Arrow Season 3 Spoilers: Who Steps Up in Oliver Queen's Absence?

The CW's Arrow returns with new episodes for Season 3 on Wednesday, January 21, and some new spoilers emerged at "The Heroes and Villains of Arrow and The Flash" panel at the Television Critics Association's winter television previews.

Star Stephen Amell was at the panel, which led some to believe that Oliver Queen survived his fight with Ra's al Ghul. But Amell confirmed otherwise.

"[He has] fallen," Amell told EW. "I can give fans hope that they like the show because of the actors in it but also because of the people that are creating it. They would do well to be patient and have faith in that team."

The actor also said he knew the outcome of the duel before Season 3 even started. "I personally love when there's adversity for the protagonist and we give other characters on the show the opportunity to ... come more into leading roles," he said. "If we don't give other characters the opportunity to shoulder the load, then we give viewers nothing to attach them to. I'm excited for everyone's opportunity."

Laurel Lance will step up as Black Canary in Oliver's absence. "I've been waiting for this to happen," actress Katie Cassidy said of putting on the costume. She also noted Laurel truly had to earn the suit. "She goes from avenging her sister to honoring her sister to becoming her sister."

But others will also join in the fight, including Brandon Routh's Ray Palmer. The character is "on a slightly different track than the other members of Team Arrow," executive producer Marc Guggenheim said. "One of the things that has always been part of the design of Season 3 is that there would be more and more costumed characters populating Starling City. Oliver started off as just one man and he never envisioned all these other people being part of that plan. He thought he would be a solo act. Part of what he experienced this year was seeing the crusade grow beyond him."

Finally, David Ramsay confirmed to EW that Diggle would suit up in the Arrow costume yet again in Oliver's absence. "Blarrow returns!" he joked. "Don't call it a comeback."

What do you make of these spoilers? Let us know in the comments section.