Stephen Amell Reveals Shocking Secrets Behind ‘Suits LA’ and ‘Arrow’ Struggles

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 “Suits LA” creator Aaron Korsh was on the hunt for his next leading man, Ted Black.

In planning for the next chapter in the “Suits” universe, Korsh intends to begin with Patrick J. Adams (Amell) as the starting point. This decision gained sudden importance after the summer of 2023 when “Suits,” which originally aired on USA Network from 2011 to 2019, was acquired by Netflix and swiftly rose in popularity on the streaming platform. The appeal could be attributed to its delightful cast, featuring Meghan Markle before her royal status, or perhaps due to the comforting simplicity it offered amidst the ongoing streaming wars. Regardless of the reason, the show skyrocketed in popularity, setting a new record by topping Nielsen’s charts for 12 consecutive weeks and becoming the most-streamed show of the year, with over 50 billion minutes watched. Netflix celebrated its “Summer of ‘Suits,'” and the excitement was indeed genuine.

As autumn approached, entertainment industry leaders were seeking another hit like “Suits,” something that could recreate its cozy, low-pressure, hard-to-resist atmosphere. Korsh was prepared with a concept. He had proposed a show centered around Hollywood agents, distinct from the “Suits” franchise, during the COVID-19 pandemic. NBC declined initially, but later invited him to revise it into a “Suits” spinoff; in the revamped series, a former New York prosecutor named Ted Black heads an entertainment law firm, representing top-tier clients on the West Coast.

Korsh recognized that the secret to “Suits” lay in its exceptional casting, particularly in choosing the ideal leading actor – someone who could match the original’s charm but also bring a unique flair of their own. And so, we welcome Stephen Amell into the scene.

According to Korsh, it took just 12 seconds into Stephen Amell’s audition for him to confidently declare that he was the perfect fit for Ted Black. This conviction remained strong throughout their collaboration on six episodes, and now, after working with him, Korsh is even more certain of his initial impression.

In January 2025, Amell and I crossed paths on the set of “Suits LA” in Los Angeles, marking a year since his audition. Amell was at the top of the call sheet for this production by UCP, which is scheduled to air on NBC beginning February 23rd. At that moment, Amell, aged 43, had just over an hour left before his glamour call. He expressed a need to tidy up his hair, saying, “I’ve got to get rid of this hat head before they arrive.” We conversed in a temporary trailer outside CAA in Century City, where the filming was taking place.

In this version, I have attempted to maintain the original meaning while making the text more conversational and easier to read for a general audience.

From 2004, when he started his TV career as a spin instructor on Showtime’s “Queer as Folk,” Amell has consistently worked. In 2009, he was cast in the lead role of Green Arrow for The CW’s DC superhero series “Arrow.” Over eight years, he portrayed a wealthy crime-fighter living a secret life. Being the main character on a TV show comes with its own set of challenges – fame and long working hours. For Amell, these eight years on “Arrow” also served as a period of self-exploration. He learned about the balance between fan interaction and personal space, when to voice his opinions, and when it’s best to stay quiet.

At that point, the Toronto-born actor found himself propelled forward like a projectile from a cannon. Despite expressing immense gratitude towards “Arrow,” Amell acknowledges that he didn’t particularly relish spending 10 months each year filming. What insights did he gain about leading a show?

“How long do we have?” he says with a laugh.

During the initial two to three years of ‘Arrow’, I held on for dear life. I was clinging to it with all my might, he explains. The working hours were grueling. By the time we reached the fifth episode of the first season, I had put more time into that show than I ever had on any project before.

He firmly declares, ‘I have never been a monster.’ He maintains that he has never shown disrespect, yet admits to having a quick temper. As time passes, one gains wisdom.

Amell frequently opened himself up to fans, often interacting with them on social platforms and participating in numerous fan events like conventions.

However, he was overly approachable. “Previously, there were many overly critical individuals, particularly regarding ‘Arrow.’ I would watch it and almost feel compelled to monitor it,” he admits. Occasionally, he’d even privately message viewers, inquiring about their feelings. These exchanges seldom led to positive outcomes and instead ingrained the unfavorable remarks in his mind.

Now, Amell states that social media has turned into a competition where one person’s gain equals another’s loss. He found this out the difficult way.

Engaging extensively had its advantages. Amell estimates that he’s likely met around 100,000 fans at conventions, though he admits it might be an underestimate. However, he recalls only two encounters in person that were not entirely pleasant.

“The internet’s not the real world,” he says, as if reminding himself more than telling me. 

Finally, he’s broken free from the practice of relying on others’ views. Nevertheless, he continues to express his own perspectives.

Prior to the final episode of “Arrow” airing in 2020, Stephen Amell had already secured his next leading role as the charming wrestler Jack Spade in Starz’s “Heels.” In July 2023, just two weeks before the series’ second season was set to debut, a strike occurred by SAG-AFTRA.

