Template:Infobox Arrowverse crossover episode

"Elseworlds" is the fifth annual Arrowverse crossover event, featuring episodes of the live-action television series The Flash, Arrow, and Supergirl on The CW. The crossover is set to begin on December 9, 2018, with The Flash, continue on Arrow on December 10, and conclude on Supergirl on December 11. "Elseworlds" will introduce the characters Batwoman and Lois Lane to the universe, as well as the fictional Gotham City. In the crossover, Green Arrow, Flash, and Supergirl are drawn to Gotham City to confront Dr. John Deegan over his work at Arkham Asylum.

The crossover was confirmed in May 2018 at The CW's upfront presentation, where the inclusion of Batwoman and Gotham City were revealed. Throughout that August and September, casting for the crossover was revealed, including Ruby Rose as Batwoman, Elizabeth Tulloch as Lois Lane, and the announcement that Tyler Hoechlin would return to portray Superman. The title of the crossover was also revealed at the end of September, with filming beginning in October 2018. Additionally, "Elseworlds" sees Arrowverse actors portraying other roles, as well as John Wesley Shipp reprising his role as Barry Allen / Flash from the 1990 series The Flash.

Premise

Arkham Asylum doctor John Deegan rewrites reality, which results in Oliver Queen and Barry Allen swapping lives. In the new reality, they are the only ones that know that they are in the wrong lives and have each other's powers, which results in them going to Gotham City with Kara Danvers / Supergirl to confront Deegan.[1][2]

Cast and characters

Further information: The Flash, Arrow, and Supergirl cast and characters

Main and recurring

Actor Character Episode
The Flash Arrow Supergirl
Grant Gustin[2][1] Barry Allen / Flash Main Guest
Oliver Queen / Green Arrow
Candice Patton[3] Iris West-Allen Main Does not appear
Danielle Panabaker[4] Caitlin Snow / Killer Frost Main Guest TBA
Carlos Valdes[4][5] Cisco Ramon / Vibe Main Guest
Stephen Amell[2][1] Oliver Queen / Green Arrow Guest Main Guest
Barry Allen / Flash
David Ramsey[4] John Diggle TBA Main TBA
Emily Bett Rickards[4] Felicity Smoak / Overwatch TBA Main TBA
Echo Kellum[6][better source needed] Curtis Holt / Mister Terrific TBA Main TBA
Melissa Benoist[2] Kara Zor-El / Kara Danvers / Supergirl Guest Main
Mehcad Brooks[7] Jimmy Olsen TBA Main
Chyler Leigh[8] Alex Danvers Guest TBA Main
Tyler Hoechlin[9] Kal-El / Clark Kent / Superman Guest
Bob Frazer[10] Roger Hayden / Psycho-Pirate Does not appear Guest

Guest

Production

Development

Yearly crossover events in the Arrowverse have occurred on The CW since the 2013–14 television season, when Barry Allen was introduced in the eighth episode of Arrow's second season ahead of the debut of The Flash. The next year, the eighth episodes of the third season of Arrow and the first season of The Flash formed a two-part event known as "Flash vs. Arrow". In January 2015, The CW president Mark Pedowitz said that there would be an Arrowverse crossover every season.[16] In the 2015–16 television season, a two-part event, "Heroes Join Forces" between the eighth episodes of the fourth season of Arrow and the second season of The Flash was used to set up a new team-up series, Legends of Tomorrow.[17] For the 2016–17 television season, the "Invasion!" crossover included The Flash, Arrow, and Legends of Tomorrow, with the event beginning at the end of Supergirl.[18][19][20] A true four-part crossover occurred in the 2017–18 television season with "Crisis on Earth-X", which also tied into the animated web series, Freedom Fighters: The Ray, and featured characters and concepts from that series.[21]

