Stephen Amell as Ted Black in ‘Suits LA’. Photo: David Astorga/NBC.
Preview:
Stephen Amell will lead the new ‘Baywatch’ series.
It’ll follow the adventures of a grown Hobie Buchannon.
Fox has handed the show a 12-episode initial order.
The effort to take classic TV shows and rework them for modern audiences continues with word that the new Fox ‘Baywatch’ series from ‘Burn Notice’ creator Matt Nix has found its star.
This could be what Amell’s post-DC TV career could use, particularly after the solid but little-seen ‘Heels’ jumped out of the wrestling ring after two seasons and ‘Suits LA’ could only manage one poorly-rated run.
Following its 1989 debut and a swift cancellation by NBC after one season, the original series became the most-watched show airing in over 200 countries, and at its peak, reached more than a billion viewers every week. Hasselhoff led the series as lifeguard Mitch Buchannon and helped launch the careers of actors including Pamela Anderson.
In the new series, the wild child Hobie Buchannon is now a Baywatch Captain, following in the footsteps of his legendary father, Mitch. Hobie’s world is turned upside down when Charlie, the daughter he never knew, shows up on his doorstep, eager to carry on the Buchannon family legacy and become a Baywatch lifeguard alongside her dad.
Showrunner Matt Nix on Amell
Stephen Amell as Ted Black ‘Suits LA’. Photo: David Astorga/NBC.
Nix seems to think the casting will work:
“From the first conversation, Stephen Amell brought exactly what this new chapter of Baywatch demands: heart, intensity, and that undeniable hero energy. He’s the kind of lead who can sprint into danger, carry the emotional weight, and still make it feel fun. We’re so excited to get started.”
Per Deadline, the show will film on Venice Beach and at the Fox lot in Los Angeles.
(L to R) Stephen Amell as Ted Black and Bryan Greenberg as Rick Dodson in ‘Suits LA’. Photo: David Astorga/NBC.
Katherine McNamara on ‘Arrow’ season 8. Photo: Warner Bros.
Preview:
Actress Katherine McNamara discusses her role in ‘Arrow’ season 8 and ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’
McNamara also talked about the failed pilot for ‘Green Arrow and The Canaries’ and why it was not picked up for series
Will we ever find out who abducted William Clayton? And what other storylines would have been explored in the spinoff?
And if she would want to reprise her role in James Gunn’s DC Universe
After eight successful seasons and launching the ‘Arrowverse’ series of TV shows, the flagship DC Comics series ‘Arrow’ ended in 2020 after the very successful crossover event ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’.
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Through a complicated time traveling plotline, Oliver Queen’s (Stephen Amell) adult daughter Mia Smoak played by actress Katherine McNamara was introduced in ‘Arrow’s final season and participated in ‘Crisis’. With the show ending, the idea was to spinoff McNamara’s character with her own series entitled ‘Green Arrow and The Canaries’, which would have seen Mia take on her father’s superhero mantle, alongside Katie Cassidy and Juliana Harkavy, reprising their roles from ‘Arrow’.
In fact, the penultimate episode of the final season of ‘Arrow’ was a backdoor pilot to ‘Green Arrow and The Canaries’, entitled ‘Livin’ in the Future’, which took place twenty years after the finale of ‘Arrow’. The episode features a future timeline where Mia never becomes the Green Arrow, but after a time displaced Dinah Drake (Harkavy) restores Mia’s memories of the other timeline, she takes on her father’s superhero identity to stop a new Deathstroke, who may or may not be her fiancé, John Diggle Jr. (Charlie Barnett). The episode ends on a cliffhanger, where Mia’s brother, William Clayton (Ben Lewis), is mysteriously abducted.
However, the series was ultimately not picked up because of COVID, or possibly James Gunntaking over DC Studios and effectively ending the ‘Arrowverse’ and any DC TV show not connected to his future-plans. While McNamara did reprise her role as Mia briefly in the final season of ‘The Flash’, she was still looking for her brother, and ultimately no satisfying conclusion to that storyline was given.
Katherine McNamara in ‘High Ground’. Photo: Republic Pictures.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with actress Katherine McNamara about her work on ‘High Ground,’ which was directed by ‘Arrow’ alum James Bamford and will be available to buy on digital beginning March 18th.
In addition to ‘High Ground’, we also spoke to McNamara about joining the final season of ‘Arrow’, her involvement in the groundbreaking ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’ crossover, why ‘Green Arrow and The Canaries’ did not go to series, what that show’s storyline would have been, reprising her role in the final season of ‘The Flash’, and if she would want to return to the role in James Gunn’s new DC Universe.
(L to R) Katherine McNamara and Stephen Amell on ‘Arrow’ season 8. Photo: Warner Bros.
