TV Guide announced yesterday that former Teen Wolf TV series star Colton Haynes has landed the role of Roy Harper on the CW series Arrow. Harper is described by The CW as "a handsome, street-savvy, teenager from 'the Glades,' the harsh, poverty-stricken portion of Starling City."
Of course, DC Comics fans know that Harper debuted as Green Arrow's sidekick Speedy way back in More Fun Comics #73 in 1941, then changed to the more adult identity of Arsenal in New Titans #99 in 1993, and became Red Arrow in Justice League of America (Vol.2) #7 in 2007. The character currently co-stars as Arsenal once again in the series Red Hood and the Outlaws.
Haynes will reportedly first appear as Roy Harper in the February 20th episode "Dodger," in a recurring role as Thea Queen's love interest after the two meet "in an unexpected way." The article also mentions that Harper is "destined to become a significant part of her life and an important player in the larger world of Arrow."
Executive producer Greg Berlanti commented on the casting, saying "We were big fans of Colton from Teen Wolf and we are thrilled he's joining Arrow."
It's not yet known if Harper will take on the alias of Speedy, which has already been referenced on the show as Oliver Queen's nickname for his younger sister, or the other identities of Arsenal or Red Arrow. As Smallville proved, however, sometimes these things take a little time...