In May 2018, The CW president Mark Pedowitz and Arrow lead Stephen Amell announced at The CW's upfront presentation that Batwoman would be introduced in the upcoming crossover, fighting alongside the other Arrowverse heroes, with the fictional Gotham City also appearing. Despite the inclusion of the character and city, the crossover would not be including the television series Gotham that airs on Fox.[22] That July, the CW was planning a potential standalone series for Batwoman after her appearance in the crossover,[23] with Caroline Dries, who was creating and writing the potential Batwoman series, expected to consult on the crossover.[24] Additionally, it was confirmed that Legends of Tomorrow would not feature in the crossover.[23] Legends of Tomorrow co-showrunner Phil Klemmer explained, since the crossover was being used to launch the Batwoman-led series, "it just became over capacity". He added that since Legends of Tomorrow would have 16 episodes in their season, the crossover would have been "a tonal speed-bump, or a departure, and we just don't have time to step away from our story this year."[25] Despite not being a part of the official crossover, Legends of Tomorrow co-showrunner Keto Shimizu revealed the show's episode airing the week of the crossover would be "crossing over with ourselves", through the use of alternate time periods,[26] and there is a Legends cameo in the Supergirl episode.[1]

At the end of September 2018, the title for the crossover was revealed to be "Elseworlds", sharing the name of the Elseworlds imprint of comics from DC Comics, which were stories that took place outside the DC Universe canon.[14]

Writing

The story for "Elseworlds" was created by Greg Berlanti, the executive producers and writers from each series, Geoff Johns, and Dries. Arrow showrunner Beth Schwartz referred to all of these individuals as "the Super Writers' Room",[27] and noted that former Arrow showrunner Marc Guggenheim, who serves as a consultant on Arrow's seventh season, had "taken the lead on the crossover", acting as the showrunner for the crossover.[28]

Stephen Amell revealed that, unlike previous Arrowverse crossovers, this one would not be as extravagant, but more about "the characters and the story",[29] focusing on Green Arrow, Flash, Supergirl, Superman, and Batwoman.[30] Guggenheim felt by only focusing on Green Arrow, Flash, and Supergirl, the writers "really had a chance to tell a story about the troika that we’ve never really been able to do before." This was one factor to why Legends of Tomorrow was not included in "Elseworlds", to highlight the amount of time Amell, Grant Gustin, and Melissa Benoist could interact. "Elseworlds" also returns to the episodic format of the earlier crossovers, unlike the approach taken with "Crisis on Earth-X". Supergirl co-showrunner Robert Rovner explained, "It’s like a three chapters of one story, but they’re all kind of unique to their own show," with The Flash showrunner Todd Helbing adding, "Flash kind of feels like a Flash episode, Arrow feels like an Arrow episode, [and] Supergirl feels like a Supergirl episode."[1]

"Elseworlds" features Amell and Gustin portraying each other's respective characters. Gustin noted, "You’re not going to see me playing Oliver Queen’s mannerisms, or Stephen playing Barry’s mannerisms. It’s more being aware that for some reason we’ve switched lives and destinies. It’s more the fun of the situational comedy that we keep finding ourselves in, and less us having a complete role reversal." Amell added, "there are elements of his personality I have to embrace, and there are elements of my personality that he has to embrace" for Oliver and Barry to defeat the threat. Supergirl is the only other character who can see Barry and Oliver for who they really are, with Benoist saying "She inevitably becomes kind of a middleman because ultimately there’s conflict between the two and they start butting heads."[1] Schwartz felt "Elseworlds" would not "feel quite as dark" as "Crisis on Earth-X" and that there was "a lot more fun to be had" in "Elseworlds".[28] Other changes in the episodes include Kara and Alex Danvers no longer being sisters.[8]

Including Superman in the crossover, who Berlanti had permission to use before the initial crossover meeting with The CW in March 2018, helped justify introducing Lois Lane to the Arrowverse, as she was a character the writer of Supergirl always wanted to introduce and "she organically fit" into the crossover story. Additionally, with Kara "at a crossroads" after the events of "Bunker Hill", Rover felt "the journey that she’s on is kind of helped by Clark, who is returning from Argo [City] kind of on his own journey."[27] Gotham City in the crossover is considered a failed city, with Batman missing for several years resulting in an increase in crime. Speaking to their adaption of Gotham City, Dries called the city "not a happy place", "grimy", and "scary", adding, "Some people are thriving in [Batman's] absence because now they can start to do their own thing without the oversight. A lot of other people are suffering and they’re losing hope, and the city itself and infrastructure is falling apart." Guggenheim called it "a dead city" and "practically a ghost town". While Batman is not seen in the crossover, the characters debate if he actually exists, with Oliver feeling he is made up and Barry believe he is real.[31] The scripts for the episodes were completed by mid-September 2018.[32]

