Producers Of New Show, 'Arrow', Explain Why Justin Hartley Wasn't Cast

Justin Hartley, who plays super-human archer the Green Arrow on Superman-origins series Smallville, will not be continuing his role as the superhero gets his own series.

Instead, Stephen Amell, perhaps best known for his roles in Private Practice and Heartland, was cast in favour as producers look to bring a different, more physical take on the role. A pilot, starring Amell, has already been aired, with a full-series pick up expected to follow.

According to reports, Amell has gotten well and truly into the role, taking on an extensive training regime. He has since learned how to free-run (parkour) and begun an intensive training regime that involves much combat-infused training. Naturally, the latest actor to take on the role of Oliver Queen and his alter ego has begun to learn archery; with his instructor allegedly showing Amell a 45-minute video of all the ways the archery had been inaccurately demonstrated on screen in the past.

Speaking reporters at the Television Critics Association today, series producer Marc Guggenheim talked of how Arrow's more liberal side seen in the comics will also resonate on the show. He said: "there's some echos of the 1 percent and Occupy Wall Street . he's man of the people and taking it back for the little guy."