To begin with, McNamara discussed what it was like to join ‘Arrow’ for the final season and be a part of the ‘Arrowverse’ of TV shows.
“I’d obviously seen how beloved Oliver and Felicity as individual characters were, but also as a couple. When I auditioned, I had no idea that that is the character I was auditioning for. I didn’t know until after I was cast. Suddenly, I got this news that I was the human product of Oliver and Felicity, and I’m going, “Oh, I have big shoes to fill. All right, let’s see.” It was amazing, because obviously Stephen Amell and Emily Bett Rickards did such incredible work on that show and had seven seasons at that point of rich character work.”
McNamara also talked about her research and approach to playing the role.
“I watched the whole series, and I was able to kind of cherry pick different qualities, good and bad of each of their characters, and mush them together to create Mia. Taking Felicity’s sense of humor and Oliver’s walk and his propensity to have a short temper, but also her mother’s strategy, and being able to blend those things together to create this new character that the writers gave such a beautiful, twisted, deep story to. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. “
Making ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’
‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’. Photo: Warner Bros.
The ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’ event featured the first-time fans got a glimpse of Mia in her Green Arrow uniform, and McNamara talked about that process and shooting the crossover.
“I mean, that crossover episode series, I was pinching myself the entire time. It was the first time I got to wear my super suit, which we had spent months and months designing. Our costume designer, Brie Thorpe, and Ocean Drive Leather who made all the suits for all the shows, by the way, they’re insanely talented, those folks over there. But they took such care in crafting me a suit down to the fabric it’s made of, which is this thing called Euro jersey. But they made a special fabric for Mia’s suit that. It was this dark green, but it had little teeny tiny arrows on it. Nobody would ever be able to see it except for me, but it meant so much that they had put that level of detail and thought into crafting her suit. We redesigned the mask to be more like the comics as opposed to what we’d had on the show for years to kind of differentiate Mia. But, even in just being a part of such a legacy of television was a huge honor.”
What happened to ‘Green Arrow and the Canaries’?
(L to R) Juliana Harkavy, Katherine McNamara and Katie Cassidy on ‘Arrow’ season 8. Photo: Warner Bros.
McNamara also discussed making the ‘Green Arrow and The Canaries’ backdoor pilot episode that aired before the finale of ‘Arrow’.
“We did a pilot for a spinoff, and I would’ve loved to continue that had the pandemic not gotten in the way. But I was grateful to have been brought back on several of the other shows over the years just to put the suit on again, as it were.”
We followed up to ask her if the pandemic was the entire reason that the proposed series was not picked up, or if it may have also had to do with James Gunn’s takeover of DC Studios.
“As far as I know, that’s what I heard. But who knows in the end? But that’s what I was told, and it is sad, because I know all of us really were looking forward to continuing the show and continuing to be a part of the ‘Arrowverse’. But maybe there’s a world somewhere. I just want to find my brother. That’s the thing.”
Finding Closure on ‘The Flash’
(L to R) Brandon Routh, Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Chyler Leigh, Katherine McNamara, Cress Williams, and Javicia Leslie in season 9 of ‘The Flash’. Photo: Warner Bros.
McNamara did reprise her role in the final season of ‘The Flash’, but while William’s abduction was mentioned, no true conclusion to that storyline was given. We asked the actress if she felt like that episode of ‘Flash’ gave her and her character closure.
“A little bit. But I feel like at this point, it’s either (William’s) superhero or super villain origin story, and I want to see that come to fruition in some universe someday.”
What was the storyline going to be on ‘Green Arrow and The Canaries’?
Katherine McNamara on ‘Arrow’ season 8. Photo: Warner Bros.
We followed up by asking the actress if she was ever told the plot for the first season of ‘Green Arrow and the Canaries’.
“I do know some secrets, but I promised I would never share them. It was good. I remember I was sitting in the airport flying back from Vancouver one day when the two writers that were working on the spin-off called me and told me everything. I was just in the airport lounge bawling because it was so amazing and beyond my wildest dreams and one of the most beautiful but twisted, but insanely action-packed setups for a series. One more thing that’s just lost to television time.”
Could Mia Smoak return in James Gunn’s DC Universe?
James Gunn in ‘Superpowered: The DC Story.’ Photograph by Courtesy of Max/Warner Bros.
Finally, we asked McNamara if she would be willing to reprise her role as Green Arrow in a future DC Studios’ project if she were to get a call from James Gunn.
“I’m a big fan, so I am down. If he wants the Green Arrow in the movie verse of DC, I volunteer as tribute.”
Opening in theaters on March 7th is the new biographic sports drama ‘Queen of the Ring’, which is based on the book of the same name and tells the inspiring true story of groundbreaking professional wrestler Mildred Burke.
