Why Did Stephen Amell Want Arrow to End?

Stephen Amell, best known for his portrayal of Oliver Queen in the critically acclaimed and popular television series Arrow, has expressed a desire to see the show end. This article explores the reasons behind his decision, focusing on creative integrity, character growth, and new opportunities. Additionally, we will discuss the current state of Arrow and the impact of the Arrowverse on the show's narrative.

Stephen Amell's Reasoning for Ending Arrow

Creative Conclusion: Among the primary reasons Stephen Amell desired for Arrow to conclude is a sense of creative integrity. Amell felt that the storyline had reached a natural and satisfying conclusion. He emphasized the importance of ending on a high note, respecting the characters and their audience. With the narrative having reached its peak, Amell saw it as the right time to bring an end to the show.

Character Growth: Over the years, Oliver Queen underwent significant character development. Amell was keen on seeing a resolution to this growth, allowing the character to reach a definitive endpoint. The actor believed that continuing the series would dilute the impact of Oliver's journey and possibly mire the storyline in uninteresting plot twists.

New Opportunities: Another reason behind Amell's decision was his desire to pursue new projects and roles. Ending Arrow allowed him the freedom to explore other opportunities in acting and production. The long-standing commitment to Arrow meant that he needed to make a fresh start in order to challenge himself creatively and professionally.

Stephen Amell Does Not Want Arrow to End

Contrary to recent speculations and rumors, Stephen Amell himself does not seem to favor a prolonged continuation of Arrow. He has expressed concerns about the show's direction and quality, particularly in the latter seasons.

Physical and Emotional Strain: Staying with a show for such a long period, especially in a demanding role, can be emotionally and physically draining. Although the exact age of Stephen Amell is not specified, he has been a part of Arrow for around eight years, which is a considerable commitment.

Quality of the Show: The quality of the Arrow series has certainly taken a hit over the years. The fourth season was particularly criticized for its poor quality, and while the earlier seasons were outstanding, the final seasons did not live up to the original promise. This decline in quality has likely contributed to Amell's decision.

Arrow in the Arrowverse

Arrow is now part of the larger Arrowverse, a multiverse that includes several properties such as The Flash, Supergirl, and Batwoman. The storyline of Arrow is affected by the overarching narrative of the Arrowverse. The Crisis on Infinite Earths event, which had high stakes and significant consequences, likely played a role in the decision to end Arrow.

As the Arrowverse has shifted from the initial focus on the island to the multiverse, the narrative has become more intricate and complex. The Crisis event required some sacrificial elements to maintain the show's impact, including a possible major death, which would further affect the storyline.

Conclusion

Stephen Amell's desire to conclude Arrow was a combination of creative integrity, character growth, and the realization that it was time to move on and explore new opportunities. The quality decline of the show, physical and emotional strain, and the shifting dynamics of the Arrowverse also contributed to this decision.