Move over Lois Lane: Willa Holland is aiming for success in new superhero television show Arrow

Willa Holland may not be a familiar name but her face is instantly recognisable from a series of successful TV shows.

The American actress appeared in cult show The O.C, as devious Kaitlin Cooper, the little sister of Marissa, which was played by Mischa Barton.

After that she had a role as Agnes Andrews on Gossip Girl, before moving into a career as a model.

 

Introducing a star: Willa Holland appears in new DC Comics show Arrow, as Thea Queen

Now, the 21-year-old is back on TV screens and is taking aim at fame as Thea Queen in the new superhero series, Arrow.

The rising star is going from strength to strength and showed just how much she had grown up as she featured in a glossy spread for Jezebel magazine.

During her photoshoot she told the magazine exactly why she chose to take on the role of Thea Queen in Arrow.

 

Big steps: Willa first shot to fame on The O.C as as devious Kaitlin Cooper before moving on to Gossip Girl

She said: 'The fact it was based on a DC Comics book, and the fact that I would get to play a superhero.

Ready for her close up: Willa is in the latest Jezebel magazine

'I don't want to spoil anything... but every episode gets more and more awesome.'

Willa stars opposite Stephen Amell who plays the lead role in the programme as billionaire playboy Oliver Queen.

After being marooned for five years on a remote island, Oliver Queen returns home with a mysterious agenda and a lethal set of new skills that he uses in a war on crime.
He is determined to right the wrongs his father committed while amassing his fortune and has sworn to bring justice to the rich and powerful who have corrupted his city.

The talent off screen is just as impressive as its leading stars with executive producers Greg Berlanti (Brothers and Sisters), Marc Guggenheim (Green Lantern), Andrew Kreisberg (Fringe) and David Nutter (Smallville).

Willa plays the younger supportive sister of Oliver and although she does not have to wear a superhero costume, she still wanted to be in good shape.

 

Leading man: Stephen Arnell stars as Oliver Queen in the new DC Comics show Arrow

 

 

She told the magazine: 'Now I do Pilates and just try to keep my body in motion-walking around doesn't really do enough, so I have to do something else.'

Arrow has received mostly good reviews from the comic world with theouthousers.com writing: 'Arrow continues to provide generous helpings of action, melodrama and geekiness.'

However, the Guardian disagreed and said: 'Arrow's tale doesn't quite hit that target, on the evidence of this first episode, and the show's central concept struggles to justify the brooding tone.'

Arrow is shown in the UK on Sky1, Mondays at 8pm.

Supportive role: Willa, pictured in Arrow with Colin Salmon and Susanna Thompson, plays a pivotal role in the show