The CW launched Arrow in 2012, following the return of Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) to Starling City where he attempted to save his home as a masked vigilante with a bow and arrow. The network has since launched a full shared universe of DC Comics television shows with The Flash and the upcoming Legends of Tomorrow. As part of the shared universe, stars of each series have appeared on Arrow and The Flash, with the core two shows featuring crossover events each year.
Recently, rumors have circulated that Amell would be leaving Arrow after season 5 - the show is currently in its fourth season - in order to join fellow CW series Supernatural. Now, Amell has responded to the rumors and offered fans the exact details of how long he is contractually obligated to play Oliver Queen.
The rumors, as reported by Inquisitr, take previous claims that Supernatural would feature Amell in an upcoming wrestling-themed episode a step further and speculate that the actor may be jumping ship on Arrow to take up demon hunting full-time alongside the Winchester brothers. On Facebook, Amell said he's not leaving Arrow and that his contract as Oliver Queen goes through 2019. Take a look at his full response:
Facebook... I keep reading that I'm leaving Arrow. I'm not. I have a contract that runs through 2019. At least. Now......Posted by Stephen Amell on Thursday, January 7, 2016
Additionally, Amell addressed the rumors about his appearance on Supernatural saying, "If they asked me, sure? If I was available, sure. Have they asked me? No. Would I be available? No." So, it appears that the heart of the rumor of Amell leaving Arrow appears to be unfounded as well. As for his contract with Arrow, it covers through a seventh season of the show and could be extended, but doesn't necessarily mean the show is definitely going to continue that long.
With the success of The CW's shared DC Comics universe, it makes sense that the network would have nailed down the stars of each series for an extended period of time - similar to how movie universes sign actors to multiple-picture contracts. So, with the CW's Arrowverse still growing, soon to include a third series, the length of Amell's contract ensures he'll be around to play Oliver Queen for many years to come.
That being said, it's unclear what will happen to Amell's contract if Arrow is cancelled - though there's no hint it will be before 2019 - and whether The CW can move him to another of their DC Comics television series or simply bring him back occasionally for event episodes. But, since Arrow isn't in danger of being cancelled so far as we know, and The CW continues to be confident in its DC universe, it's more likely the show will continue through the end of Amell's contract. At least, the details about Amell's contract will give fans security in him continuing to play Oliver Queen on Arrow.
Next: Arrow Season 4.5 Trailer
The Flash will return on Tuesday, January 19th, 2016, while Arrow will return on Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 and Legends of Tomorrow will see its series premiere on Thursday, January 21st, 2016.
Source: Inquisitr, Stephen Amell