Stephen Amell’s Overlooked Superhero Role: A Perfect Companion to Arrow That Ended Too Soon

Stephen Amell’s compelling performance in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows perfectly complemented his role as Oliver Queen in the hit series Arrow, which aired on The CW from 2012 to 2020. This notable series, which captivated audiences for eight seasons, achieved an impressive 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and paved the way for the formation of the “Arrowverse,” a shared universe of superhero shows. Arrow not only garnered a loyal fanbase but also redefined television superhero dramas.

After his time on Arrow, Stephen Amell ventured into various fields, including professional wrestling and a starring role in the upcoming Suits spinoff, Suits: L.A.. Another memorable moment for Amell occurred in 2016, when he embraced the role of Casey Jones, a character from the beloved franchise, during the peak of Arrow‘s popularity. This performance followed the earlier success of the 2014 film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, produced by Michael Bay.

Stephen Amell’s Portrayal of Casey Jones

Casey Jones and Oliver Queen: Striking Similarities

Stephen Amell as Casey Jones holding his hockey stick in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows

In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows, Stephen Amell steps into the role of Casey Jones, a fiery vigilante and ally to the titular turtles. Sporting a hockey mask, Casey Jones embodies the spirit of the original comics, which served both as a parody and an homage to darker superhero narratives such as Daredevil. His tendency for violence and rudimentary weaponry reveals an intriguing parallel to Amell’s own portrayal of Oliver Queen, the serious and gritty vigilante in Arrow.

Interestingly, Arrow drew inspiration from the same somber comic eras that influenced the creators of TMNT. In an insightful interview with Flickering Myth, Amell discussed the notable similarities between both characters. He remarked, “Obviously the similarities are right there on the surface,” highlighting how Casey Jones could be seen as a reflection of Oliver Queen from earlier comic interpretations. Throughout the years, various renditions of Casey Jones have emerged, with the character navigating both animated and live-action adaptations.

Comparative Analysis of Stephen Amell’s Casey Jones

Amell’s Unique Take on Casey Jones

Casey Jones has been a central character in numerous Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films, serving as a loyal ally to the turtles despite his violent tendencies. Often regarded as the fifth turtle, his background has varied in different portrayals. In some narratives, Casey is equipped with skills from a past career in ice hockey, while in others, he is depicted as just a delivery person. Nevertheless, certain traits remain consistent across adaptations, such as his animosity towards the Purple Dragons and his romantic interest in April O’Neil.

Casey Jones Appearances
TMNT Feature Films	Played By
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)	Elias Koteas
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III (1993)	Elias Koteas
TMNT (2007)	Chris Evans
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows (2016)	Stephen Amell

In his portrayal of Casey Jones, Stephen Amell presents an older character with distinct motivations. The 2016 film depicts Jones as a prison guard aspiring to become an NYC Detective, who ultimately takes on the role of vigilante while pursuing the Foot Clan. This portrayal diverges from previous versions of Casey, who typically showcase a more impulsive approach to vigilantism.

The Absence of a Sequel for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows

Box Office Struggles Led to Third Film Cancellation

Donatello, Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Raphael in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows

Regrettably for Amell, the financially disappointing outcome for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows negatively impacted any plans for a sequel. The 2016 installment, produced by Michael Bay, grossed $245 million worldwide on a substantial budget of $135 million, marking it a box-office disappointment compared to its predecessor, which earned nearly double that amount at $485 million. Consequently, plans for a third film were abandoned.

Despite its lower earnings, critical reception favored Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows compared to the earlier movie. While the 2014 installment faced backlash for its convoluted storytelling, the sequel was praised for its clearer narrative. Additionally, it even achieved a spot on Netflix’s Top 10 Most Popular Movies chart in 2024, showcasing a potential resurgence of interest. With mixed reviews at its release, Stephen Amell’s interpretation of Casey Jones might have been inadvertently overshadowed.

Sources: Flickering Myth.

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