Emily Bett Rickards in ‘Queen of the Ring’. Photo: Intrinsic Value Films & TV.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Emily Bett Rickards and filmmaker Ash Avildsen about their work on ‘Queen of the Ring’, developing the screenplay, Rickards’ approach to the character and learning to wrestle, how Avildsen wanted to shoot the wrestling sequences, Mildred’s complex relationship with Billy Wolfe and working with Josh Lucas, Mildred’s importance to the history of wrestling and female athletes, and if Rickards would want to be a “Babyface” or a “Heel” if she were a professional wrestler.
You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews.
(L to R) Emily Bett Rickards and Kamille in ‘Queen of the Ring’. Photo: Intrinsic Value Films & TV.
Moviefone: To begin with, Ash, can you talk about learning of Mildred Burke’s true story, developing the book the movie is based on into a screenplay and the themes that you wanted to explore with this film?
Ash Avildsen: I grew up a huge pro wrestling fan. I never knew about her story. I was planning on telling a fictional 80s story that had a triumphant ending because it didn’t really exist in film with pro wrestling. ‘The Wrestler’ was a masterpiece, but it was also a much darker tale. So, I called (executive producer) Jim Ross, I said, “Would you be willing to make kind of a love letter with me to all of the best 80s stories, and we bring it into a fictional world?” He goes, “Yeah, but by the way, have you ever heard of Mildred Burke?” I said, “No, who’s that?” He goes, “Read the book, ‘Queen of the Ring’, and let me know what you think.” I read it that weekend. I called him on Monday. I said, “Forget about the 80s fictional thing. We have to tell Mildred’s story.” Because I was just so enamored by it. From there we started developing the script and it’s just inspiring and unorthodox. It’s really a unique family drama in the world of period women’s pro wrestling. I just felt it was a story that I hadn’t seen before, and the fact that it was true and that it was kind of forgotten gave me my own chip on my shoulder as a fan of the world. How did we let this get forgotten about it? I just really became emotionally invested into it and then the journey began to try and get it made. Then we got lucky that Emily was interested and available because I can’t imagine anyone else. I think people are really going to love her performance.
MF: Emily, what was your first reaction to the screenplay and learning of Mildred’s story, and your approach to playing her?
Emily Bett Rickards: When I first read the script, I was immediately hooked. I had to know more about this woman. I also was so touched that the script was written with such heart as well as in this world of wrestling that I didn’t know anything about. So, to have that immediate empathy on the page is sort of what we go to the movies for and what you hope every script will have. It’s a delight when you get a gem like that. Then diving deep into her life, there was no turning back. We’re lucky enough that there’s so many photos of her, which I think are important. She wanted herself to be seen, and you can kind of see the gentrification of who she became in a sense, and who she was driving her persona to become, which as an actor is like candy. It’s just such a treat. Then, once we started filming, I don’t know, I feel like she’s here. It was like she had arrived in a sense. We very much wanted to tell this story in a way that she’d be proud of and would do her story justice. There were moments where I felt like she was with us. So yeah, it was a true honor.
(L to R) Kamille and Emily Bett Rickards in ‘Queen of the Ring’. Photo: Intrinsic Value Films & TV.
MF: Emily, can you talk about how you prepared physically for this role and was it difficult learning all the wrestling moves?
EBR: When I arrived in Louisville, I think we had about three weeks of wrestling training, wrestling rehearsals strictly, which pretty much is, get in the ring as much as possible. Learn not only choreography, but be around this wrestling world, which was everybody at OVW (Ohio Valley Wrestling) who sort of took me under their wing, shared their wrestling stories, and their love for wrestling with me, which was also helpful. It wasn’t just about what was on the mat, it was about why do we fall in love with this? Why do you personally fall in love with your persona and what that means to you and what is this performance behind the physical aspect of this stage work? Then before that, I was at home in Vancouver and I was training with my trainer Thomas Taylor, as well as Dr. Diego Botezelli, who created a workout and meal plan for me for the rest of the shoot as well as while I was away. So, it was about six months of weightlifting and eating a lot of chicken breast, having chicken at the ready and pumping weights at the ready at any chance I could get.
MF: Ash, can you talk about how professional wrestling was different back then and specifically how you wanted to shoot the wrestling sequences?
