'Arrow' Spinoff starring 'The Atom' Possibly Happening; Vixen gets Animated Series in Same Universe

All CW has to do is look at the ratings for their DC Universe series Arrow and The Flash to know that fans are in love with that world right now. But how far can it possibly extend? With a Supergirl series on the way and Gotham already on the air, is there a limit to how much time audiences will invest? The ceiling has yet to be hit so far, and now CW is apparently considering a second Arrow spinoff, one that would center on Ray Palmer aka The Atom.

The Atom debuted during the third season portrayed by ex-Superman Brandon Routh, and he instantly drew my hatred for mackin' on Felicity Smoak. She's too good for him! But at least if he gets his own show she probably won't be a big part of it. Anyway, here's what CW president Mark Pedowitz had to say about another spinoff during the Television Critics Association tour over the weekend...

Pedowiz: “You’d have to be judicious. Could there be another hour in that universe? Possibly. That’s why we’re in preliminary discussion. [The show] has to stand on its own legs.”

Arrow, Flash, and Supergirl exec-producer Greg Berlanti later followed that up by adding that "very early talks" had begun on an idea for The Atom.

In the meantime, both Arrow and The Flash have been renewed for fourth and second seasons respectively, and it also looks like the universe is growing beyond the live-action realm. The Justice League hero Vixen will be getting her own animated series on CW Seed that will be set in the same universe as Arrow and The Flash. Both characters will appear on the show, which will be exec-produced by Marc Guggenheim and debut this fall.  Check out some promo art for Vixen below. [EW]

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Who Would Win? Flash vs. Arrow in New Trailer for 'The Flash'

Okay so I'm still a couple of weeks behind on The Flash, although I'm completely caught up on Arrow, and all I've been hearing about for the last week is this big crossover episode. Next week the CW will begin the first in their two-part crossover between The Flash and Arrow, which they've been hyping as a battle between the two superheroes. Well, kinda, except this new trailer makes it clear Flash (Grant Gustin) and Arrow (Stephen Amell) have different tactics but are ultimately on the same side. Frankly, I'm on the side of whoever lets me see more of Emily Bett Rickards as Felicity Smoak.

The Flash/Arrow crossover begins December 2nd on The Flash and concludes December 3rd on Arrow. Check out the episode synopsis followed by the trailer below.

Barry (Grant Gustin) is thrilled when Oliver (guest star Stephen Amell), Felicity (guest star Emily Bett Rickards) and Diggle (guest star David Ramsey) come to Central City to investigate a case involving a deadly boomerang. Excited about teaming up with his friend, Barry asks Oliver if he’d like to help him stop Ray Bivolo (guest star Paul Anthony), the meta-human Barry is currently tracking. Bivolo causes people to lose control of their emotions and has been using that skill to rob banks. Unfortunately, the superhero partnership doesn’t go as smoothly as Barry expected. When Oliver tells Barry he still has a lot to learn, Barry sets out to prove him wrong by attempting to stop Bivolo alone. However, when Bivolo infects Barry and sets him on a rage rampage, everyone is in danger, and the only one who can stop him is the Arrow. Meanwhile, Iris (Candice Patton) is furious when Eddie (Rick Cosnett) tries to get a task force to stop The Flash, Joe and Dr. Wells (Tom Cavanagh) agree the Arrow is a bad influence on Barry, and Caitlin and Cisco deal with a new team in S.T.A.R. Labs. 


The Flash - FLASH VS. ARROW Trailer by Chroneek

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New Trailers for 'Gotham', 'The Flash', and 'Arrow'!

When I was putting this article together I thought to myself, "For the title image I'll just use the logo for whatever the coolest trailer of the bunch happened to be", as you see above picking the best was easier said than done. For all of the "Marvel rules the world talk" you hear you'd think DC was all but dead, I'm here to tell you they are far from it. DC, with the success of Arrow has slowly been carving out a large share of TV land. Couple the fan reaction to the Dawn of Justice teaser this weekend with the sheer awesomelitude of these three trailers and you have a brand that seems poised to strike some serious blows to the Marvel stronghold. 

Before we get into the trailers I just want to point out how awesome it is to be having this conversation in 2014. After X-Men ignited the superhero frenzy in 2000 the masses have been saying that the comic book movie nirvana we've been living it had a definite shelf life. Here we are, some 14 years later, and the genre has never been stronger. I dare say it's here to stay. 

