"Arrow" has cast the leader of Russian mob group Bratva for Season 5. Meanwhile, it has been revealed by one of the show's producers that the new installment will delve on Oliver Queen's legacy.
"Arrow" has recruited Justified actor David Meunier to play the villainous role of Ishmael Gregor in Season 5, Deadline reported. Described as the slick and intimidating Pakhan of the Bratva, viewers will find Gregor taking a special interest in Oliver Queen when the CW series returns next month. The character will appear in a recurring basis throughout the new season.
In the DC comics lore, Gregor was a Russian crime boss who tricked the demon Sabbac into taking part in a ritual that would transfer his magical powers to himself. However, this side of him will not be seen on "Arrow." According to the casting report, Gregor's story will explore more on his earthly ambitions in Season 5.
In other "Arrow" news, executive producer Marc Guggenheim has revealed that the theme of Season 5 will be all about Oliver's legacy on Star City. Speaking with IGN, Guggenheim points out that while Oliver has gone through a lot of ordeals in the past, he is always trying to move forward no matter the odds. In addition, the showrunner teased that the willingness to evolve as a person and as a vigilante will be one of Oliver's challenges in the new season.
"[Season 5] deals with legacy, it deals with the past, and the dramatic irony, the dramatic tension, that we get from it is Oliver's always been a guy -- admittedly, not the most self aware dude ever -- but he's always been someone who is trying to move forward," Guggenheim said.
"The challenge for Oliver this year is how do you evolve and move forward when the past keeps grabbing at you, trying to pull you back."
"Arrow" Season 5 premieres on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 8PM on the CW.