DC Comics Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns

You can watch the full video below, but a few parts of the conversation deserve to be highlighted. Johns was asked whether a character possibly being in an upcoming movie would affect their chances of having a cameo in a TV show like Arrow, or even getting their own show (like the recently passed on Wonder Woman show). Johns said the TV world and the movie world can live in harmony with no real problems:

One of the things that I thought really worked was that you have Smallville on television and Superman Returns come out in the theater, and it was fine. Nobody freaked out, nobody thought they were competing. These characters are strong enough to live in video games, animation, television, film, and so Arrow, you will see a lot of characters coming in there, you might some see more DC TV shows. Obviously that’s what everybody wants. It’s exciting, I wish we could talk more about plans, but let’s talk about it Comic-Con.

Most all of the other questions that weren’t related to comics got a “you’ll know at Comic Con” or a “Can’t talk about that” from Johns. One thing he was a little more concrete on was the fact DC could possibly use some failed movie scripts and turn them into animated films.

Finally, Johns made it sound like we can expect some movie news after Man of Steel is released and especially at this year’s Comic Con. He did state that there “are plans” for Green Lantern after that disaster of a movie. When asked about Gina Carano, who has been rumored as playing Wonder Woman ever since her and Henry Cavill started dating, Johns said”Let’s move on.” You could tell he wasn’t pleased. The lady in charge of the interview told Collider to keep it related to the comic books. Also, no real news on it but Johns said the long gestating Booster Gold show isn’t dead. What do you think about all the news and half-answers? What do you hope DC announces at Comic Con?

Cody "The Thorverine" Ferrell, Geoff Johns Teases The Future Of DC’s Movie And TV Projects

In the comics, Green Arrow and Green Lantern  have spent quite a bit of time together back during the 70s thanks to Neal Adams and Dennis O’Neil. Writer for the show, Ben Sokolowski, pitched the idea to Executive Producer Marc Guggenheim who said it really spoke to him because of his work on the Green Lantern movie that featured Ryan Reynolds. “If all goes according to plan, when you see the Ferris Air logo later in the season, it will be the same logo that we established in the movie,” he said.

What about a possible appearance from the cosmic space cop himself, or his Ferris Air CEO girlfriend Carol? While it’s highly unlikely, Guggenheim isn’t ruling it out saying, “I would never say never. It’s certainly something that we’ve talked about.” However, they have some issues with bringing in a character such as Green Lantern, because they need to make sure he fits into Arrow’s more reality based tone. Having said that Guggenheim explains, “But when you consider the importance that Hal Jordan plays in the Green Arrow comics, it’s certainly one of those names that we’ve discussed a great deal.” He even went as far as saying he does still have Ryan Reynolds phone number.

While it seems unlikely that we will ever see a Green Lantern cameo, it is nice to know that Arrow cares enough about fans to try and work things like this into the show. For the latest on all things Arrow, make sure to check back here at Comic Book Therapy.

Jake Lester, Marc Guggenheim Says “Never Say Never” On Green Lantern Appearing In Arrow

Actor John Barrowman (photo credit: Jackson Gee)

While attending the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo, actor John Barrowman dishes about his character Malcom Merlyn on the hit show Arrow and upcoming projects. Plus, he also gives his thoughts on how he would love to play a superhero one day – with a twist. 

*Confession: I am a huge fan of the TV series Torchwood and when I sat dawn with John I was extremely nervous. I completely messed up the opening (we’ll call it take one) and he was extremely nice about it, responding with: “It’s okay, I used to flub my lines all the time.” He was also very forgiving with how I worded one of my questions. So thank you for a great interview, John.

Please hit play on the audio file below to hear my interview with John Barrowman. Feel free to leave a comment after and even share this with your friends.

John Barrowman and I (aka Comic Canuck)

Photo-bombed by actor Casper van Dien! HAHAHA!

Comic Canuck, John Barrowman Speaks With CBT At The Calgary Expo

Coming on the heels of CW setting Colton Hayne’s Roy Harper and Emily Bett Rickards’ Felicity Smoak as series regulars, the network has just announced that Manu Bennett, who has been portraying Slade Wilson, will also be upped to a series regular for the recently announced second season. As it stands now, the character serves as an ally to Stephen Ammell’s Green Arrow, appearing in flashbacks to their time spent on the island together.