AA: So sometimes in other films, they do a great job of going tight in the ring, going handheld, and making it a bit shakier and more stressful, which is a great way of showing the intensity. With ‘Queen of the Ring’, I wanted it to be more kind of showing the beauty of the art form versus the danger of it. We obviously have moments of danger in the ring, especially when they’re having shoot matches, but it’s such a beautiful art form of storytelling and circus, and it’s like this destructive but magical ballet that they’re doing, and we wanted that to be seen. So, there’s a lot of shots where you can see it a bit more as you’d be seeing it if you were in the audience at the event. That was intentional, especially because we had actors and wrestlers that had so committed to it that we were going to be able to pull off the moves and the stunts and have them look great, which that’s kind of the big thing for the pro wrestling community. Is it going to be authentic? Do they know what they’re doing? I think we, thankfully, because of OVW and because of the actors and the stunt team and Andy Strahorn our fantastic DP, we were able to pull that off. So, we intentionally wanted to show the beauty of wrestling. Then of course, there’s certain things we had to limit for the time-period. They didn’t really start jumping off the top rope until later. So, we didn’t show any of that. We did take some creative liberties with the holds and the submissions because we felt in the present day it would be a bit easier to translate on the screen if we manipulated some of the moves a little bit but keeping the heart of the match the same. Then we have to kind of take creative liberties from the book to making a formidable screenplay and what’s going to play right. But yeah, what they were doing back then was so unheard of that we wanted to show that more than showing like, “Hey, this is really stressful.” We’re in the ring. They’re doing these moves. There’s no right or wrong. It was just a creative choice, but we wanted people to really have fun watching the matches versus getting stressed unless that was the point of it, which is what happens with the shoot matches, which is a great fight without a script.
(L to R) Emily Bett Rickards, Josh Lucas and Gavin Casalegno in ‘Queen of the Ring’. Photo: Intrinsic Value Films & TV.
MF: Emily, can you talk about Mildred’s complicated relationship with Billy Wolfe and what it was like working with Josh Lucas?
EBR: Me working with Josh is, it’s an honor. From the moment we met over Zoom to read through the first maybe five or six scenes of Billy and Mildred, I was very aware that I was in the presence of someone who was going to be able to share this experience with me. Not only that but strengthen it and deliver what was on the page. Their relationship, I think we even toned down to a certain extent from their real lives. But from that perspective, there’s abuse and manipulation and Mildred’s drive for her dream is really where she got her strength from to keep going. As a woman of the time, I think we at least show her in the light of strength and show her going after what she wants. Though she is making sacrifices for that, she is choosing to hopefully go after this dream of what she wants and for the betterment of women and women today.
MF: Ash, can you talk about Mildred’s importance not just to the history of wrestling but also to the history of women athletes in America?
AA: I mean, on a cultural level, just from physique, I think it was big to show that women could be muscular and fit and have definition to their bodies and be beautiful and considered sexy and glamorous because it just wasn’t, from my research up until Mildred Burke, that was not really in culture at all. She brought it into pop culture in a major way. Also showing that, you see how they must keep dealing with Billy Wolfe because there’s no other places, they can go to do what they love and keeping the audience on the ride of Mildred, even though there are things like domestic violence and repeated infidelity. Part of the thing that made me love the story so much is that you’re still rooting for this woman in such a flawed, dark world. It’s not that the movie’s going to be like some crazy hard R. We chose to tell it in a more, I think PG-13 world, mainly because I want young people to be inspired by it and be allowed to see it. But when I try to describe it to people, I say, imagine that back then you’re an actress and there’s only one studio that has female actors in movies, and that studio is controlled by a Weinstein type guy, who’s violent, and that’s the only way you can do your dream. What are you going to do? There’s no right or wrong or perfect answer. It’s a messed-up situation. But that’s how it was back then because it was illegal in a lot of places. He was the only person that was really giving the women a platform. So, you love this guy for his brilliant mind and his bravery to do it for women, but you hate him because of all his horrible flaws. That’s what really drew me to the story, because life isn’t perfect. People aren’t perfect. Chasing your dreams if you’re trying to do something like this is not easy. Same thing with acting or music or anything in entertainment. It’s a messy, confusing world where lines get blurred. So much of this story, is that’s how it was back then. But even worse, because there weren’t options to go to. It was if you want to do this, you got to deal with this complicated and dangerous man. But that was also what Emily was saying earlier. I urge everyone to read the book. The book is a lot more brutal, and we did make creative choices to keep the audience still relating to Mildred’s decisions to continue the road she was on. Because when some of the things that happened, you’re going, “Oh, forget it. Don’t go back.” But then you realize, this is the only way. So, it was a balancing act of staying true to the story, but also not having the audience just throw their hands up in the air going, “What is this woman doing?”
(Left) Emily Bett Rickards in ‘Queen of the Ring’. Photo: Intrinsic Value Films & TV.
MF: Finally, Emily, if you were a professional wrestler, would you be a “Babyface” or a “Heel’?
EBR: I think I’d want to be a heel. Everyone says heels have more fun. I would have to say that I’ve had the experience of playing Mildred, so maybe I’ll go for the heel next time around.
