Arrow season 8 marks the final season for the long-running and groundbreaking superhero series, and The CW has made sure that the Arrow season 8 cast is a strong one. Shortly after Smallville ended in 2011, the network launched Arrow, which subsequently became the foundation for an entire shared universe that now includes The Flash, Supergirl, Batwoman, and Legends of Tomorrow, as well as other productions.
Officially renewed in early 2019, Arrow season 8 consists of only 10 episodes and chronicles Oliver Queen’s final adventure as he faces his past and ends his long, rugged journey as a superhero. Given that the final season is shorter and much more concise than previous seasons, some people haven’t returned, such as Emily Bett Rickards, who joined the series in season 1.
Arrow season 8 includes the franchise’s Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event that spans across all of DC TV, but the core story still focuses on Oliver Queen. Here’s the full breakdown of the Arrow season 8 cast, including those who’ve returned in recurring and guest-starring roles.
Arrow Season 8 Cast
Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen aka Green Arrow: Oliver Queen is the former mayor and known vigilante in Star City. He has operated as the Hood, Arrow, and Green Arrow since he returned from Lian Yu several years ago. Stephen Amell has made a name for himself by playing Oliver Queen. Before the series, he starred on New Girl and Blue Mountain State.
David Ramsey as John Diggle aka Spartan: John Diggle is Oliver’s closest friend and ally; he’s the superhero Spartan and an A.R.G.U.S. agent. David Ramsey is primarily known for his role as Diggle, but he also had a starring role in Dexter.
Katie Cassidy Rodgers as Laurel Lance aka Black Canary: This version of Laurel Lance comes from Earth-2 and was originally a villain before she turned to the light. She now operates as Black Canary alongside Team Arrow. Katie Cassidy Rogers is known for her many CW roles on shows such as Supernatural and Gossip Girl but her career amplified with her part in the Arrowverse.
Juliana Harkavy as Dinah Drake aka Black Canary: Dinah Drake is another one of Team Arrow’s Black Canary who also doubles as Star City’s police captain. Juliana Harkavy briefly starred on The Walking Dead but is known for her role as Rebecca in Dolphin Tale and its sequel - aside from Arrow, that is.
Rick Gonzalez as Rene Ramirez aka Wild Dog: Rene Ramirez is one of Team Arrow’s core members and acts as the vigilante Wild Dog. In the future, he becomes Mayor of the Glades. Rick Gonzalez has starred in a number of films over the years, such as Coach Carter and briefly in War of the Worlds.
Katherine McNamara as Mia Smoak aka Blackstar: Mia Smoak is Oliver Queen and Felicity Smoak’s daughter who becomes the hero Blackstar in the future. Katherine McNamara is primarily known for her role as Clary Fray in the Freeform series Shadowhunters, an adaptation of The Mortal Instruments.
Ben Lewis as William Clayton: William Clayton is Oliver’s son and Mia’s half-brother, who saves Star City along with his newfound friends. Ben Lewis has guest-starred on a number of shows, including Suits and Chasing Life, but is now known for his portrayal of William Clayton.
Joseph David-Jones as Connor Hawke: Connor Hawke is Ben Turner’s son and John Diggle’s adoptive son, who helped raise Mia in Arrow’s future. Joseph David-Jones first appeared as Connor Hawke on Legends of Tomorrow, and shortly after that, he landed the role Clayton Carter on Nashville. But he’s since returned to the Arrowverse.
Charlie Barnett as John Diggle Jr.: John Diggle Jr. is John Diggle and Lyla Michael’s son as well as the leader of the Deathstroke gang in Star City’s future. (John and Lyla originally had a daughter, but Flashpoint changed that.) Charlie Barnett is a prolific TV actor, having had main roles on shows such as Chicago Fire, Secrets and Lies, and Russian Doll.
Arrow Season 8 Recurring & Guest Stars
Willa Holland as Thea Queen aka Speedy: Thea Queen is Oliver’s half-sister and former superhero Speedy. Willa Holland starred on The O.C. but is known for her role as Thea on Arrow. She left the series but returned in a recurring role for the final season.
Colton Haynes as Roy Harper aka Arsenal: Roy Harper was Thea’s boyfriend and the Green Arrow’s sidekick. He became Arsenal and took the fall for being Star City’s vigilante. Colton Haynes achieved popularity due to his role on MTV’s Teen Wolf.
Colin Donnell as Tommy Merlyn: Tommy Merlyn was Oliver’s best friend growing up who died in season 1. Colin Donnell is known for his roles as Dr. Connor Rhodes on Chicago Med and Scotty Lockhart on The Affair but is still recognized as Tommy Merlyn.
Josh Segarra as Adrian Chase: Adrian Chase was Star City’s district attorney who also doubled as the villain Prometheus. Josh Segarra had main roles on shows such as The Electric Company and Sirens before he joined Arrow. He can now be seen in AJ and the Queen.
John Barrowman as Malcolm Merlyn: Malcolm Merlyn is the Dark Archer and former leader of the League of Assassins. John Barrowman is an iconic actor who’s known for many roles, namely Captain Jack Harkness on Doctor Who and Torchwood.
Susanna Thompson as Moira Queen: Moira Queen is Oliver and Thea’s mother who was killed in season 2. Susanna Thompson has starred in films such as Dragonfly, Random Hearts, and more, but she’s also known for her brief yet integral portrayals in Star Trek.
LaMonica Garrett as Mar Novu aka The Monitor: The Monitor first appeared in Elseworlds and guides Oliver through his final journey. LaMonica Garrett is primarily known for playing Deputy Sheriff Cane on Sons of Anarchy and Mike Ritter on Designated Survivor.
Rila Fukushima as Tatsu Yamashiro aka Katana: Tatsu Yamashiro aided Oliver in defeating the League of Assassins and saving Thea Queen. She is also the superhero Katana. Rila Fukushima previously played Yukio in The Wolverine and Red Robed Geisha in Ghost in the Shell.
Byron Mann as Yao Fei Gulong: Yoa Fei was Oliver’s original mentor on Lian Yu. Byron Mann can be recognized for playing Ryu in the Street Fighter movie as well as his many roles in TV shows such as Smallville, Dragon Boys, and more. He now plays Uncle Six on Wu Assassins.
Lexa Doig as Talia al Ghul: Talia al Ghul is Ra’s al Ghul’s daughter and Oliver’s former trainer. Lexa Doig has starred in and led several sci-fi shows over the years, including Andromeda and Continuum; she also had a recurring role on Stargate SG-1.
Audrey Marie Anderson as Lyla Michaels: Lyla Michaels is the director of A.R.G.U.S., John Diggle’s wife, and the superhero Harbinger. Audrey Marie Anderson is best known for playing Kim Brown on The Unit.
Next: The Flash Season 6 Cast & Character Guide