First we have a full trailer for Gotham. While there's not much here to judge the series potential as a whole it does give a good luck into the feel of the show. Plenty of one-shots at villains-to-be, a perfect recreation of the classic "Bruce's parents get whacked and he cries to the heavens at their feet" panel, and a good look at the eternal optimism of Jim Gordon. There's just a few things I need from the series in order for it to work. First and foremost I'd like Bruce to be in the far background of the events, the showrunners need to exhibit some serious willpower and make this show about Gotham itself, from the perspective of Jim Gordon. Second, I need them to resist the temptation of throwing winks at fanboys every week. Mainly they need to treat this world as if we knew nothing of what it would become, let the characters grow into their future selves organically and don't rush anything. Regardless, I'm all about it. 

Next up we have the first official teaser trailer for the new series on The CW, The Flash. Barry Allen debuted on Arrow last year to favorable fan reactions, leading to his own spin-off series. I'll admit I don't know a ton about where the series is going or what angle they will take but as long as they capture who Barry is as a person and handle it with the same ingeniouity that they've done over on Arrow I'll be happy. Saving the best for last we have the season 3 trailer for Arrow. I've constantly beat myself up about not making this one of my "Must Watch" shows, I can't explain why I'm not caught up...the show is, by all accounts, amazing. The episodes I've watched I've thoroughly enjoyed (even if Katie Cassidy, a former favorite of mine, has lost a step), I just haven't made it a priority. I'm happy to say that this trailer for season 3 has adjusted my priorities and starting today I'll be streaming Arrow on Netflix in an effort to catch up before the premier. Not being an avid watcher at this point it's possible I'm missing some things but to my eyes this series has everything. Like a more mature Smallville with all of the comicy goodness and none of the saccharine Sweet Valley High drama, Arrow seems to have found a way to avoid the palpable cheapness of superhero shows past. The action looks amazing, the heroes and villains plentiful, and the story real. I don't think I'm overstating to say that this next season of Arrow could be some of the best comic based TV we've ever seen. 

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Brandon Routh Joins Third Season of 'Arrow' as Another Major Superhero

So things haven't quite worked out every time Brandon Routh has played a superhero. Everyone remembers how his one shot at playing Superman turned out in Bryan Singer's Superman Returns. In short; not well at all. He also took on the Italian comic book character Dylan Dog in a rather terrible adaptation that nobody saw anyway. But now it looks like Routh is going to get one more shot at playing a major DC universe character and he's got a much better chance at success this time.

Routh has agreed to join WB's Arrow series, taking on the role of Ray Palmer aka the Atom. In the comics, Palmer is a scientist and superhero with the ability to alter his size to the subatomic level and can also simulate flight. He's also been a member of the Justice League. Here's the description given to the character for Arrow...

"An unparalleled scientist and inventor, Ray will play an unexpected role in the lives of Oliver and Felicity as the new owner of Queen Consolidated. Palmer’s plans for Queen Consolidated’s Applied Sciences Division will be shrouded in mystery." 

One of those "unexpected" roles will be as a love interest for Felicity (nooooooo!!!!), which if we're following the previously established pattern means we may be seeing an Atom spinoff series at some point. Certainly casting someone like Routh makes that more possible. His deal is said to run for 14-episodes meaning he will be a major factor in the upcoming season.

Routh joins other newcomers to Arrow, Devon Aoki as Katana, Peter Stormare as Count Vertigo, and Karl Yune. [Deadline]

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'Gotham', 'The Flash, 'Constantine' and More Part of Full Warner Bros. TV Comic-Con Schedule

*deep breath*  The annual madness of geekery and nerdom known as San Diego Comic-Con is right around the corner and I'm exhausted before it's even started. Studios are already beginning to make announcements of the shows and movies they'll be bringing to the event, and Warner Bros. TV has made the biggest reveal by far with their full line-up.

Warner Bros. TV will bring a whopping 15 series to Comic-Con, kicking off Wednesday Sneak Preview Night with full episodes of Constantine, The Flash, and iZombie. On the panel side of things, fans can expect to see The Following, Arrow, Supernatural, and many more with the stars and showrunners in attendance. The Following and Supernatural have scored prime real estate in Hall H for Sunday, July 27th, the final day of the convention.

But what's really going to drive some wild, and force guys like me to stick around the arena longer than anticipated, is Saturday night in Hall H when Warner Bros. will host an 3-hour block of programming from 8-11pm where they will present the world premiere of the new Gotham TV series. Wowsers. 

Check out the full schedule below, and if you're planning on attending Comic-Con this year let us know what you're looking forward to.