MF: Ash, which would you want to be?
AA:I mean, the best path, which really what started happening later in the 90s was that you become a heel, but you’re so good at being a heel, that the audience starts to love you and you transform into a face. That’s kind what happened with The Rock (Dwayne Johnson), Stone Cold (Steve Austin) and Macho Man (Randy Savage). He’s my personal favorite. Oh, (Rowdy Roddy) Piper is great, and ‘They Live’ is great. That movie was ahead of its time. I recommend everyone go see Roddy Piper in ‘They Live’. They need to re-release that movie. But heels do have more fun. It’s easier to get someone to hate you than it is to love you.
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What is the plot of ‘Queen of the Ring’?
The film chronicles the life of revolutionary female wrestler, Mildred Burke.
(Left) Bane from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics. (Right) Deathstroke from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.
Preview:
Warner Bros.’ based DC Studios is developing a script about Bane and Deathstroke.
The DC villains have both been seen on screen before.
Matthew Orton is writing the screenplay.
Even with ‘Superman‘ flying his way back to screens next year, Warner Bros. and DC Studios are staying focused on its bad guys right now.
The companies have ‘The Penguin’ on screen right now via HBO and Max (to solid reviews and healthy viewing figures), while fellow Batman wrongdoer The Joker will return to theaters –– albeit in altered, Joaquin Phoenix form –– via ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ on October 4th.
And it would seem they’re not done putting the rogue’s gallery front and center, as The Hollywood Reporter brings word that Bane and Deathstroke appear likely to get their own movie.
(Left) Bane from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics. (Right) Deathstroke from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.
Bane, who was created by writer Chuck Dixon and artist Graham Nolan in the 1990s, is a hulking masked villain who was raised in a Caribbean prison and who (in a later storyline) was the subject of a terrible steroid test, leaving his strength boosted but with a lingering serum addiction –– hence his trademark mask.
The character on the page might be best known for the ‘Knightfall’ storyline where he broke Batman’s back and saw his profile rise among fans. He has been all over video games and TV series (including a funny take in the animated ‘Harley Quinn’ show) and made his biggest impact on the big screen as part of Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Dark Knight Rises,’ where he was played by Tom Hardy.
As for Deathstroke, he was introduced in 1980, created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist George Perez, and originally was an antagonist for the Teen Titans. His notoriety and popularity has skyrocketed since then, and he’s faced off against Batman and the Justice League.
And that has been his fate of late –– he was going to be the villain of ‘The Batman’, back when Ben Affleck was directing and starring. At another point, he was attached to star in an eponymous movie from ‘The Raid’ director Gareth Evans.
(L to R) Robbie Amell and Stephen Amell Talk ‘Code 8: Part II.’
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Robbie Amell and Stephen Amell about their new sequel, reprising their characters, how they’ve changed since the last movie, working together, collaborating with director Jeff Chan, and robotic dogs.
You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interview.
Moviefone: To begin with, Robbie, can you talk about reprising this role and what’s happening with Connor when the new movie begins?
Robbie Amell: So, our movie picks up five years after ‘Code 8’ part one ends. Connor is just getting out of prison and he’s trying to get back to some semblance of a normal life. Stephen’s character has spent the last five years building a bit of an empire and working with some shady characters. Then after the first 10 minutes of the movie, it’s pretty much a chase movie and it moves fast, and it almost happens in real time. So, it’s tough to give too much away without really jumping right into the story.
MF: Stephen, what was it like for you to play Garrett again and explore the character more with this sequel?
Stephen Amell: I think that Jeff Chan, our director and Chris Paré, his writing partner, did a cool job. We really get to dive into Garrett and Connor a little bit more. They wrote us some great, wonderful scenes. There’s a diner scene that is, I think both of our favorites.
MF: Robbie, can you talk about that relationship and why Connor doesn’t trust Garrett?
RA: I mean, they just don’t really see eye to eye in the first movie. Garrett is doing what he thinks is right and Connor is doing what he thinks is right, and I think that’s kind of life. Stephen always says Garrett’s the hero of his own story, and I think that’s true for life. People see themselves as the world’s main character and the hero of the story. In our world, everybody is not out for themselves, but decisions are being made and they’re in a gray area. It’s not necessarily right or wrong or black and white, it’s dependent on who’s making the decision and people do the wrong things for the right reasons and I like that. I think it’s interesting that at the end of the first movie Connor makes a decision that I think a lot of people didn’t agree with. I know a lot of people that did agree with it. I think that’s interesting that it sparks questions and life is about perspective.
MF: Stephen, what’s it been like for you playing a darker type of character than most audiences are used to seeing you play?
