The CW’s Arrow–Flash spinoff has gained the second of its three brand new DC-comics characters: time traveler Rip Hunter. Cast in the chrono-hoppin’ role is British actor Arthur Darvill, known for stints on ITV’s Broadchurch and that other time-traveling institution Doctor Who. In the as-yet unnamed spinoff series, he’s set to step into the shoes of Hunter, who Deadline describes as a “roguish time traveler who hides the strains of being responsible for history itself behind a facade of charm and wit.”
Here’s a lengthier description of the character:
Described as a “Han Solo-esque rogue who gets by with his charm, this hero hails from the future, and has journeyed back in time on a secret mission. His razor-sharp wit hides the pain of a man who has lived through serious conflict. He also harbors many secrets, always leaving both his teammates and the audience unsure of his true allegiances.”
Darvill is now slotted in alongside a crew of returning faces from both shows, including Brandon Routh, Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell, Victor Garber and Caity Lotz. In addition, TV newbie Ciara Renee clamoured aboard yesterday in the role of Hawkgirl. The inclusion of time travel into the cast roster has shed speculative light on the presence of Lotz in the series. Her tragic end at the beginning of Arrow season 3 somewhat hinders her return to the DC TV-verse – BUT – if Hunter, whose allegiances might be a trifle shady is able to embrace his abilities, might that be the key to her role reprisal? Failing that idea, Lotz might simply be playing a brand new character.
Created by Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg and Marc Guggenheim, the Arrow-Flash spinoff is scheduled to arrive in 2016.