Kevin Smith Wants to Direct Arrow, But Can't

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Kevin Smith Wants To Direct Arrow, But Says He Won't Be Allowed To

By Nicole Sobon

Published Oct 19, 2017

Despite directing multiple episodes of Supergirl and The Flash, Kevin Smith believes he won't get offered the chance to direct Arrow.

Kevin Smith is known for his love of all things geek culture, having written titles for both Marvel Comics and DC Comics. He even owns his own comic book store, where AMC's Comic Book Men is filmed. While he has mainly built his film career on comedies such as Clerks and Mallrats, the director has since turned to television to helm episodes for some of his favorite comic book shows, including The CW's The Flash and Supergirl. However, if it were up to Smith, there's one more show he'd love to add to his resume, even if he believes it's unlikely to happen: Arrow.

In a recent interview with ScreenRant, the director revealed that despite returning to direct multiple episodes of both The Flash and Supergirl, he doesn't believe he'll ever be able to helm an episode of Arrow. Smith recalled the time he approached Arrow executive producer Marc Guggenheim, explaining that fans have been eager to see him direct an episode of the Emerald Archer. However, Guggenheim said that DC's Legends of Tomorrow would be a better fit for the director.

"I talked to him once after a panel at the Paley Center, I was the moderator for the Paley Center CW panel at the Hollywood and Highland complex. And so afterwards, I was talking to Marc, and I was like, 'Hey man, fans keep saying they want me to direct an episode of [Arrow], I would love that, I wrote Green Arrow.' He knows that. And he goes, 'Yeah, you know, Arrow is very dark. Legends [of Tomorrow] would be good for you,'" he said with a laugh. "So, I don’t think they’re ever gonna let me near Arrow, which is totally fine."

While Guggenheim's comments are sure to disappoint those that have been eager to see Smith step behind the camera for Arrow, especially given Smith has stated he would have brought in his character Onomatopoeia, it's not entirely surprising. Although Smith does have a few dramatic titles to his name, including Jersey Girl and Chasing Amy, he's mainly known for his comedic work. While that tone may work for Supergirl and The Flash, it certainly doesn't work for Arrow, which is notably much darker than the rest of the Arrowverse.

In the meantime, Smith has directed the fifth episode of Supergirl's third season and will return to Vancouver in January to helm another episode of The Flash.

Starring Stephen Amell as the Emerald Archer, Arrow airs Thursdays at 9pm ET/PT on The CW. The series also stars Emily Bett Rickards, David Ramsey, Willa Holland and more.