Arrow is adding yet another DC Comics superhero to its roster, and this time they’re bringing in a former Superman for the role. Brandon Routh, who played the big blue Boy Scout in Bryan Singer’s 2006 film Superman Returns, will take on the role of Ray Palmer, aka The Atom, for 14 episodes in the upcoming third season.
This news comes from Deadline, which states that Palmer will play an “unexpected role in the lives of Oliver Queen and Felicity Smoak as the new owner of Queen Consolidated.” That means that he’s the mysterious tech-based superhero we heard about a few weeks ago, and that he’ll serve as a love interest for Felicity.
The Atom will be an interesting character to introduce into the Arrow universe. In the comics, Palmer is a physicist and university professor, who creates a suit allowing him to shrink down to subatomic size, using material he found from the mass of a white dwarf star that had fallen to Earth. The origins of his powers will likely change a bit to fit the more grounded tone of the show, but it’s worth noting that after the events of last season, super-powered heroes (and villains) are no longer out of the question.
This also means that DC will be beating Marvel to the punch when it comes to their shrinking superheroes. The Atom will arrive on screen almost a year before Ant-Man, so it will be interesting to see how audiences react and which character they like more.
Personally, I think Routh will fit the role well, and I’m excited to see him play a superhero again. Superman Returns may have been a bit of a misfire, but many would agree that Routh’s casting was not the issue there. I thought he made a fine Superman, and I was sad to see his career derail a bit when the film failed to reignite the franchise.
Tell us, what do you think of this casting news? Are you excited to see The Atom headed to Arrow, with Brandon Routh in the role? Let us know in the comments section below.
