The Flash isn’t the only DC TV show that’s stockpiling its superheroes. Aside from the main members of Team Arrow, Arrow Season 3 introduced Ray Palmer, who became The Atom and is now one of the stars of Legends of Tomorrow. For Season 4, it was announced at San Diego Comic-Con that the show would be introducing Mr. Terrific next, and now they’ve found the actor to breathe life into this highly intelligent hero. Actor Echo Kellum is taking on the role.
Kellum has been revealed to be playing Curtis Holt in Arrow Season 4, a switch-up from Mr. Terrific’s civilian identity in the comics Michael Holt. EW describes Curtis as a “technological savant and inventor” who will be working at Palmer Industries under Felicity Smoak. Holt will be a recurring character debuting in Episode 2, and will also be gay. Kellum is the second new actor that has been added for Season 4, following Neal McDonough, who has signed on as Damien Darhk.
In the comics, Michael Holt is an Olympic athlete with a genius intellect (he was once called the third smartest man in the world). He went on to become a self-made multi-millionaire, but after his wife and unborn child were killed in an accident, he understandably felt depressed and directionless. Although he contemplated suicide, he was inspired to become a superhero and used his genius IQ to create unusual gadgetry and fight crime as Mr. Terrific. He eventually was recruited into the Justice Society of America.
In the pre-New 52 universe, Michael inherited the Mr. Terrific identity from his predecessor Terry Sloane, one of the original JSA members, while in the New 52 universe he was inspired to become a superhero after a meeting with his son from an alternate universe. His appearances outside of the comics include a recurring role on Justice League Unlimited and an episode of Beware the Batman, though the latter was just as a civilian.
Kellum’s previous starring roles include the sitcoms Ben and Kate and Sean Saves The World. He has also guest starred on Hot in Cleveland, Rick and Morty and A to Z. While Arrow will no doubt be revealing other new characters in the coming months, so far the only Season 4 character that hasn’t been cast yet is Anarky, one of Batman’s comic book adversaries.
Arrow Season 4 will debut on Wednesday, October 7 in its normal timeslot on The CW.
