The Queen Mansion, a significant landmark in the superhero series Arrow, is depicted as being located in Star City, the fictional metropolis where Oliver Queen operates as the Green Arrow.
In-Universe Location and Significance
Within the world of Arrow, the Queen Mansion served as the ancestral home of the wealthy and influential Queen family. It was a central setting for much of the series, particularly in the earlier seasons, providing a backdrop for family drama, clandestine operations of Team Arrow, and various social events. Its grandeur symbolized the Queen family's prominent status and the life Oliver Queen left behind before becoming a vigilante.
Real-World Filming Location
While its in-universe location is Star City, the exterior shots of the Queen Mansion were filmed at a real-world, historically significant site: Hatley Castle. This majestic estate, located in Colwood, British Columbia, Canada, is part of Royal Roads University.
Hatley Castle is well-known for its distinctive architecture and has a rich history as a filming location for various productions, especially those with comic book origins. Its versatile appearance has allowed it to portray iconic residences across different fictional universes, including:
- X-Mansion: Featured as Professor Charles Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters in the original three X-Men films and the Deadpool movies.
- Lex Luthor's Mansion: Used as the opulent residence of Lex Luthor in the popular Superman prequel series, Smallville.
This extensive use in other major comic book-related franchises highlights Hatley Castle's suitability for grand, impressive residences, making it a fitting choice for the Queen family's estate in Arrow.
