John Barrowman Addresses Possible Arrowverse Return

08/12/2017 06:18 pm EDT

Earlier this year, John Barrowman seemed to confirm that he would be walking away from The CW's Arrowverse, leaving many to speculate if Malcolm Merlyn's death in Arrow's season five finale was really permanent. But according to a recent post from Barrowman's Instagram - inspired by our reporting - it appears that he is very willing to return.

Barrowman took to Instagram today to address recent comments made by Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow showrunner Marc Guggenheim. As the fan-favorite actor explained, he had been under the impression that there wasn't an opportunity for him to return - until he read our report on Guggenheim's comments.

"I am surprised and very happy to hear Marc Guggenheim's comments about Merlyn's future in the Arrowverse," Barrowman explained, "because in a very decisive phone conversation we had with Wendy Mericle, I was led to believe that there were no plans to bring Merlyn back."

Barrowman went on to say that he will gladly return to any of the Arrowverse shows, given that there is an interesting storyline for his character.

"If they have changed their mind, awesome!" Barrowman revealed. "I have LOVED playing Malcom Merlyn and was SO disappointed to be told the news of his death and to no longer be part of a fantastic team and show. If they want me back, they just have to ask! The ball is back in their court. Write Merlyn an amazing storyline and I will be there."

Judging by the positive response to Barrowman's Instagram post, he's not the only one who wants Merlyn to make a comeback. While it's unknown exactly how - and on which show it would occur - we have a few theories in mind.

After a violent shipwreck, billionaire playboy Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) was missing and presumed dead for five years before being discovered alive on a remote island in the North China Sea. He returned home to Star City, bent on righting the wrongs done by his family and fighting injustice. Oliver has finally solidified and strengthened his crime-fighting team only to have it threatened when unexpected enemies from his past return to Star City, forcing Oliver to rethink his relationship with each member of his "family".

Arrow will return for its sixth season on The CW on Oct. 12, 2017, with the season premiere episode titled "Fallout." The premiere will mark a move from its traditional Wednesday time slot to Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

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