The Arrow series finale ends Oliver’s journey, but simultaneously opens up pathways for Diggle’s story to continue in the Arrowverse as the Green Lantern. John Diggle, played by David Ramsey, is one of only two characters - the other being Stephen Amell’s Oliver Queen - to be a series regular across all eight seasons. Given his status as Oliver’s most trusted friend and ally, it seemed perfectly fitting for Diggle to be the one who delivered a touching tribute to Oliver at his funeral.
All season, Diggle stood beside Oliver as he fought tirelessly at the behest of the Monitor (LaMonica Garrett), in preparation for the Crisis. Unfortunately, though Diggle did end up playing at least a minor role in the crossover, he wasn’t present for either of Oliver’s two deaths in Crisis on Infinite Earths. Diggle did factor heavily into the series finale, however, as he interacted with old and current members of Team Arrow and dealt with the pain of losing his closest friend. At the end of the episode, Arrow teased Diggle finally becoming the Green Lantern by having him find what is implied to be a Green Lantern ring.
Diggle being connected to the John Stewart incarnation of the Green Lantern from DC Comics is something that fans have wanted for years, and the Arrowverse had been known to drop a few teases in the past. Arrow season 7 went a step further by creating the Diggle-Green Lantern connection, and now, the Arrow series finale has followed through by having Diggle obtain a Green Lantern ring. The question is, what will the Arrowverse do with John Diggle now? Oliver’s story is over, but at least three other characters on the show are moving to Green Arrow and the Canaries. Will the Arrowverse find a new home for Diggle as well?
The Arrowverse Isn’t Done With Diggle Yet
What exactly the CW and the Arrowverse has planned for Diggle’s long-term future is open to speculation, but one thing that’s certain is that the Arrow series finale won’t be the last fans see of John Diggle. Photos from The Flash’s season 6 midseason premiere show David Ramsey’s Diggle interacting with Barry (Grant Gustin) and Iris (Candice Patton). The episode synopsis reveals that Barry is still grappling with Oliver’s decision to give up his life for him, so it’s likely that Diggle’s role in The Flash may deal at least in part with Diggle and Barry bonding over their friendships with Oliver. Also, it’s possible that Diggle may factor into the main story, especially if Diggle’s A.R.G.U.S. connections can help with whatever threat Barry is up against in the episode. But regardless of what Diggle is doing in Central City, what this means is that he has at least one more confirmed Arrowverse appearance.
Diggle Can Stay In The Arrowverse (But What About The Green Lantern?)
When asked about the Green Lantern tease in the Arrow series finale, Arrowverse producer Marc Guggenheim explained that not showing the Green Lantern ring was related to agreements with DC (via Deadline). This suggests that at this point in time, the Arrowverse was allowed to hint at the Green Lantern, but not go as far as showing him in-costume and giving him the ring. The limitations on what the CW can do with Green Lantern could have a lot to do with HBO Max’s Green Lantern series or the planned Green Lantern Corps movie. This could prevent Diggle from suiting up as the DC Comics hero, but it doesn’t stand in the way of Diggle remaining in the Arrowverse. His guest appearance on The Flash, for example, can vaguely reference what he found in the Arrow series finale without being specific, and his superhero life can be left ambiguous.
Addressing the tease, Guggenheim says, “the best bet was to let the moment speak for itself and we’ll see where the future takes us.” Guggenheim isn’t ruling out Diggle being the Green Lantern onscreen, so while it’s not something that’s currently in the cards, it’s an idea that may be on the table for later. After all, characters like Batman and Superman have now appeared on-screen in the Arrowverse despite being used elsewhere.
What The Arrowverse Could Do With John Diggle’s Green Lantern
What will happen if it’s determined that the CW can in fact use the Green Lantern? How would the Arrowverse go about using him, considering that his show, Arrow, is over? As Green Lantern is an iconic member of the JLA, he would make an excellent addition to the Arrowverse version of the Justice League, which consists of characters from across all the Arrowverse shows. As for when the Justice League will be seen again, there’s a good chance they’ll reconvene next year at the Hall of Justice for the 2020-2021 Arrowverse crossover. Having John Diggle’s Green Lantern join the fold could add another important JLA character, throw a huge bone to Arrow fans, and dramatically increase hype for the event. But if they wanted to use him as a crossover character, someone who could be off on his own adventures but appear when needed, he could become the franchise’s Green Lantern version of Superman - before Superman was given his own show, of course.
Diggle Can Be A Recurring Arrowverse Character
Green Lantern or not, Diggle’s future can extend beyond Arrow, as his upcoming guest appearance on The Flash has proven. Diggle can become a recurring Arrowverse character, guest-starring here and there on other Arrowverse shows. He has acquaintances within Barry’s team, so more roles on The Flash could be in Diggle’s future. Green Arrow and the Canaries could introduce an older Diggle in order to explore his relationships with his adult children. Based on the backdoor pilot, his two adult children will presumably be on the show, and his adult daughter – who was brought back into existence by the rebirth of the universe – has also been teased for Green Arrow and the Canaries, so all things considered, there’s a lot the series could do with Diggle if it gets picked up.
Another way for Diggle to remain relevant in the Arrowverse is for him to appear on Superman & Lois, which is officially happening. It may not be a coincidence that Diggle and Lyla (Audrey Marie Anderson) are moving to Metropolis, the home of the Big Blue Boy Scout. Diggle doesn’t currently have a relationship of any kind with Clark (Tyler Hoechlin) or Lois (Elizabeth Tulloch) but a connection could be forged on the show if Superman ends up associating or allying with agents of A.R.G.U.S. Given the number of possibilities, Diggle can have a bright future in the Arrowverse, while at the same honoring its past through his connection to the original Arrowverse hero.
More: Biggest Questions After The Arrow Series Finale
