Justin Hartley Reflects on a Return as Green Arrow After Smallville Rises on Netflix
Few superhero stories have had the staying power of Smallville, the series that redefined Clark Kent’s journey long before the arrow-slinging vigilante boom. With Justin Hartley bringing a new swagger to Oliver Queen, aka Green Arrow, the show helped pave the way for the current flood of superhero content across streaming platforms.
A New Wave of Smallville Fans on Streaming
The recent surge in Smallville‘s popularity on Netflix, as well as its presence on Disney+ and Hulu, is more than a nostalgia trip. A fresh audience is discovering the early days of Superman’s origin story, and with binge culture in full effect, the demand for a continuation or spin-off is more intense than ever.
Besides Tom Welling’s earnest portrayal of a young Clark Kent, it was Justin Hartley’s charismatic and sharply modern take on Green Arrow that left a lasting impression from the hero’s debut in season six. Hartley’s Oliver Queen quickly became a central figure by season eight, giving fans a confident, flawed, and very human alternative to the typical super-powered crimefighter.
Justin Hartley on Revisiting the Arrow: Older, Wiser, and Hipper?
Appearing recently on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Hartley did more than just reminisce. He shared his excitement over the possibility of reprising his bow and quiver, stating, ‘I would love to play a superhero again; I would love that.’ When pressed on which hero he’d most want to revisit, the answer was clear—Green Arrow. And this time, Hartley imagines a return with a modern edge: ‘Maybe not that exact suit, but something a little hipper.’
The actor emphasized how time has enriched his perspective, noting, ‘Now that I’m older, I have different life experiences, and I would approach it differently.’ Hartley hinted at the potential depths of portraying an older Oliver Queen: a version of the character shaped by loss, growth, and years out in the world—a take that could offer something truly unique to both longtime viewers and newcomers.
What Could a Green Arrow Revival Actually Look Like?
Oliver Queen’s arc on Smallville was more than a supporting role; he set important precedents for future DC television, influencing shows like Arrow and establishing Green Arrow as a household name. A return in today’s context could see Hartley navigating a more complex, morally gray world—mirroring the evolution of superhero media itself.
Shifts in technology and streaming have changed the way stories are told. Modern superhero series leverage nuanced storytelling, advanced VFX, and mature character arcs, which could finally do justice to an older, world-weary Oliver Queen. It’s easy to imagine Hartley’s Green Arrow running ops from a high-tech bunker, interacting with a new generation of heroes, or tackling present-day threats that resonate with today’s viewers.
The Future: Legacy, Fandom, and Hope for More
While there is no official word yet from DC Studios, whispers of a Smallville sequel series continue to circulate. Franchise veterans like Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luthor) and Tom Welling are reportedly involved in creative talks, with original creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar also part of the conversation. Though timelines remain vague, the dream of seeing these iconic characters again—especially with Hartley back in emerald—feels closer with each surge of fan enthusiasm.
For now, viewers can revisit all ten seasons of Smallville and witness the genesis of DC TV’s most enduring legends. Whether Hartley’s Green Arrow gets his much-anticipated comeback remains a mystery—but in the era of streaming revivals, Oliver Queen’s bow may be ready for another shot.