SA: Listen, I love it. I like being evil. I try to be nice in my real life. So, it’s fun to threaten people and to be evil. It’s a little bit of a release.
MF: Stephen, can you talk about having the opportunity to act opposite your cousin in these films?
SA: Working with Robbie is great. I’ve learned a lot. I used to get very much in my head when it came to acting. Then I saw Rob and he had this very practical approach and that’s helped me in my career a lot to try to emulate him a little bit.
MF: Robbie, what’s it been like for you making these movies with Stephen and sharing this experience?
RA: It’s awesome. I mean, there’s nothing better than working with family and friends and you always hope that you have chemistry with the person you’re working opposite. When it’s family, you know you have that. Steve, he knows how to get under my skin, but he also knows how to make me laugh and he can twist the knife better than anybody. We’re so lucky and it’s not only with Steve, but the entire crew is also back from part one for part two. Everybody takes a lot of pride and ownership in this movie, and I think that’s really the reason for its success.
MF: Robbie, can you also talk about the robot dogs you fight in the movie and were those done with practical or visual effects?
RA: So, Jeff and Chris, they do a ton of research before they start writing these movies. For this, there was a lot of looking at the Boston Dynamics and those dogs that have already been made. But there’s a lot of these YouTube videos about these incredible robotic dogs and they were like, “We got to use these.” It feels like it’s just around the corner. The dogs, when we were shooting, you had a guy in a green suit with a light on his head. We built a practical dog, but it couldn’t move and then sometimes there was nothing. So, you would do the scene multiple times and a lot of it is just for reference for our amazing visual effects company who then come in and put it in aftereffects. Our visual effects team is unbelievable, and they take so much pride and effort into what goes on screen.
MF: Stephen, what was it like working with director Jeff Chan and watching him execute his vision for this movie?
SA: Jeff is incredibly prepared. Rob was saying earlier that every scene that we do, he comes in with a very clear vision, but best idea wins. So, he’s a great director, works wonderfully with the actors. I can’t say enough good things about him.
MF: Robbie, what was your experience like collaborating with Jeff Chan on set?
RA: I mean he’s really the driving force behind ‘Code 8.’ He lives and breathes it and he comes in like Steve said, so prepared, but he’s also very open and malleable to how it’s going to work on the day and the best way. He’s got no ego for a guy whose kind of built this from a short film to a Netflix sequel and the whole crew, the whole cast, we’re just very lucky. We got great people.
MF: Finally, are you open to the idea of making a ‘Code 8: Part III’?
RA: Hey man, if people turn out we’ll make a third one.
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What is the Plot of ‘Code 8: Part II’?
The film centers around the 4% of people living in fictional Lincoln City who possess special abilities. It follows the journey of a teenage girl (Sirena Gulamgaus) fighting to get justice for her slain brother at the hands of corrupt police officers. After becoming a witness to the cover-up, she becomes a target and enlists the help of an ex-con (Robbie Amell) and his former partner-in-crime (Stephen Amell).
It’s the new show from the creator of the USA series.
The pilot will shoot in Vancouver from next month.
Stephen Amell might still be best known for wearing a superhero suit in ‘Arrow’, but he’s since also starred in the short-lived wrestling series ‘Heels’. He’s going to need both suit style and grappling skills (metaphorically, at least) for a new job, as Amell has landed the lead in the pilot for new ‘Suits’ spin-off ‘Suits L.A.’.
The new show comes from Aaron Korsh, who created and ran the original ‘Suits’ series, which ran from 2011 until 2019 on the USA network.
Now, thanks to an explosion of interest in the series thanks to it streaming on Netflix, the new show has been ordered to pilot at NBC.
Assuming it gets picked up, ‘Suits L.A.’ will focus on Ted Black (Amell), a former federal prosecutor from New York, who has reinvented himself representing the most powerful clients in Los Angeles.
His firm is at a crisis point, and in order to survive he must embrace a role he held in contempt his entire career. Ted is surrounded by a group of characters who test their loyalties to both Ted and each other while they can’t help but mix their personal and professional lives.
All of this is going on while events from years ago slowly unravel that led Ted to leave behind everything and everyone he loved.
This new show is not intended to reboot ‘Suits’; instead, much as with CBS’ ‘NCIS’ franchise, it’ll be set in the same world –– which means that the likes of Patrick J. Adams‘ Mike Ross and Gabriel Macht’s Harvey Specter could show up (though we wouldn’t expect Meghan Markle, who also starred on the original series to make an appearance, she’s a little bit busy doing other things).
While ‘Suits’ was certainly popular on USA during its run, the show was discovered by viewers when it began showing on Peacock and Netflix last year and ended up breaking streaming records, including spending weeks atop the latter service’s Top 10 chart.
When will ‘Suits L.A.’ be on TV?
