Stephen Amell, best known for his role as Oliver Queen in Arrow, didn’t hold back in his response to John Cena’s recent jab at the show. In an interview, Amell addressed the moment when Cena’s character, Peacemaker, made a crude comment about Arrow, admitting that he didn’t appreciate the dig.
“I didn’t appreciate that at all,” Amell confessed. “It felt unnecessary and crude, and honestly, Arrow has been treated like crap over the years.” While acknowledging that Arrow aired on the CW, a network often regarded as less prestigious compared to others in the superhero genre, Amell was candid about the impact the show had.
He added, “When people think about the most recent iteration of DC, they don’t think about the Snyder Cut, they think about Arrow.” Despite the criticisms that have followed the series, Amell emphasized how hard the cast and crew worked to bring the show to life, particularly in portraying a superhero with no superpowers over 23 episodes a year. “It’s incredibly difficult,” he said. “I’m not looking for a prize, but maybe just a little respect for the hard work we put in.”
Although Amell was clearly frustrated with the remark, he clarified that there was no personal animosity toward Cena himself. “I’ve met John a handful of times,” he said, “and he couldn’t be a nicer, more genuine person.” Instead, Amell placed the blame on Peacemaker‘s writer, James Gunn, for including the dig in the script. “If I should be mad at anyone, it should be James,” he admitted.
When asked about the possibility of a future match with Cena, Amell responded with humor: “Why not? But I’m scared of that guy. He’s huge!” Still, he praised Cena’s kindness and generosity, saying, “He’s really, really kind.”
Amell’s comments highlight the struggles Arrow faced in being consistently undervalued despite its massive influence on the superhero television landscape. While he expressed frustration with the way the show has been perceived, he made it clear that his issue wasn’t with Cena personally but with the ongoing disrespect the show has received.