Following the premiere of the sophomore season, Amell voiced his opinions at a fan convention, stating that while he was in favor of his union, he considered striking as a “simplistic negotiation strategy” and “narrow-minded.” As the strike continued, celebrities like George Clooney secretly facilitated efforts to resolve the work stoppage. However, Amell was one of the first high-profile stars to express criticism towards SAG-AFTRA’s decision to go on strike, and the response was swift and negative.

He’s saying now, during what he refers to as a difficult period for actors, writers, and crew members, that not every thought should be shared through a microphone. The situation, in his opinion, is severe. Thousands of them protested, even enduring the scorching heat of Los Angeles for over four months. He believes striking is an extreme measure – this was his main point. However, he acknowledges that he needs to exercise more patience.

I disagree with the notion that ‘actors should stick to their roles.’ However, I recognize the need for me to be more mindful about the things I share publicly, as they can have significant consequences. It was like a whirlwind on the internet. Being right in the center of such a storm – everything seems minuscule, and you feel intensely scrutinized. I even thought people were giving me side-eyes at the gym or when dropping my kids off at school.

Following the incident, Amell chose to stand alongside protesters in New York. Additionally, he claims to have engaged with the SAG-AFTRA leadership.

Last summer, Amell starred in a film titled “Little Lorraine” alongside Sean Astin, a member of the SAG-AFTRA national board. At first, Amell thought he was seen as an adversary, but Astin suggested he consider becoming part of the board himself. This encounter made Amell understand that instead of merely criticizing from afar, he could be more productive and beneficial by participating directly.

Before landing his role in “Suits LA”, Amell had been quite concerned about the potential impact his comments might have on his professional future. Now, he fully understands the burden of responsibility that comes with this position – not just for himself, but also for the network, the team, and the entire series. “I’m part of a larger group,” he acknowledges, “and there are many people depending on me. I need to be more mindful.

Stephen Amell shares some similarities with Ted Black. Both are self-assured and quick to lend a hand to those in trouble. However, unlike Stephen’s seemingly straightforward career, Ted’s background is shrouded in mystery. The pilot episode suggests that Ted harbors secrets, such as the events leading up to his prestigious position in Hollywood.

Amell isn’t wearing a mask anymore, but Ted certainly is.

To his fellow colleagues such as criminal attorney Stuart Lane (Josh McDermitt), rising stars Rick Dodson (Bryan Greenberg) and Erica Rollins (Lex Scott Davis), Ted exudes the self-assuredness that typically comes with being a well-groomed, Tom Ford-clad lawyer.

In private, he’s as timid as a young lad, and this secret is hidden from everyone, according to him,” Amell states. “Such a lifestyle isn’t viable in the long run. He seems uneasy and uncomfortable in his own identity.

Amell admits he’s adjusting, as this part requires more mental agility than his previous roles have demanded. Instead of straining muscles or making way for a stunt double, he’s now engaging more with the intellectual aspects of the role.

He comments, ‘The sole part of my body feeling the strain after filming this series is my mind.’ Surprisingly, one would assume fatigue from numerous action-packed days would be more prevalent than exhaustion due to five intense, script-heavy scenes, but it’s not.

The show’s mood is complex, demanding a delicate blend of its serious and humorous aspects. Interestingly, the initial series managed to pull this off successfully: Characters that were both stylish and appealing delivered sharp legal terminology in a way that was informative yet not overly preachy or comical.

Amell is contemplating the boundary between ‘You’re dancing very close to the edge’ and ‘This could be a satirical “SNL” skit’. He explains, ‘You need to portray a character, but not an exaggerated stereotype. How much can you push it?’

In this fresh phase of his professional journey, he views each encounter as an opportunity for growth, welcoming every fresh challenge that comes his way.

In simpler terms, Amell points out that it’s easier to intimidate people by shouting threats while wearing a mask and hood compared to gently influencing them to do your bidding. He emphasizes that the real challenge lies in making precise decisions, which he likens to threading a needle.

Styling: Warren Alfie Baker; On set grooming: Ayae Yamamoto/Exclusive Artists/Oribe Haircare; (SUITS LA) Hair: Jeanie Duronslet; (SUITS LA) Makeup: Silvina Knight; Look 1 (suit look in conference room): Jacket and shirt: Tom Ford; Pants: Thom Sweeney; Shoes: Douglas; Watch: Tag Heuer; Look 2 (black henley shirt look against wall): Shirt: Tom Ford; Pants: Thom Sweeney; Shoes: Douglas; Watch: Tag Heuer; Look 3 (black sweater with white tank [golf cart]): Cardigan: Tom Ford; Tank: Calvin Klein; Pants: Thom Sweeney; Shoes: Douglas; Watch: Tag Heuer

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2025-02-13 23:18