That’s more of a question –– it’ll depend on whether the pilot passes muster. Shooting is scheduled to start next month in Vancouver (which will be standing in for Los Angeles as Toronto was used for New York in the original).
Korsch has had mixed success continuing the world of ‘Suits’ before –– direct spin-off ‘Pearson’, starring Gina Torres, only lasted a year in 2019.
‘Arrow’ Star Stephen Amell Will Return as Oliver Queen in the Final Season of ‘The Flash.’ Photo by Steve Schofield / Contour by Getty Images.
‘Arrow’ actor Stephen Amell. Photo by Steve Schofield / Contour by Getty Images.
Stephen Amell, an actor who got his big break playing Oliver Queen on CW superhero series ‘Arrow’ (and went on to appear as the character in the various other DC shows on the network including ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’), has spoken out against the industrial action under way by the union that represents him, SAG-AFTRA.
Here’s what Amell said at the Galaxycon event this past weekend, as reported by Variety:
“I support my union, I do. And I stand with them. I do not support striking. I don’t. I think that it is a reductive negotiating tactic. I find the entire thing incredibly frustrating. I think the thinking as it pertains to shows — like the show that I’m on that premiered last night (Starz’ wrestling series ‘Heels’, which launched its second season) — I think it’s myopic.”
The statement makes Amell one of the highest-profile actors to speak out against the strike so far, though his sentiments are unlikely to be shared by most of his peers.
The actors’ strike, which began on July 14th, follows similar action by the Writers Guild of America, the workers looking for a better deal. The WGA went on strike on May 2nd, after its own contract ran out with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
Much like the Writers’ Guild, the actors’ unions had been negotiating with the AMPTP to secure a new contract. Actors have long been unhappy with reduced residuals brought about by streaming services and are displeased by studios claiming they can’t pay more while company CEOs earn millions. And roughly 12% of actors working today make the minimum required to trigger health benefits and keep their livelihoods.
Here’s SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher on the strike announcement:
“The gravity of this move is not lost on me or our negotiating committee or our board members who have voted unanimously to proceed with a strike. It’s a very serious thing that impacts thousands, if not millions, of people all across this country and around the world.”
Another key issue has been studios’ concerning efforts to bring in new technology to replace physical performers. When the strike was called, SAG-AFTRA revealed one pertinent detail of a studio offer –– digitizing the likeness of background players (or extras), paying them for one day’s work but then being able to use their image in perpetuity and however they please with no other payment.
The AMPTP replied to that with the following statement:
“The claim made today by SAG-AFTRA leadership that the digital replicas of background actors may be used in perpetuity with no consent or compensation is false. In fact, the current AMPTP proposal only permits a company to use the digital replica of a background actor in the motion picture for which the background actor is employed. Any other use requires the background actor’s consent and bargaining for the use, subject to a minimum payment.”
When SAG-AFTRA voted to authorize the strike, an overwhelming 98% majority of returns gave guild leadership the green light to walk out of negotiations if needed, with roughly half of eligible members submitting ballots. Amell’s comments show there is a minority who would prefer not to take the strike action, but few have been prepared to speak out until now.
Following an understandable backlash from fellow actors, Amell hit Instagram to clarify his statement.
Here’s the opening to his statement, which you can read in full above:
“Understandably, there has been a lot of reaction to the comments I made this weekend about our strike. To ensure there is no misunderstanding about my thoughts and intentions I’m providing what I actually said and clarity/context to ensure my feelings aren’t unintentionally misinterpreted. We all know soundbites can be taken out of context and I have too much respect for my fellow union members to not clarify the record.”
‘Arrow’ Star Stephen Amell Will Return as Oliver Queen in the Final Season of ‘The Flash.’
Heads up, ‘Arrow’ fans! Stephen Amell, who played vigilante archer Oliver Queen (aka the Green Arrow) throughout the CW TV show’s run, will pick up his quiver and bow once more, as he returns to the role that made him famous in an episode of the ninth and final season of ‘The Flash.’
His return serves as a thank-you to fans of both shows, since Grant Gustin’s Flash was first introduced in a guest spot on ‘Arrow,’ which served as the foundation for the CW’s Arrowverse.
Amell has made guest appearances in eight previous episodes of ‘The Flash’ – before retiring as Oliver Queen after eight seasons of ‘Arrow’ in 2020 – with Gustin frequently returning the favor by appearing in ‘Arrow.’ Their character’s annual team-ups were highly anticipated and celebrated by fans of both shows.
Since leaving ‘Arrow,’ Amell has starred in the Starz professional wrestling drama ‘Heels,’ which was renewed for a second season in November 2021.
(L to R) Grant Gustin, Stephen Amell, and Robbie Amell on The CW’s ‘Arrow.’
