When it was revealed earlier this year that Arrow will end its impressive run following its eighth season, I’m sure I wasn’t the only devoted fan who felt like they’d been punched in the gut. Then again, we knew such an announcement would arrive at some point because no TV show lasts forever. Hey, even The Simpsons and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit are eventually going to have to call it quits.
Though the Arrowverse itself will live on thanks to sister series such as The Flash, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow and Batwoman, we’ll soon have to say goodbye to the progenitor. Let’s be honest, the rigors of a show like Arrow will take its toll on any actor – especially if you’re Stephen Amell and are capable of doing your own stunts, fight scenes and parkour.
That said, we need no longer speculate on what Amell’s next gig will be, as it’s now been confirmed he’ll headline Heels for Starz. Having been granted an eight-episode order, it’ll follow “a family-owned wrestling promotion as two brothers and rivals — one of them played by Amell — war over their late father’s legacy.” Mike O’Malley has been enlisted as showrunner, with Michael Waldron (Loki) joining him as a writer.
When it comes to Amell’s character himself, here’s how Deadline describes Jack Spade:
“In the ring, Amell’s Jack Spade is the charismatic villain, or heel, of the Duffy Wrestling Association. In the real world, he’s its hard-working owner, a husband and father trying to make ends meet while fighting to realize his impossible dreams. He has the mind of an artist in the body of a warrior and a Steve Jobs-ian need for perfection — and for control. He says he’ll do whatever it takes to build the DWA into an empire. Will he go so far as to risk his marriage or his relationship with his brother?”
Knowing what I do about Stephen Amell, I’d say this has to be a dream job for him. After all, the guy is a huge wrestling fan, and has even stepped into the ring on several occasions, competing for WWE, Ring of Honor and the independent production All In, which served as a precursor to All Elite Wrestling.
Right now, Heels lacks a premiere date, but you can catch Arrow beginning on Tuesday, October 15th on The CW.