So far, the show’s producers have been rather vague as to weather the Bennett will transition into Wilson’s comic counterpart Deathstroke, which has seen several iterations in the series’ freshman season. Bennett is currently finishing work on the third and final season of Spartacus for Starz, where he plays Crixus.

You can catch Arrow on CW every Wednesday night. Stephen Ammell, Colton Haynes, Katie Cassidy, David Ramsey and John Barrowman star in the hit series centered on the DC Comic hero Green Arrow.

Josh "ecksmanfan" Johnson, Manu Bennett’s Slade Wilson Upped to Regular on CW’s Arrow

CW president Mark Pedowitz spoke on the renewals, saying that because Supernatural stars Jenson Ackles and Jared Padalecki both signed mulit-season deals last year, it made it much easier to renew the popular series, which has seen a bit of a resurgence thanks to its pairing with the new DC Comics based Arrow.

“We said last year that one of our goals was to establish building blocks to grow on, and now with our new hit Arrow and fan favorite Supernatural on Wednesday night, and the continued success of The Vampire Diaries on Thursday, we’ve been able to do that. Not only do Arrow, Supernatural and The Vampire Diaries perform well on-air, they’re also extremely successful for us both digitally and socially.”

The flagship series The Vampire Diaries was also renewed for a fifth season, for the teenage girls out there. Arrow gave CW its best series premier since 2009 and is currently the network’s most watched show. Supernatural has seen a 15% increase in viewership since last year. You can catch Arrow and Supernatural every Wednesday night on the CW.

Josh "ecksmanfan" Johnson, CW Renews Arrow and Supernatural

With the recent success of Arrow, it would have been easy for Lemire to incorperate some the successful parts of the show into the comic.  But he forgoes that, instead going the Daredevil: Born Again route.  Let’s tare down Ollie and build him back up.  Considering we saw Matt Fraciton do this a few times in his Invincible Iron Man run, it seems like a retread of a story.  Thankfully, Lemire doesn’t do a complete wipe clean from the previous 16 issues.  The characters are there before, and everything that happens to them has the correct emotional weight.  It would have been nice to see Lemire ease into a big arc like this, showing us how he plans on writing Ollie normally.  Ollie in a hard spot is different than Ollie relaxing on a couch.  But I’m still excited for the potential of a great Green Arrow comic.

One thing does get much more screen time is the island aspect in Ollie’s history.  It’s one of the weakest parts of Arrow, so it’s inclusion is a little disheartening.  It’s too early to decide if this was a bad decision though.  Lemire is one of the best writers at DC (although that isn’t hard to do) so he has my full faith in this book.  The final line from Magus seems to be unintentionally hilarious.  After reading #17 a few times, what I see most in this issue is potential.  I dove into Green Arrow every time the creative team changed, hoping that it would be a worthy addition to my pull list.  And every time, I was saddened that the book wasn’t that great.  With #17 though, that has changed.  Arrow was my first real foray into the character that stuck, so it’s good to see Ollie written well in multiple outlets.  My pull list each month is ever expanding

Andrea Sorrentino, who’s art on I, Vampire was stunning, pencils a great issue here.  The only problem I have on the artwork is the lack of eyes.  No, that isn’t a joke for Magus at the end.  Ollie’s eyes are suddenly gone in multiple panels near the middle of the book.  I wasn’t sure if it was a mistake, or the inking.  But there is something to be said for an artist who pencils, inks, and colors an entire issue.  It’s a lost art in the medium these days, mostly due to shipping schedules.  The use of panels accentuating things is expertly used, and shows us how keen Ollie’s eyesight is compared to others.  The green hue throughout the issue gives the book a feel unlike others on the stands, but it’s not so overbearing it ruins the art.  Shooting arrows in a day with guns has always been a sticking point for the character, but Sorrentino makes a case for keeping the arrows.  They look great in this issue.

Green Arrow #17 isn’t the home run that many were wishing for, but it shows that Lemire has a lot of plans for Ollie.  It’s a good time to be a Green Arrow fan right now.

Green Arrow #17 gets 3.5/5.

MrComicBook, Review: Green Arrow #17

Now that Smallville has come to an end on the youth-oriented CW network, execs have been scrambling to find a replacement for the hero oriented series. Earlier this year, the CW introduced Arrow, a gritty and darker take on the Green Arrow, who played a major role in Smallville, though the two series are not connected. With that series proving to be successful, the network is looking to add one more DC character in Wonder Woman.

