budget film where the focus is on character and not special effects, Smith could shine as Green Arrow, bringing his own unique interpretation of the character to the screen and cementing himself as a breakout star in the DCU.
Jordan Patrick Smith’s talent and range as an actor make him a strong choice for the role of Green Arrow. With the right script and direction, he could bring Oliver Queen to life in a way that stays true to the character’s comic book roots while also adding something new and exciting to the role.
3. Jake Weary
If you’re a DC Comics fan, you know that Green Arrow is one of the most interesting and unique heroes in the universe. And if you’re a fan of actor Jake Weary, you know that he has the talent and charisma to bring any character to life. So, it’s time to talk about how Weary could be the perfect choice to play Oliver Queen in a solo film and an eventual team-up with the Justice League.
Weary isn’t the most well-known actor, but he’s no stranger to playing complex and nuanced characters, as seen in his roles in Animal Kingdom and It Follows. He has the range to show both the gritty and vulnerable sides of Oliver Queen and the ability to bring out the character’s wit and humor.
But what really makes Weary a great choice for Green Arrow is his ability to capture the tone of the comics. Green Arrow is known for being socially conscious, politically active, and standing up for the little guy. Weary has shown in his roles that he can bring a sense of realism and depth to his characters, and that’s exactly what Green Arrow needs.
A Green Arrow solo film could explore the character’s roots as a wealthy playboy turned vigilante, as well as his relationships with other heroes like Black Canary and Arsenal. And with Weary in the role, it could be a breakout role for him and cement him as a leading man in Hollywood.
As for a team-up with the Justice League, Green Arrow could be the perfect addition to the team. He’s not just another powerhouse like Superman or Wonder Woman but rather brings a unique set of skills and values that could balance out the team dynamic.
2. Dacre Montgomery
This guy is a fan cast favourite for any comic book movie role. Dacre Montgomery, known for his roles in Stranger Things and the Power Rangers reboot, has the perfect blend of charisma and grit to bring Oliver Queen, aka Green Arrow, to life on the big screen. As one of the few heroes in the DC Universe without any superpowers, Green Arrow stands out for his resourcefulness, determination, and willingness to fight for the little guy.
In the comics, Green Arrow’s tone is often darker and more grounded than other DC heroes, dealing with themes of social justice, corruption, and personal struggle. Montgomery’s experience in playing complex and troubled characters makes him a perfect fit for this role, able to portray both the charm and the inner demons that make up Oliver Queen.
A solo Green Arrow film could explore the character’s past as a wealthy playboy turned vigilante, as well as his relationships with characters like Black Canary and Roy Harper. And as part of the Justice League, Green Arrow’s sharp wit and unconventional tactics could provide a unique dynamic to the team.
With his piercing blue eyes, chiseled jawline, and rugged looks, Montgomery also fits the comic book-accurate appearance of Oliver Queen. His physicality and athleticism would also allow him to pull off the impressive archery skills and acrobatics associated with the character.
All in all, Montgomery has the talent, looks, and attitude to bring Green Arrow to life in a way that’s both faithful to the comics and fresh for modern audiences. A solo Green Arrow film and a team-up with the Justice League would be an exciting addition to the DC movie universe, and with Montgomery in the lead, it would be a sure-fire hit.
1. Garrett Hedlund
Garrett Hedlund has been my personal favorite to play Oliver Queen for a while. If Gunn and Safran wanted to go a little older, he’d be great.
For those who don’t know, Hedlund has starred in several major films throughout his career, including Tron: Legacy, Pan, and Mudbound. But what makes him the perfect choice for the role of Green Arrow? Well, let’s take a look at some of his past roles.
First up, we have Sam Flynn from Tron: Legacy. Sam is a tech-savvy young man who finds himself thrown into a dangerous digital world. He’s quick on his feet, skilled in combat, and has a strong sense of justice. These are all qualities that Oliver Queen possesses as well. Queen, like Sam, is a skilled fighter who uses his knowledge and technology to take down bad guys.
Next up, we have his role as Hook from Pan. Now, you may be thinking, “Hook? But he’s a villain!” And you’d be right, but hear me out. In Pan, Hedlund plays a charming rogue who teams up with Peter Pan to take down the evil Blackbeard. He’s sarcastic, witty, and has a certain roguish charm about him that would fit perfectly with Oliver Queen’s personality. Queen is known for his quick wit and sense of humor, and Hedlund could bring that same charm to the role.
We also have Jamie McAllan from Mudbound. Jamie is a World War II veteran who returns home to Mississippi and struggles with PTSD. While this may not seem like an obvious fit for Green Arrow, it’s important to note that Oliver Queen has a complex backstory as well. In the comics, Queen is a billionaire playboy who becomes stranded on a deserted island and learns to survive on his own. He also has a troubled relationship with his father and deals with his own trauma. Hedlund’s portrayal of Jamie shows that he can handle complex characters and bring depth to their stories.
So there you have it, folks. Garrett Hedlund would make the perfect Oliver Queen/Green Arrow. He’s got the skills, the charm, and the acting chops to bring the character to life in a new and exciting way. Now, all we need is for the movie to actually happen.
Who would you like to see play Green Arrow in the DC Universe? Let us know in the comments below!