7 Shocking Facts About Stephen And Robbie Amell: How The 'Code 8' Cousins Became Sci-Fi Royalty
The Amell cousins, Stephen and Robbie Amell, have firmly established themselves as one of Hollywood's most successful—and most frequently confused—family duos, especially with their latest joint venture, the critically acclaimed sci-fi sequel *Code 8: Part II*. The dynamic between the Canadian actors, who have brilliantly navigated the world of superhero and science-fiction television and film, is a fascinating study in shared ambition and professional collaboration. Their story, which spans from the CW's Arrowverse to a groundbreaking crowdfunded movie franchise, continues to evolve with major new projects in late 2025 and 2026.
As of December 20, 2025, the buzz around the Amells is stronger than ever, largely due to the massive success of their Netflix-distributed sequel and Stephen Amell's highly-anticipated return to television in a major network drama. While they are often mistaken for brothers, their unique status as first cousins who rarely compete for the same roles has allowed them to carve out distinct, yet equally impressive, career paths that frequently intersect for their passion projects like the *Code 8* universe. This deep dive explores their full biographies, their collaborative empire, and their massive individual successes.
Complete Biography and Professional Profile of the Amell Cousins
Stephen and Robbie Amell are both Canadian-born actors who share a powerful family bond and a knack for genre-defining roles. Despite their similar looks and shared last name, they are first cousins, a fact they often have to clarify in interviews.
Stephen Amell: The Arrowverse Architect
- Full Name: Stephen Adam Amell
- Born: May 8, 1981, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Age (as of Dec 20, 2025): 44
- Spouse: Cassandra Jean Amell
- Notable Roles: Oliver Queen / Green Arrow in *Arrow* (2012–2020), Jack Spade in *Heels* (2021–2023), and Casey in *Code 8* (2019) and *Code 8: Part II* (2024).
- Current Major Project: Starring as Ted Black in the upcoming NBC crime drama series *Suits: L.A.*, a highly anticipated spin-off of the hit series *Suits*.
Robbie Amell: The Sci-Fi & Comedy Star
- Full Name: Robert Patrick Amell IV
- Born: April 21, 1988, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Age (as of Dec 20, 2025): 37
- Spouse: Italia Ricci (Married in 2016; celebrated their 9th anniversary in February 2025)
- Notable Roles: Nathan Brown in the Amazon Prime Video series *Upload*, Ronnie Raymond / Firestorm in *The Flash*, Fred Jones in *Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins*, and Connor Reed in *Code 8* (2019) and *Code 8: Part II* (2024).
- Career Focus: Known for blending science-fiction, action, and comedy roles.
The 'Code 8' Phenomenon: A Crowdfunded Cinematic Universe
The biggest, most recent, and arguably most significant collaboration between Stephen and Robbie Amell is the *Code 8* franchise. This project is a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and their desire to create content outside of the traditional studio system.
The Genesis of Lincoln City
The original *Code 8* film, released in 2019, began as a short film that the cousins expanded into a feature-length project through a massive crowdfunding campaign. They raised millions of dollars from fans, giving them creative control and proving the appetite for their unique sci-fi vision. The film is set in the fictional world of Lincoln City, where 4% of the population is born with superhuman abilities, but are marginalized and policed by militarized robots.
Code 8: Part II—The Latest Chapter
The sequel, *Code 8: Part II*, premiered on Netflix, marking a significant step up in distribution and budget. The film, which was released in 2024, picks up five years after the first movie, following Robbie’s character, Connor Reed, who is released from prison and tries to maintain a low profile as a janitor.
- Plot Focus: The sequel centers on Connor protecting a young girl with powerful abilities from corrupt police officers.
- Character Dynamics: Stephen Amell’s character, Casey, returns as Connor’s former partner in crime, forcing the cousins’ characters to navigate a complex, tense relationship.
- Critical Reception: The sequel was noted for feeling "delightfully updated for modern times" and a fresh take on the sci-fi thriller genre.
Expanding the 'Code 8' Universe
The Amells are not stopping at just two films. They are actively involved in expanding the *Code 8* topical authority through other media. A graphic novel titled *CODE 8: TALES OF LINCOLN CITY* has been promoted, further detailing the world they created. This commitment to world-building ensures that the Lincoln City universe remains a rich source of storytelling for years to come, solidifying their status as producers and not just actors.
Individual Career Trajectories and New Horizons in 2025
While *Code 8* is their passion project, both Stephen and Robbie continue to lead major television and film projects independently, showcasing their versatility across different genres.
Stephen Amell's Return to Network Drama
Following the conclusion of his wrestling drama series *Heels*, Stephen Amell has landed a major new role in the highly-anticipated spin-off, *Suits: L.A.* The series is set to be a major network drama for 2025, with Amell playing Ted Black, a former prosecutor who has built a successful law firm in Los Angeles. This move marks a significant shift from his decade-long tenure as the superhero Oliver Queen in the Arrowverse.
This new role allows Amell to explore a more grounded, intense character, moving away from the superhero genre that made him a household name. Fans are eager to see his take on the high-stakes legal world, which promises a different kind of action and drama than his years as the Green Arrow.
Robbie Amell's Streaming Success with 'Upload'
Robbie Amell has found immense success as the lead of the Prime Video sci-fi comedy series *Upload*. In the show, he plays Nathan Brown, a man whose consciousness is uploaded to a luxurious digital afterlife. The series has garnered a loyal following for its clever blend of humor, romance, and philosophical science-fiction themes.
The success of *Upload* alongside the *Code 8* films demonstrates Robbie's strength in the sci-fi genre, often playing characters who are thrust into extraordinary, high-concept situations. His career is a masterclass in leveraging the streaming landscape, securing major roles that resonate with a global audience.
The Amell Legacy: First Cousins, Creative Partners
The relationship between Stephen and Robbie Amell is a rare and inspiring example of family collaboration in a fiercely competitive industry. They have openly discussed how special it is to work together, especially on a franchise they built from the ground up. Their mutual respect and shared creative vision—often directed by Jeff Chan—have allowed them to produce high-quality, fan-favorite content that transcends the typical Hollywood model.
From the DC superhero universe (*Arrow*, *The Flash*) to their self-made Lincoln City saga, the Amell cousins have cemented their legacy as powerful forces in modern genre entertainment. Their commitment to fresh, unique storytelling, coupled with their individual career successes in projects like *Suits: L.A.* and *Upload*, ensures that the Amell name will continue to dominate screens for years to come.
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