In the latest in a series of DC Comics television project announcements featuring Raven, Deadman, Booster Gold and The Spectre, it seems Green Arrow can now be added to the list. Deadline reports that the CW network is finalizing a deal for a pilot order for Arrow, an hourlong drama based on the Emerald Archer.
The pilot is written and executive produced by Green Lantern co-writers Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim and Fringe and Green Arrow/Black Canary writer Andrew Kreisberg. David Nutter, who directed the terrific pilot for the CW's Superman series Smallville, will likely direct the Arrow pilot as well.
However, it appears that actor Justin Hartley, who starred as Green Arrow/Oliver Queen on Smallville, will not be reprising the role. An odd decision, considering Smallville ended last May and Hartley has only appeared on an episode of NBC's Chuck since then. Also, Arrow will have a new setting not based on the comics, which could mean just about anything.
Working on a DC Comics television series to replace Smallville was important to the CW during this development season. "We’re looking next year to do a superhero show if the right superhero comes to be,” CW president Mark Pedowitz said back in August. In addition to Arrow, the network is developing the aforementioned Deadman, scripted by Supernatural creator Eric Kripke.