Long before Tracker made him the star of one of TV’s most talked-about shows, Justin Hartley was no stranger to the superhero genre. Fans of Smallville remember him as Oliver Queen, the brooding and charismatic Green Arrow — a role that earned him a loyal following. But what many don’t know is that Hartley was once in talks for a major superhero role in a big-budget franchise — and he turned it down.
According to multiple industry insiders, the role could have placed Hartley at the center of one of the most lucrative film universes of the last decade. The project promised fame, massive box-office potential, and a long-term contract. For most actors, it would have been a dream come true. For Hartley, it wasn’t the right fit.
“I’ve always been careful about the roles I take,” Hartley explained in a recent interview. “I didn’t want to be locked into something for years unless I felt like it was the right creative choice for me. At the time, I wanted to explore characters that were more grounded, flawed, and human.”
The decision wasn’t without risk. Turning down such a role could have closed certain doors. But Hartley believes it opened others — including This Is Us, a show that not only earned him critical acclaim but also allowed him to explore deeply emotional and relatable material.
“I don’t regret it for a second,” Hartley says. “Those superhero films are incredible, and I respect the actors who take on those roles. But for me, the timing wasn’t right. I needed to follow my own path.”
Ironically, Hartley’s past work as Green Arrow continues to earn him recognition among comic book fans. And while he hasn’t ruled out returning to the genre someday, he’s content with the path he chose. “Sometimes the best decision you can make in your career is to say no,” he reflects.
For fans, it’s a glimpse into Hartley’s thoughtful approach to his work — an actor who’s not just chasing fame, but building a career on his own terms.