“‘As soon as our final season was announced, we knew we wanted Stephen to come back and reprise his iconic role as Oliver Queen,’ said executive producer Eric Wallace. ‘After all, it was Oliver who originally launched Barry Allen (played by Grant Gustin) on his heroic path. That’s why everyone on Team Flash felt so strongly that it was important to create a full-circle moment with Oliver’s return in the final season of ‘The Flash.’ The result is an epic-yet-emotional episode we hope Arrowverse fans will enjoy. It’s all to say “thank you” to everyone for watching and supporting our show throughout nine wonderful years. We absolutely cannot wait for everyone to see Grant and Stephen saving the world together again. And yes, there will be thrills, chills and tears.’”
David Ramsey’s return as John Diggle is also cause for celebration, since the actor also starred in ‘Arrow’ since the show’s first episode, proving the perfect partner for Amell’s character.
Ramsey’s since gone on to direct episodes of ‘Arrow’ as well as its spin-off shows ‘Legends of Tomorrow,’ ‘Supergirl,’ ‘Batwoman,’ and ‘Superman & Lois.’ His return to the role of John Diggle will be helmed by another Arrowverse actor-turned-director, Danielle Panabaker – who’s starred in all nine seasons of ‘The Flash’ as Caitlin Snow (aka Killer Frost), after debuting in the role in an episode of ‘Arrow.’ Panabaker has since directed three episodes of ‘The Flash.’
‘The Flash’ season 9 will debut on February 8, 2023.
DC Comics Scarlet Speedster will also be seen on movie screens played by Ezra Miller (reprising his role from ‘Justice League‘) when ‘The Flash‘ is released on June 16th. You can watch the trailer below.
After he puts down his bow on “Arrow,” Stephen Amell is entering the wrestling ring.
The actor, who will wrap up The CW series next season, has booked his next project: He’ll star in Starz’s pro wrestling drama “Heels.”
Amell will play Jack Spade, owner (and chief villain) of small-time wrestling outfit, the Duffy Wrestling Association. The hard-working husband and father is trying to make ends meet while fighting to realize his impossible dreams.
With the mind of an artist inside a warrior’s body, Jack has a Steve Jobs-like need for perfection — and for control. He wants to build the DWA into an empire, which could risk his marriage and his relationship with his brother.
But first, Amell will first make the eighth and final season of “Arrow.”
The actor is a wrestling fan who has appeared in WWE, Ring of Honor and All Elite Wrestling events. AEW’s Cody Rhodes also made a cameo on “Arrow,” and Amell gave a shout-out to the wrestler on Twitter to join “Heels”:
Following The CW’s “Arrow” renewal in January, the show’s executive producers have announced that the eighth season will be its last. The superhero series is currently in the midst of its seventh season and is slated for a final run next fall.
“Arrow” Season 8 will consist of just 10 episodes, Variety reports. Executive producers Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, and Beth Schwartz said in a statement that it was “a difficult decision to come to” but one that was made “with the best interests of ‘Arrow’ in mind.” They pointed out that though the show is ending, the universe it inspired lives on.
“We’re heartened by the fact that ‘Arrow’ has birthed an entire universe of shows that will continue on for many years to come,” they said, per Variety. “We’re excited about crafting a conclusion that honors the show, its characters and its legacy and are grateful to all the writers, producers, actors, and — more importantly — the incredible crew that has sustained us and the show for over seven years.”
Many of the show’s stars chimed in with social media posts, thanking fans and letting them know how much they’ve loved being part of the series. Stephen Amell (Oliver Queen), for example, called it “the greatest professional experience of [his] life.”
Playing Oliver Queen has been the greatest professional experience of my life… but you can’t be a vigilante forever.
Arrow will return for a final run of 10 episodes this Fall.
There’s so much to say… for now I just want to say thank you.
What an awesome ride! @arrow fans have been the best any actor could’ve asked for! Thank you for helping me bring John Diggle/Spartan to life!!! Love all of you! Can’t wait for you to see what we have in stock for you. Let’s end on a high, shall we? #ARROWpic.twitter.com/CDfjpCTNqA
Sad to hear the news that #Arrow will be ending after Season 8. What an incredible ride this has been. Thank you to all the fans out there who supported us along the way. ❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/LNHa5VAkco
family ❤️ big time love for this whole crew. my time on arrow was always fun and supportive and also pretty sure I had to change my underwear from laughing too hard (thx a lot @ embett and echo) (joe and rick are funny too) pic.twitter.com/G8aH1NcyBc
— Madison McLaughlin (@MadisonMcLaugh) March 7, 2019
The news is bittersweet, but at least there’s still hope that we may see “Arrow” characters return from time to time on other shows in the universe.
