‘Arrow’ spoilers: ‘Spartacus’ actor to take on villanous role

If anyone is possibly looking for evidence as to why “Arrow” is The CW’s biggest hit show in three years, all you have to do is look at the following story for evidence. After all, producers are putting some genuine effort into ensuring that there are characters arriving on the show with connections to the DC Universe, but the actors playing them are either familiar to genre audiences or compelling in their own way.

Wonder why the photo attached here is of Deathstroke? Well, it’s complicated. During the episode earlier this season, this villain was played by Jeffrey Robinson. However, Entertainment Weekly is now reporting that Manu Bennett (of the Starz “Spartacus” franchise) has been brought on to play the part of Slade Wilson, who is otherwise known as the man who eventually becomes Deathstroke. Is it possible that they recast the role, or they have different intentions for the character in this world? Producers at the moment are staying coy.

Wilson will be seen in flashbacks through multiple episodes this season, as the character and Oliver Queen form a very careful bond while on the island. It’s possible that one could turn on the other in the blink of an eye, but they still are going to be spending some time together and potentially helping each other survive the tough conditions (and apparently dangerous people waiting around every corner).

We recently met another iconic character from the DC universe on Wednesday night in the Huntress, and we already know that David Anders (“Once Upon a Time”) and Seth Gabel (“Fringe”) are also each going to be coming on board later this season as major villains. In the case of the latter, he will be the show’s version of Vertigo.

If you want to read some other great news when it comes to the episode count for “Arrow” this season, be sure to click here.

Photo: The CW