The new series, which has yet to be green lit for a pilot is said to be centered on a younger Diana, currently being called Isis, before she becomes the famed hero. CW President Mark Pedowitz recently stated that Amazon would be  “an origination story in the sense that Smallville was an origination story.” take that for what it’s worth.

Casting for the series has been underway for a few weeks now, despite not having a pilot ordered. But the fact they are moving forward with casting shows they are fairly confident in the project. Today, STV have learned that Amy Manson is being eyed for the lead role in the series. Manson has had roles in several “geek” shows, including Torchwood, Being Human and Misfits.

I think most would agree that this series is fighting an uphill battle with fans of the character and casting will play a major part in whether this show is successful. Is Manson right for the role? Is she enough to keep this series from collapsing like the most recent failed attempt with Adrienne Palicki? Only time will tell.

Josh "ecksmanfan" Johnson, Torchwood’s Amy Manson Up for CW’s Amazon

“At this time, no. And regarding your next question, regarding is Batman going to make a trip to [Arrow’s] Starling City, they’re not in the same state.”

At this time, the planned Wonder Woman series, called Amazon, has yet to have a pilot ordered, but folks seem confident in the project as the casting process is under way. Just for clarification, Pedowitz did say the series would be “an origination story in the sense that Smallville was an origination story.” So what about a crossover involving the CW’s current hit Arrow and the upcoming Amazon? There seems to be a larger possibilty there.

“I think they all could exist in the same world, but whether they do or they don’t is depending on what the showrunner wants to do.”

Sounds like there may be potential there, assuming the writers and such can find a way to make it happen. What do you guys think, would you want to see Diana show up in Starling City? Does she belong there at all? Of course, Amazon would need to be picked up for a series run for all this to happen and even then, I think it may be a long shot. As long as Tom Welling doesn’t make an appearance as Superman, I’ll be happy.

Josh "ecksmanfan" Johnson, CW President Talks Character Cross-Overs

While the rest of us have to wait until October 10th at 8 pm to see Arrow, we do get to see a new clip. In this scene Oliver Queen deals with some masked kidnappers shortly after he returns to Starling City.

The show was created by Green Lantern scribes Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim with Fringe co-exec Andrew Kreisberg. STephen Amell is Oliver/Arrow. Also, DC juggernaut Geoff Johns tweeted this picture of a mask we spied in the first Arrow trailer. Deathstroke’s mask has a card that reads “Look for it in the premiere episode of Arrow! Series Premiere- Wednesday, Oct. 10 8/7c.”

Cody "The Thorverine" Ferrell, New Clip From CW’s Arrow And More

Billionaire playboy Oliver Queen was missing and presumed dead for five years before being discovered alive on a remote island. He has been changed by his ordeal and must hide the truth about the man he’s become while making amends for the actions he took as a boy. Arrow premieres this Fall on The CW!

Cody "The Thorverine" Ferrell, New 4 Minute Trailer For CW’s Arrow

Yesterday we got our first good look at the CW’s version of the Green Arrow, called of all things Arrow. You can check out the clip and photos by clicking right here. Well today we get our first trailer for the series. We get a pretty good look at the series and what we can expect from the show. The origin for Green Arrow looks interesting. Again, here’s the official synopsis for the show:

After a violent shipwreck, billionaire playboy Oliver Queen was missing and presumed dead for five years before being discovered alive on a remote island in the Pacific. When he returns home to Starling City, his devoted mother Moira, much-beloved sister Thea, and best friend Tommy welcome him home, but they sense Oliver has been changed by his ordeal on the island. While Oliver hides the truth about the man he’s become, he desperately wants to make amends for the actions he took as the boy he was. Most particularly, he seeks reconciliation with his former girlfriend, Laurel Lance. As Oliver reconnects with those closest to him, he secretly creates the persona of Arrow – a vigilante – to right the wrongs of his family, fight the ills of society, and restore Starling City to its former glory. By day, Oliver plays the role of a wealthy, carefree and careless philanderer he used to be – flanked by his devoted chauffeur/bodyguard, John Diggle – while carefully concealing the secret identity he turns to under cover of darkness. However, Laurel’s father, Detective Quentin Lance, is determined to arrest the vigilante operating in his city. Meanwhile, Oliver’s own mother, Moira, knows much more about the deadly shipwreck than she has let on – and is more ruthless than he could ever imagine.