Casting

In early August, Ruby Rose was cast as Batwoman for the crossover and potential series.[11] The producers noted Rose's passion in her audition, along with an "aura of cool, nonchalant, somewhat aloof, mixed with charming and thoughtful and funny that it just kind of all made sense for her to be Kate," according to Dries.[33] Later in the month, it was revealed that Tyler Hoechlin would reprise his role as Kal-El / Clark Kent / Superman in all three episodes, and that the producers were looking to introduced Lois Lane in the crossover as well.[9] By mid-September, Elizabeth Tulloch was cast as Lois Lane,[12] Stephen Amell's wife, Cassandra Jean Amell, was cast to portray Nora Fries,[13] Jeremy Davies had been cast as John Deegan, the antagonist for the crossover,[2] and LaMonica Garrett was cast in the "prominent role" of Mar Novu / Monitor.[14] During filming in late October 2018, it was revealed that John Wesley Shipp, who has portrayed Henry Allen and Jay Garrick in the Arrowverse, would be reprising his role as Barry Allen / Flash from the 1990 television series.[15] By the end of filming in early November, Bob Frazer was cast as Roger Hayden / Psycho Pirate.[10]

Design

In "Elseworlds", Hoechlin wears an all-black version of Superman's suit, similar to the one the character wore in the comics after coming back from the dead.[28] Shipp's Flash costume from the 1990s series was recreated by The Flash costume designer Kate Main,[34] using the original costume as a reference.[35]

Filming

Filming for the episodes began on October 9, 2018.[36] On October 17, filming for the Kent family farm occurred at the same farmhouse used in the series Smallville.[37][27] The Supergirl writers pitched using the Smallville farm as the meeting point for Kara and Clark because it was an "organic place for them to meet" given what each character was dealing with at the beginning of the crossover.[27] A "derelict mental health facility" in Vancouver was used for Arkham Asylum scenes.[33] Scenes of Gotham City and Wayne Enterprises were shot in Chicago, Illinois.[38] Filming concluded on November 3.[39] James Bamford served as director for the Arrow episode.[33]

Release

The crossover will begin with The Flash on December 9, 2018, followed on Arrow on December 10, and concluding on Supergirl on December 11, all on The CW. The Flash, which normally airs on Tuesdays at 8 pm, and Supergirl, which normally airs on Sundays at 8 pm, swapped time-slots for the crossover.[40]

Marketing

The first teasers for the crossover aired on November 12 and 13, 2018, during episodes of Arrow and The Flash, respectively.[41] An additional teaser for the first episode aired during the November 18th episode of Supergirl.[8]