WED., JULY 23
6 p.m., Ballroom 20 — Sneak peek screenings of The Flash, Constantine, iZOMBIE and Teen Titans Go!

THURS., JULY 24
6–7 p.m., Room 25ABC — Childrens Hospital (New episodes in 2015, Adult Swim): Creator and star Rob Corddry will share an exclusive video sneak peek at season six and will be joined onstage by select members of the show’s cast for a lively — and medically accurate — Q&A.

FRIDAY, JULY 25
10–11 a.m., Ballroom 20 — The Big Bang Theory (Mondays 8/7c CBS, season premiere Sept. 22; Thursdays 8/7c CBS beginning Oct. 30): Back by popular demand! The Big Bang Theory writers are back in San Diego and ready to share secrets behind TV’s #1 comedy.

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Room 6BCF — iZOMBIE (Midseason on The CW): iZOMBIE makes its Comic-Con debut with a screening of the complete pilot episode, followed by a Q&A with series stars Rose McIver (Once Upon a Time), Malcolm Goodwin (Breakout Kings), newcomer Rahul Kohli and Robert Buckley (One Tree Hill), as well as executive producers Rob Thomas (Veronica Mars) and Diane Ruggiero-Wright (Veronica Mars).

2:30–3:15 p.m., Indigo Ballroom — Mike Tyson Mysteries (Premiering this fall, Adult Swim): In this new animated comedy series, Mike Tyson is taking the fight from the boxing ring to the streets...by solving mysteries! Join us for a first look at this new adult animated series and a can’t-miss panel featuring Mike Tyson, Rachel Ramras (MAD), Jim Rash (Community) and producer Hugh Davidson (The Looney Tunes Show).

3:15–4:15 p.m., Room 6BCF — The 100 (Wednesdays 9/8c The CW, season premiere October 22): After the stunning events in the season finale, join us for a special video presentation followed by a Q&A with series stars as well as executive producer Jason Rothenberg.

4:15–5:15 p.m., Ballroom 20 — The Originals (Mondays 8/7c The CW, season premiere October 6): Last season’s top new series on The CW returns to Comic-Con! Join executive producer Julie Plec, co-executive producer Michael Narducci and series stars Joseph Morgan, Daniel Gillies, Phoebe Tonkin, Charles Michael Davis, Leah Pipes and Danielle Campbell for a special video presentation followed by a Q&A.

5:30–6:30 p.m., Ballroom 20 — Arrow (Wednesdays 8/7c The CW, season premiere October 8): Arrow series stars Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy, David Ramsey, Emily Bett Rickards, Colton Haynes, Willa Holland, Paul Blackthorne and John Barrowman — with executive producers Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim and Andrew Kreisberg — will take aim at San Diego with a special video presentation and panel discussion previewing the show’s upcoming and highly-anticipated third season.

SATURDAY, JULY 26
 4:00–4:45 p.m., Ballroom 20 — The Vampire Diaries (Thursdays 8/7c The CW, season premiere October 2): The cast and creative team behind The Vampire Diaries return to San Diego for a sizzling sixth appearance at Comic-Con! Series stars Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder and Kat Graham join executive producer/writer Julie Plec on stage for a video screening and Q&A session.

5:15–6:15 p.m, Room 6BCF — Constantine (Fridays 10/9c NBC, series premiere Oct. 24): Based upon the characters from DC Comics, Constantine reflects the lore of the fan-favorite comic, combining noirish storytelling with the evolving mythology of John Constantine, a morally challenged character who doesn’t come down on the side of either good or evil … but ultimately might be the only thing defending us against the dark forces from beyond. Attendees will see a screening of the complete pilot, followed by a Q&A with series stars Matt Ryan (Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior), Harold Perrineau (Lost) and Charles Halford (True Detective), along with executive producers Daniel Cerone (Dexter) and David S. Goyer (Man of Steel, The Dark Knight films).

6:15–7:00 p.m., Room 6BCF — Person of Interest (Tuesdays 10/9c CBS, season premiere September 23): The smash hit Person of Interest returns to San Diego for the fourth year! Join executive producer Greg Plageman along with series stars for a special video presentation and Q&A.

8:00–11:00 p.m., Hall H — Warner Bros. Television & DC Entertainment Present: The Flash, Constantine, Arrow and the World Premiere of Gotham with Special Appearances by Casts and Producers: For the first time ever at Comic-Con, Warner Bros. Television presents an entire evening filled with some of DC Entertainment’s greatest characters, featuring the world premiere pilot screening — and only Comic-Con screening — of the highly anticipated new series Gotham (Mondays this fall, 8/7c on FOX). The much-buzzed about pilot of The Flash will also be screened — if you can catch it — along with exclusive video presentations of returning hit Arrow and new thriller Constantine. Cast members and producers from all four shows will make special appearances on stage throughout the night.

