John Barrowman Confirms His Arrow Departure

Warning: Spoilers for the Arrow Season 5 finale “Lian Yu” are within!

John Barrowman (Malcolm Merlyn) took to his Instagram page to say goodbye to the fans of Arrow, seemingly confirming that at least one of the finale’s deaths will stick.

“By now you know that Malcolm Merlyn is no more,” Barrowman said in his series of two videos. “I know they’ve done it off camera, but I’m here to tell you I won’t be back to season, and I want to let you know how wonderful it has been for the last 5 years to be part of the Arrow universe and all of the other shows connected to it. Arrow and Malcolm Merlyn have changed my life over here in the States and opened many, many doors and granted me some wonderful opportunities. It’s also introduced me to you guys, and a new fan base, friends, family that I think of you all as, and I think that is probably the most important thing to me. Who knows what the future may hold, but keep following me on social media and I’ll keep you up to date.”

Barrowman’s upcoming plans include an updated U.S. autobiography which will include stories from his time on Arrow, which he appeared in for all five seasons thus far. Barrowman also penned the excellent “Dark Archer” comic book tie-in with his sister, Carole.

“I am very sad to be leaving the Arrowverse,” he continued. “I love playing Malcolm Merlyn, and as sad as it may be, I understand how shows must change and also, characters must change and develop, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not very sad and upset about it. I appreciate your support, and I love you all. Thank you and keep watching.”

 

A post shared by John Barrowman MBE (@johnscotbarrowman) on May 24, 2017 at 9:43pm PDT