References

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  2. ^ a b c d e f Goldberg, Lesley (September 20, 2018). "The CW's DC Crossover Finds Its Villain in 'Lost' Alum". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on September 20, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ Patton, Candice [@candicepatton] (October 25, 2018). "Only on Flash" (Tweet). Retrieved October 27, 2018 – via Twitter.
  4. ^ a b c d Amell, Stephen [@StephenAmell] (October 11, 2018). "🤔" (Tweet). Retrieved October 12, 2018 – via Twitter.
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  6. ^ Kellum, Echo (September 26, 2018). "Just read these scripts and all I have to say is 😱🙌🏾. Get ready". Retrieved September 27, 2018 – via Instagram.
  7. ^ "Arrowverse Crossover: 'Elseworlds' Photos 2 of 34". TV Line. November 19, 2018. Retrieved November 19, 2018.
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  9. ^ a b Goldberg, Lesley (August 22, 2018). "Superman and Lois Lane Join The CW's DC Crossover Event". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on August 22, 2018. Retrieved August 22, 2018. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ a b Agard, Chancellor (November 2, 2018). "Arrowverse 'Elseworlds' crossover to feature DC villain Psycho-Pirate". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 2, 2018. Retrieved November 2, 2018. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ a b Goldberg, Lesley (August 7, 2018). "Ruby Rose to Play Lesbian Superhero Batwoman for The CW". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2018. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ a b Agard, Chancellor (September 14, 2018). "Arrowverse crossover casts Grimm alum as Lois Lane". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on September 14, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2018. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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  14. ^ a b c Mitovitch, Matt Webb (September 26, 2018). "Arrowverse Crossover Theme Is 'Elseworlds,' Casts Multiverse Observer". TV Line. Archived from the original on September 26, 2018. Retrieved September 26, 2018. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ a b Mancuso, Vinnie (October 22, 2018). "New 'Elseworlds' Image Sees John Wesley Shipp Getting in on the Arrowverse Crossover Madness". Collider. Archived from the original on October 23, 2018. Retrieved October 22, 2018. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ Nguyen, Hanh (January 11, 2015). "The CW Renews Supernatural and 7 More – But Where's Beauty and the Beast?". TV Guide. Archived from the original on April 30, 2017. Retrieved January 11, 2015. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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  18. ^ Schneider, Michael (September 9, 2016). "Greg Berlanti Interview: How TV's Superhero Guru is Managing Crossovers, 'Supergirl's Move and New Inspirations". IndieWire. Archived from the original on November 17, 2016. Retrieved November 10, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ Abrams, Natalie (October 18, 2016). "Arrow boss teases 100th episode, crossover catalyst". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on October 21, 2016. Retrieved October 18, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ Burlingame, Russ (October 23, 2016). "Marc Guggenheim Reveals the Title of Arrow's 100th Episode". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved October 23, 2016. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ Agard, Chancellor (September 22, 2017). "Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, Legends unite for 'Crisis on Earth-X' crossover". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on September 25, 2017. Retrieved September 22, 2017. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (May 17, 2018). "Batwoman to Make in 'Arrow'-verse Debut in Next Crossover". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on May 17, 2018. Retrieved May 17, 2018. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  23. ^ a b Agard, Chancellor (July 17, 2018). "Batwoman series from Greg Berlanti in development at The CW". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on July 17, 2018. Retrieved July 17, 2018. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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  25. ^ Jeffery, Morgan (July 22, 2018). "Here's why Legends of Tomorrow won't be part of the next ArrowVerse crossover". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2018. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  26. ^ Mitovitch, Matt Webb; Gelman, Vlada (October 14, 2018). "Legends of Tomorrow Has Its Own 'Crossover' Plan for Crossover Week". TV Line. Archived from the original on October 18, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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  28. ^ a b c Agard, Chancellor (October 15, 2018). "Arrow boss teases lighter crossover as Stephen Amell shares BTS photo of Superman". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on October 18, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  29. ^ Jeffrey, Morgan (August 15, 2018). "Arrow star: Next DC TV crossover "more about character"". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on August 16, 2018. Retrieved August 16, 2018. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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  31. ^ Agard, Chancellor (November 19, 2018). "Here's how the Arrowverse's 'Elseworlds' crossover will address Batman's absence". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 19, 2018. Retrieved November 19, 2018. ((cite web)): |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; November 20, 2018 suggested (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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  34. ^ Guggenheim, Marc [@mguggenheim] (October 23, 2018). "Kudos to Flash costume designer Kate Main for pulling off this miracle" (Tweet). Archived from the original on October 23, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2018 – via Twitter.
  35. ^ Shipp, John Wesley [@johnwesleyshippjr] (October 24, 2018). "I'm being asked if I wore the original suit in recent pics, well here it is, sent from the @warnerbrosentertainment vault as reference. Crispy! To be handled with surgical gloves only 😬⚡️ @cwtheflash #TheFlash #flash90" (Photo). Retrieved October 25, 2018 – via Instagram.
  36. ^ Brown, Tracy (October 9, 2018). "Get a first look at Ruby Rose as Batwoman". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on October 10, 2018. Retrieved October 9, 2018. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  37. ^ Cardona, Ian (October 18, 2018). "Arrowverse: Elseworlds Features An Unexpected Smallville Connection". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on October 23, 2018. Retrieved October 22, 2018. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  38. ^ Cardona, Ian (November 2, 2018). "Arrowverse Crossover Heads to Chicago For Gotham City Scenes". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on November 4, 2018. Retrieved November 4, 2018. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  39. ^ Drum, Nicole (November 3, 2018). "Stephen Amell Wraps Filming on Arrowverse "Elseworlds" Crossover". Comicbook.com. Archived from the original on November 3, 2018. Retrieved November 3, 2018. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  40. ^ Mitovich, Matt Webb (August 21, 2018). "Arrowverse's 3-Night Crossover Featuring Batwoman: When Will It Air?". TVLine. Archived from the original on August 21, 2018. Retrieved August 21, 2018. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  41. ^ Agard, Chancellor (November 13, 2018). "Watch Barry and Oliver swap lives in new Arrowverse crossover promos". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 16, 2018. Retrieved November 16, 2018. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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