Stephen Amell Swaps Superhero for Lawyer in NBC's Suits: L.A.

Written by Published

Stephen Amell, the star who wowed us as the brooding Green Arrow for eight action-packed seasons, is gearing up for a new adventure on the small screen. But this time, don’t expect him to be suited up in green leather and taking down villains with a bow and arrow. Instead, Amell is stepping into the world of high-stakes legal drama with NBC's upcoming series, Suits: L.A. This fresh take on the Suits universe has been making waves since NBC gave it the green light on July 19, 2024, and it's not just Amell who’s making headlines.

The Scoop on Suits: L.A.:

The premise of Suits: L.A. offers a fascinating twist. Amell plays Ted Black, a former federal prosecutor from New York who has reinvented himself in Los Angeles. Ted's legal practice is on the brink of disaster, and to salvage it, he must step into a role he’s despised throughout his career. The series promises a rich mix of personal and professional drama, featuring a top-notch ensemble cast, including Josh McDermitt, Lex Scott Davis, Bryan Greenberg, and Troy Winbush. Aaron Korsh, the creative mind behind the original Suits, is on board as the creator and executive producer for this new chapter.

A New Role, but Familiar Vibes:

While Suits: L.A. is a far cry from the superhero escapades of Arrow, there's something intriguingly familiar about Amell’s new role. Ted Black's journey of reinvention and grappling with a role he once scorned echoes the transformative arc of Oliver Queen. In Arrow, Oliver Queen’s evolution from a troubled billionaire to the vigilante Green Arrow was driven by his own personal demons and a quest for redemption. Similarly, Ted Black’s transformation is motivated by the urgent need to save his struggling firm, with a touch of personal growth thrown in for good measure.

Not Exactly a Green Arrow Reboot:

It's worth noting that while Suits: L.A. might share some thematic elements with Arrow, it’s a legal drama through and through. There won't be any archery or superheroics in this series. Instead, viewers can expect sharp legal maneuvering, intense character dynamics, and a blend of personal and professional conflicts. Despite the change in genre, it’s hard not to feel a bit nostalgic for Amell’s days as the Green Arrow. After all, seeing him embrace a role he previously rejected might just give fans a hint of the old Arrow spirit.

Behind the Scenes:

Interestingly, Suits: L.A. is being filmed in Vancouver, despite its setting being sunny Los Angeles. This isn't unusual, as many TV shows and movies shoot in British Columbia, but it’s a bit of a head-scratcher when you consider the geographical discrepancy. Vancouver doubled as the fictional Star(ling) City in Arrow, but it’s a stretch to imagine it standing in for Los Angeles. Even the original Suits, set in New York City, was filmed in Canada. This filming location quirk adds an extra layer of intrigue for fans.

The Future of Heels and Suits: L.A.:

As Suits: L.A. gears up for its premiere, the future of Amell’s other recent project, Heels, seems uncertain. With the new series getting a series order, it’s possible that Heels might not make a comeback. NBC hasn’t yet announced the exact premiere date for Suits: L.A., and it wasn’t included in the lineup of their upcoming shows, including their two remaining Law & Order series.

Where to Watch:

As we count down the days until Suits: L.A. hits the airwaves, there’s plenty to keep fans entertained. You can revisit the original Suits with a Peacock Premium subscription, or catch up on Arrow on Netflix. Whether you’re reminiscing about Amell’s heroic past or gearing up for his legal drama debut, there’s no shortage of content to dive into.

In summary, Stephen Amell’s transition from a superhero to a legal eagle promises to be a thrilling new chapter in his career. Suits: L.A. may not have the action-packed flair of Arrow, but it’s set to deliver compelling drama and a fresh narrative that will keep viewers hooked. Keep an eye out for more updates on this exciting new series and get ready for a whole new side of Stephen Amell.