Former Superman Brandon Routh is joining the DC Universe once again as Ray Palmer on Arrow Season 3
From Clark Kent to Ray Palmer. Brandon Routh (who played the Man of Steel himself in Superman Returns) has joined the cast of Arrowas another superhero who likes to wear red and blue. This time it's the Atom. Routh will appear on 14 episodes of Arrowseason three.
This version of the Atom first appeared in 1961's Showcase #34, and was created by Gardner Fox and Gil Kane. Like Marvel's Ant-Man (who he pre-dates by several months), the Atom can shrink. Unlike Ant-Man, the Atom has been known to have bizarre adventures in subatomic universes. Deadlinedescribes Ray Palmer as "a scientist and inventor who will play an unexpected role in the lives of Oliver Queen and Felicity Smoak as the new owner of Queen Consolidated." In other words, we probably won't see any shrinking tech in action for most of his time here, but don't rule it out, either.
Now, does this mean that an earlier report describing a character as "a handsome, enigmatic and highly intelligent entrepreneur developing groundbreaking technology" who would ultimately become "a tech-powered superhero" and a rival for Felicity's affections also referred to Ray Palmer? That would appear to be the case.
While I'm thrilled to see Brandon Routh join the cast in a recurring role, part of me can't help but be just a little disappointed that the superhero in question isn't the Ted Kord version of Blue Beetle. Then again, the Atom/Ray Palmer has the potential to take the show places it hasn't been before (and potentially spawn a spin-off of its own down the road). Plus, with all the more explicitly sci-fi stuff happening over on The Flash, Ray Palmer could make good crossover fodder for the two shows. A Green Arrow/Flash/Atom team-up? Yes, we're alright with that.
Keep up with all our Arrowseason three news right here.
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