SUNDAY, JULY 27
10:00–11:00 a.m., Hall H — Supernatural (Tuesdays 9/8c The CW, Season Premiere October 7): Join series stars Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins and Mark A. Sheppard, along with executive producer Jeremy Carver as they answer questions from the audience about what’s in store for the tenth season of this exciting series, including its upcoming 200th episode! Fans will also be treated to an exclusive video presentation featuring series highlights, and special features from the upcoming Supernatural: The Complete Ninth Season DVD and Blu-ray™ release.

11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., Hall H — The Following (Midseason on FOX): Hit thriller The Following returns to Comic-Con for a third year! Series stars Kevin Bacon, Shawn Ashmore, Sam Underwood and Jessica Stroup will join creator/executive producer Kevin Williamson and executive producers Marcos Siega and Jennifer Johnson for an on-stage Q&A and special video presentation.

11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m., Room 6BCF — Teen Titans Go! (Thursdays 6/5c Cartoon Network): Find out what’s in store for Robin, Starfire, Beast Boy, Cyborg and Raven — or just throw a meatball party with your friends! The Teen Titans are back at it again with all-new comedic adventures and, after screening a brand-new episode, there will be a Q&A with producers Michael Jelenic (Batman: The Brave and the Bold) and Aaron Horvath (MAD) and members of the voice cast. Plus, making a special appearance at the panel will be Puffy AmiYumi, the Japanese pop duo responsible for the iconic theme song from the original Teen Titans series.

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Don't Blink or You'll Miss the First Teaser for CW's 'The Flash'

Those who caught tonight's crazy season finale of Arrow also caught the first promo for The Flash, which CW hopes will give them a powerful superhero 1-2 punch. It's probably not accurate to call this a trailer so much as a character tease, showing us the vast differences between Stephen Amell's serious Oliver Queen and Grant Gustin's flashy Barry Allen. With so many comic book shows around and some beginning to worry they'll be telling similar stories, it was a wise move for CW to show their network will be doing things differently.

The series will air this fall and spin off from Barry Allen's appearances in Arrow this past season. He'll use his newfound powers to fight crime while also serving as a scientist in Central City.  Jesse L. Martin, Danielle Panabaker, Candice Patton, Tom Cavanaugh, and John Wesley Shipp co-star.


The Flash on CW - First Look: Don't Blink by FanReviews

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Interview: Caity Lotz Talks 'The Machine' and CW's 'Arrow'

For fans of CW's hit series, Arrow, the arrival of Caity Lotz as the Black Canary was one of the season's great surprises. While she's turned that show upside down and given it more of an edge, Lotz has been around for a lot longer than people suspect. Beginning her career as a dancer touring with the likes of Lady Gaga and Avril Lavigne, she turned her attention towards Hollywood and has never looked back.

Aside from showing off her natural athletic ability on Arrow every week, she can also be seen in futuristic sci-fi film, The Machine. The award-winning film is set in a future when Britain and China are in the midst of a new Cold War, and the one who can develop the most advanced artificial intelligence will have the edge. Lotz, in an impressive award-nominated dual performance, plays both the human programmer and "the Machine" itself, fighting against the Defense Ministry's attempts to foment war.

I had a chance to talk with Lotz about her role in The Machine, how it came about and whether her time on Arrow had any impact on the performance. You can check out the interview in full below, and if you want more there's always our brief feature on Lotz, plus my review of The Machine. It's available right now On Demand and in theaters. [Cinema Royale]

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The Talent Show: Caity Lotz

There's a reason we brought back The Talent Show after all these years, and no it's not just to have a reason to put up even more hot photos of the actresses we adore. Ok, that's part of it, but the other reason is that there are a ton of sexy and extremely talented stars out there, and we like to give them a little bit of shine.

Caity Lotz is the perfect representation of why we do it. Having begun her career as a back-up dancer for Avril Lavigne, Lotz spun her skills into her first major film role in Bring It On: All or Nothing. A few small appearances followed, but she's now set to explode and become the new pin-up girl on the walls of every comic book fanboy on the planet. She'll don the famous fishnet leggings of Black Canary in the second season of Arrow, which is all the more reason to set your DVRs. But if you can't wait that long, Lotz gets to show off her moves on the big screen in Battle of the Year, in theaters right now.

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