‘Arrow’ Manu Bennett Star Reflects On Oliver & Slade’s Evolving Relationship

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At a recent fan convention featuring Arrow‘s Manu Bennett, the actor reflected on the evolution of the relationship between Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) and his character Slade.

Arrow has featured a number of iconic villains from the DC comic book library. One of the most iconic of Oliver Queen’s (Stephen Amell) foes is one that loomed over the hero since the pilot episode of the series. Of course, I’m talking about Slade (Manu Bennett), aka Deathstroke. The character has appeared in many forms in recent years, such as in the video game Batman: Arkham Origins and the post-credits tease at the end of 2017’s Justice League. 

Though the DC villain has had plenty of iconic appearances, his presence on Arrow has given birth to a very original take on the character that still remains true to the original comic book. Bennett recently attended Dallas Fan Days 2018 and of course, the actor was asked about his Arrow villain. This is what Bennett had to say about Oliver and Slade’s long relationship, via Comicbook.com.

“[It’s] a very well-written show. It’s got its demographic and it’s got its audience. It’s hitting targets, you know? I think that Stephen and I have evolved- he and I, personally, -with our performance as Oliver and Slade, in a way that just is, you know.

The writers have done a really great job with this journey that he and I have been on. I think that every time it’s come up, it’s kind of like an origin story. It swells emotions in people again, which is my whole modus operandi. So I’m glad for all of that. “

Despite Bennett’s Slade having a very prominent presence on TV, Joe Manganiello’s Deathstroke still hasn’t had a huge presence in the DC Extended Universe just yet. Fans fell in love with his brief appearance in Justice League though and his own solo movie is still being rumored, so hopefully, fans will be able to see him return to the big screen sooner than later.

We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all news regarding Arrow and The CW’s entire Arrowverse as soon as more information becomes available. Who has been your favorite villain on The CW’s Arrow thus far? Who would you like to see introduced before the series’ end? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Arrow stars Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen/Green Arrow, Emily Bett Rickards as Felicity Smoak, David Ramsey as John Diggle, Paul Blackthorne as Quentin Lance, Juliana Harkavy as Dinah Drake/Black Canary, Rick Gonzalez as Rene Ramirez/Wild Dog, Echo Kellum as Curtis Holt/Wild Dog and Katie Cassidy as Laurel Lance/Black Siren.

Source: Comicbook.com