Says Executive Producer Andrew Kreisberg:
“Our Nyssa certainly has shades of Talia. Katrina auditioned for Shado and it actually came down to Katrina and Celina [Jade] and honestly, part of it was just that because we knew she'd have scenes with Slade [played by Manu Bennett], and it just felt like a Spartacus overkill. But she's somebody that we've been a fan of. When this part came up, we saw a lot of people for it, but she certainly is exotic and beautiful and smart and our stunt guys are over the moon, because she can do a lot of her own stunts.” Kreisberg also noted that Nyssa is, “the next wave of the League of Assasins that comes to Starling City. But she has some interesting secrets as well...”
Arrow airs Wednesday nights on The CW. "Heir to the Demon" can be seen February 5.