Cody "The Thorverine" Ferrell, First Trailer For CW’s Arrow

We told you CW had decided to pick up the Green Arrow drama, Arrow, for the fall which you can read about by clicking here. Now we have some images for the show as well as the first official clip of the show. Arrow stars Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen, the emerald archer known as Green Arrow.  The show will premier this fall before the CW juggernaut Supernatural. The announcement of the 2012-2013 lineup also saw the release of the image of Amell showing off his bow handling. You can see Amell in action from the clip, and you can also get a good look of the costume form the CW’s promo shot at the top of the article. The official synopsis:

After a violent shipwreck, billionaire playboy Oliver Queen was missing and presumed dead for five years before being discovered alive on a remote island in the Pacific. When he returns home to Starling City, his devoted mother Moira, much-beloved sister Thea, and best friend Tommy welcome him home, but they sense Oliver has been changed by his ordeal on the island. While Oliver hides the truth about the man he’s become, he desperately wants to make amends for the actions he took as the boy he was. Most particularly, he seeks reconciliation with his former girlfriend, Laurel Lance. As Oliver reconnects with those closest to him, he secretly creates the persona of Arrow – a vigilante – to right the wrongs of his family, fight the ills of society, and restore Starling City to its former glory. By day, Oliver plays the role of a wealthy, carefree and careless philanderer he used to be – flanked by his devoted chauffeur/bodyguard, John Diggle – while carefully concealing the secret identity he turns to under cover of darkness. However, Laurel’s father, Detective Quentin Lance, is determined to arrest the vigilante operating in his city. Meanwhile, Oliver’s own mother, Moira, knows much more about the deadly shipwreck than she has let on – and is more ruthless than he could ever imagine.

Cody "The Thorverine" Ferrell, CW’s Arrow: First Clip And Some New Images

The CW has picked up the pilot and ordered a series for “Arrow,” an hour-long drama based on the DC’s emerald archer- Green Arrow. This portrayal of Green Arrow isn’t connected to Smallville, where we had Justin Hartley fighting alongside Tom Welling in many an episode.

This take on Green Arrow was created by Green Lantern screenwriters Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim with Fringe co-executive producer Andrew Kreisberg. The series focuses on Oliver Queen, Green Arrow’s alter ego, a wealthy playboy who returns after being shipwrecked for five years on an island. He returns to Starling City, changed from the comics Star City, with bow skills and a yearning to make a difference. Stephen Amell (The Vampire Diaries) stars as Oliver Queen, Colin Donnell is Tommy Merlyn, Katie Cassidy (Supernatural) as Laurel Lance, David Ramsey (Dexter) is John Diggle, Willa Holland is Thea Queen, Paul Blackthorne (Dresden Files) is Detective Lance, and Susanna Thompson (Deep Space Nine) is Moira Queen.

The pilot is directed by David Nutter of Game of Thrones from a teleplay by Kreisberg and Guggenheim and a story by Berlanti and Guggenheim.

The official description for Arrow:

After a violent shipwreck, billionaire playboy Oliver Queen was missing and presumed dead for five years before being discovered alive on a remote island in the Pacific. When he returns home to Starling City, his devoted mother Moira, much-beloved sister Thea, and best friend Tommy welcome him home, but they sense Oliver has been changed by his ordeal on the island. While Oliver hides the truth about the man he’s become, he desperately wants to make amends for the actions he took as the boy he was. Most particularly, he seeks reconciliation with his former girlfriend, Laurel Lance. As Oliver reconnects with those closest to him, he secretly creates the persona of Arrow – a vigilante – to right the wrongs of his family, fight the ills of society, and restore Starling City to its former glory. By day, Oliver plays the role of a wealthy, carefree and careless philanderer he used to be – flanked by his devoted chauffeur/bodyguard, John Diggle – while carefully concealing the secret identity he turns to under cover of darkness. However, Laurel’s father, Detective Quentin Lance, is determined to arrest the vigilante operating in his city. Meanwhile, Oliver’s own mother, Moira, knows much more about the deadly shipwreck than she has let on – and is more ruthless than he could ever imagine.

Cody "The Thorverine" Ferrell, Green Arrow Show Picked Up By The CW