Arrow’s Stephen Amell: “When I looked at the pilot, I saw four different roles”

The entertainment world doesn’t seem to be tired of superheroes yet. 

The CW is currently launching its new series, Arrow, based on the Green Arrow comic books.  The show, starring Stephen Amell, allowed the lead actor to perform many of his own stunts and a lot of character work.

“When I looked at the pilot, I saw four different roles,” Amell told The Fresno Bee.  “I will have a day where it’s sort of fake Oliver in the real world right now, and then there will be an island day, and there’s an Arrow day and Laurel [Lance, a possible love interest] days.  And it’s a really fun exercise.  It keeps me on my toes, and that was what intrigued me most when I read the pilot.  I think that’s saying a lot because it’s a superhero show, or at least an opportunity for me to play a superhero.” Read more

Stephen Amell talks “Vampire Diaries”, playing Joran Van Der Sloot and almost getting cast as Spartacus

Stephen Amell is one busy actor who is enjoying a vast array of parts on several different projects and showing off his impressive range of acting skills.

On “Vampire Diaries,” Amell plays the evil Brady who temporarily scars Caroline during a creepy and vicious torture scene, and the actor obviously embraced the dark side of his character. While in ”Justice for Natalee Holloway,” the actor’s portrayal of Joran Van Der Sloot it’s less obvious what emotions lay below the surface of the man. Amell delivers a performance that plays up Van Der Sloot’s handsome and charming boyishness but adds a sense of timidness to the mysterious man with the world reknowned reputation clouded in suspicion.  Unlike with his “Vampire Diaries” character, the viewer does not detect any judgement on the actor’s part regarding Van Der Sloot’s guilt or innocence.

Amell explains what it took for him to prepare for this role. “ Well the practical side came first. I had to get the accent and I had to figure out his mannerisms. The next aspect was taken care of with the dialogue. But I have to say, this is the first time I’ve played someone who exists in reality and it was very exciting,” he says. “Honestly, I didn’t think too much about it going in, but we filmed a really big scene off the bat and it took a bit of a toll on me. I wouldn’t say it was emotionally challenging, but if I played him right, by the end of the day I was in a funk. That being said, you don’t want to judge the characters you play, so you’re able to bring the truth, but I was very aware this character is a weak person. So where you normally look for strength, I look for weakness,” the actor said.

Amell’s name was on the short list to take over on “Spartacus“, and though the part went to Liam McIntyre, he says he is okay with the producers decision.” I was in the “Spartacus” casting process for about two months. I had four auditions and a great meeting with Steven DeKnight. Then myself, Aiden Turner and Liam McIntyre were flown to New Zealand and worked for three full days. Fitness assessment, screentest and character work. I think Liam will be spectacular, but it worked out because the Tuesday after I didn’t get “Spartacus,” I got a call to get on the plane to Georgia for “Vampire Diaries.” I had auditioned three times before that. I definitely tried out for Mason Lockwood and Elijah. They liked me but didn’t think I was the right fit for those roles. For Brady, I got on the plane not even knowing the part, but knowing it would be super awesome.”
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