As previously reported, the "Flashpoint" storyline in "The Flash" Season 3 is going to bleed over to every DC show on The CW. It appears that "Arrow" Season 5 is going to be affected by this arc in a major way, and actor Stephen Amell recently teased about it.
Amell spilled the beans on episode 97 of "Arrow," hinting at how "Flashpoint" affects Oliver Queen in Starling City. "Most times I get to play two versions of Oliver. This time? Three," the actor posted on his Twitter account.
Throughout the show's four season, viewers have seen two sides of Oliver - his past self, the one stuck on a hellish island; and his present self as the Green Arrow. This third version of himself could be referring to Oliver in an alternate timeline.
Amell previously hinted that "Flashpoint" will affect "Arrow" in a major way. He later retracted his statement, and clarified that "Flashpoint" "certainly could" affect "Arrow." As to how, the cast and crew are tight-lipped about it.
According to Comicbook.com, Oliver Queen in the "Flashpoint" arc of the comics is the head of Green Arrow Industries. The military contracting company steals advanced gadgets from villains and turns it over to the military. However, fans theorize that they might wipe out Stephen Amell from the timeline completely and have him replaced by Jamey Sheriden, who played Robert Queen in the show's pilot episode.
Meanwhile, "Arrow" Season 5 is going to explore Oliver's experience with the Bratva, a Russian mafia. This certainly going to be a darker flashback compared to the previous ones.
"We really wanted to go gritty, dark, and make it feel very real. We're dealing with the Bratva, and the Bratva is, as we all know, a pretty interesting and messed-up institution," producer Wendy Mericle told TVLine.
"The Expendables" star Dolph Lundgreen has been cast as the leader of Bratva. The character is described as a government strongman who's "scary and formidable."
New additions to the show include "Jessica Jones" star Wil Traval, who will portray Human Target. There's also a new villain named Prometheus.
"Arrow" Season 5 premieres Oct. 4, Tuesday on The CW.