‘Arrow’: Paul Blackthorne Stepping Down After Season 6
While we may still be celebrating the return of Colton Haynes as a series regular on Arrow, it looks like another original cast member will be exiting the series before his arrival in season 7. When news broke that Paul Blackthorne, who has played Quentin Lance for 138 episodes on the CW superhero series, would be hanging up his hat as a series regular after season 6, we hoped it wasn’t true! However, much to our dismay, Blackthorne confirmed the news on Twitter today:
Well what a blast it’s been folks – thx to this amazing guy @stephenamell and everyone else on #Arrow for making it an experience I shall hold close to my heart forever. #Grateful pic.twitter.com/i9ZA5KYF9W
— Paul Blackthorne (@PaulBlackthorne) May 3, 2018
Blackthorne’s run as Detective Lance began during the show’s pilot episode, and his departure leaves Stephen Amell and David Ramsey as the only remaining original cast members (Emily Bett Rickards did not become a series regular until season 2). Earlier this year Willa Holland, who played Thea Queen, also left the series after six seasons. Arrow has also been undergoing some creative changes as well with showrunners Marc Guggenheim and Wendy Mericle stepping down in April, leaving co-executive producer Beth Schwartz at the helm.
Fans were quick to express their sadness over Blackthorne’s departure but also wished him much love and support!
Thank you @PaulBlackthorne for 6 years of Captain Lance. Thank you for your hard work and amazing bts 📸 You will be missed 🏹💚
— Veronika K. (@VeronicaKadlec) May 2, 2018
Thank you @PaulBlackthorne for the past six years you have served on @CW_Arrow.
Despite having so many job changes on the show and now that you are moving on to bigger and better things, you will always be our “Detective.”
— Fred Mbesi (@FreddyandBessy) May 2, 2018
Thank you @PaulBlackthorne for your hard work, amazing talent and kindness. It was such a pleasure to have you every week on my screen as Quentin Lance! I’ll miss you A LOT 💔 #Arrow
— Cri (@cristin09584818) May 2, 2018
Thank you @PaulBlackthorne for 6 years of Arrow and playing Lance. I loved his scenes with Oliver early on to now, loved how that relationship has evolved. Always loved your scenes with Felicity too. Oh and thank you especially for always sharing your bts pics. ❤
— Sab (@Fangrlmoment) May 2, 2018
@PaulBlackthorne is a phenomenal actor, I’ve no doubt great projects are in store for him. Best of luck and thank you for these 6 seasons on #Arrow!
— Itakha (@itakha2015) May 2, 2018
Definitely the end of an era but wishing all the best to @PaulBlackthorne .
We love you so much Paul!! https://t.co/8nOdqG1mJU— Em (@Olicityibelieve) May 2, 2018
What are your thoughts on Blackthorne’s departure? Will you miss the Lance’s on Arrow? Let us know!
Having studied Media & Writing at James Madison University, I always knew that I wanted to do some type of creative writing, but being able to write about zombies, Starks, and superheroes on a daily basis for Fan Fest is my actual dream. While I probably shouldn’t be as proud as I am to be so similar to Nick Miller, I do hope to one day write my own “Pepperwood Chronicles’.
