In a scene of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of Shadows," Casey Jones (Stephen Amell) introduced himself to April O'Neil (Megan Fox). (Photo : YouTube / Movieclips Coming Soon)
Stephen Amell admits his character Casey Jones in the new film "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows" a bit closer to his personality than Oliver Queen in "Arrow," who is much quiet, introspective and reserved. That made his experience shooting the film more fun.
The Canadian actor who film debuts as the vigilante Jones in the "Turtles" movie has been given the three elements as his trademark: lots of baddies, danger and breathtaking action. He found the movie perfect for his schedule and pursued it aggressively - auditioning, taping, meeting some people and even doing a chemistry read with Megan Fox before having offered the gig.
Being Canadian to play Jones is an edge as the character usually takes out a villain with a hockey stick. Amell is familiar with hockey which he played at 13 or 14. A scene in the movie required him to skate as well and he does know how to rollerblade.
Though his favorite character is the party dude Michelangelo, portraying Jones was a perfect fit because he leads with his heart instead of his head, Amell said during his interview with Entertainment Weekly where he talked about the movie, his transition to film as well as his hobbies. Speaking about his character, the actor said Jones does make mistakes, and is funny.
As for his familiarity with the franchise, the actor watched the live-action movies in theatres during the 90s with childhood friends. They then would go home and treat themselves to a pizza party.
The 35-year-old actor gives his experience with "Arrow" credit for his role in the "Turtles" though he was not planning to stay in a specific genre in transitioning into film. His next career step would be going back to the TV series on CW, and perhaps "Turtles" if it does well.
"I would love to anchor something new, a character that people would get to know for the first time through my performance," Amell told the online news magazine. As he had been portraying already-established characters which he considers a privilege, he also loves to play a new character. He added, "I would love to anchor a Jason Bourne-style franchise."
When not on set, Amell busies himself with winery. He just started a winery with his buddy "for people who aren't wine snobs but want a really decent bottle to drink."
Amell's character in "Ninja Turtles" was originally created as vigilantes parody with various weapons, such as baseball, cricket bats and golf clubs. His first official image as Jones was on a hockey mask and stick. Since Jones is on the same page as Daredevil and Green Arrow, Amell was expected to portray him easily, according to Cinema Blend.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows" has been released in theaters on June 3, Friday.
Here's a video clip of the new "Ninja Turtles" movie featuring Casey Jones and Megan Fox.
