John Barrowman: It’s time for a gay superhero on TV

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a white background.

John Barrowman has called for an openly gay superhero to get their own TV show.

The actor – who has a role as antihero Malcolm Merlyn in the CW’s superhero drama ‘Arrow’ – called for a gay heroĀ to get a slice of the genre in some form.

When asked byĀ the AdvocateĀ whether audiences would be ready for a gay hero,Ā Barrowman said: “Personally, I donā€™t care if they are, or not. Itā€™s time we had one.”

Arrow previously featured Caity Lotz as bisexual sidekick the Black Canary, but she left theĀ show at the start of the third season.

Spin-off show The Flash also features gay supervillain the Pied Piper, played by bisexual actor Andy Mientus, in a recurring role.

Paul Blackthorne – who played Canary’s father on Arrow – said: “Itā€™s nice that they put that stuff in the show and if thatā€™s helping to sort of ground break in any way then thatā€™s great.

“God bless the bisexuals of this world, I say, and everyone in between and beyond.”

The Flash star Danielle Panabacker added: “I love when they brought Pied Piper along… itā€™s sad to me that it has to be a brave thing to bring a character like that on television, but I love that weā€™re doing it.ā€