Since it first premiered three years ago, the world of Arrow has grown to include many characters from its DC Comics source material, plus two spinoff series: The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow. When The Flash joined The CW's DC TV universe, the series brought with it superpowered individuals in the form of its metahumans. Although these metahumans largely stuck to the sci-fi-leaning Flash, Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) battled a few superpowered ne’er do wells last season.
In preparation for Arrow's upcoming fourth season, multiple new villains have joined the series, including Damien Darhk (Neal McDonough), Anarky (Alexander Calvert) and Baron Blitzkrieg (Jimmy Akingbola). Now, another metahuman antagonist has been confirmed to appear in season 4 since Arrow announced more cast members from the first few episodes of its new season.
The Wrap is reporting JR Bourne (Teen Wolf, UnREAL) will portray DC Comics villain Jeremy Tell a.k.a. Double Down in episode 3 of season 4. Additionally, Access Hollywood is reporting Jeri Ryan (Star Trek: Voyager, Helix) has joined Arrow as Jessica Danforth, a Queen family friend whose "political ambitions will place her in the crosshairs of a menacing antagonist." She will appear in episode 4.
Although Danforth is a new character, Double Down was introduced by DC Comics Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns in 2001 as a member of The Flash's Rogues gallery. Starting off as a gambler, Tell receives his powers when he is attacked by a cursed deck of cards after killing its owner; the cards become embedded in his skin appearing as tattoos, and he can manipulate them to kill or incapacitate his enemies.
Since Bourne is only, so far, confirmed to appear in one episode of Arrow, it's possible Double Down will act as a one-off villain for Oliver to face. Given the Rouge's association with The Flash, it's also possible he could return somewhere down the line - just as The Flash brought back many of its Rogues throughout the show's first season - perhaps in the crossover episodes planned for later in the season.
As for Ryan's character, the description of her role seems to tie Danforth to Anarky, who will also be introduced in episode 4 as a freelance criminal "willing to do whatever it takes to impress a potential employer." If Anarky is, as we speculated, working for Damien Darhk, it's possible Danforth's conflicting politics could lead Darhk to send Anarky after her.
Of course, we won't know for sure how Double Down and Jessica Danforth will play into Arrow season 4 until the show debuts this fall, but perhaps the new characters - along with Oliver's new outfit - will reinvigorate this corner of The CW's DC TV universe.
Next: Arrow & The Flash Producer: More Crossovers In Upcoming Seasons
Arrow returns for season four Wednesday, October 7th, at 8PM on The CW; The Flash returns for season two Tuesday, October 6th, at 8PM on The CW; Legends of Tomorrow is expected to air on The CW in early 2016.
Source: The Wrap, Access Hollywood