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Arrow star John Barrowman, aka Malcolm Merlyn, has confirmed that he is leaving the show. Barrowman joined the show in its first season as the villain who would go up against Stephen Amell’s Oliver Queen. Also known as the Magician/ Dark Archer, Malcolm Merlyn had one of the best character arcs out of everyone on the show.
He’s cheated death, forced his daughter to kill her friend, and fought both against and alongside the heroes of Arrow. He has also, since 2016, had the freedom of movement across other Arrowverse shows, appearing in The Flash (including the musical crosover episode), and Legends of Tomorrow.
In the Arrow season 5 finale, Malcolm Merlyn went out it style. helping Oliver, Deathstroke, and Nyssa al Ghul to rescue Oliver’s friends, and his own daughter, Thea. In the end, he sacrificed himself in order that Thea and the others could escape the island, and he became caught up in a mine blast. This might be a comicbook show, and people might often escape death or even come back for it, but Barrowman confirmed in an Instagram post that this really is the end of the road for him in the Arrowverse.
It had previously been reported that Barrowman would not return to the show, but official confirmation has now come from the man himself. He will certainly be missed on screen, and from the sounds of it, Barrowman himself will miss the role as well. Here’s what he had to say specifically about his departure:
“I am very sad to be leaving the Arrowverse. I love playing Malcolm Merlyn, and, you know, that’s it really. As sad as it may be, I understand how shows must change and also characters must change and develop, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not very sad and upset about it.”
He also adds “who knows what the future may hold?” and indeed, we could well see him crop up on another comic book show in the future…or maybe that much longed for Torchwood reboot could happen? In the meantime, Barrowman says he’ll be adding a few chapters to his autobiography about his time on the show, and that promises to be an intriguing read.
Featured Image: The CW
