Arrowverse mega-crossover 2018: How 'Legends of Tomorrow' can drop subtle 'Elseworlds' link

If you are expecting to see Black Canary, Atom, Heat Wave, or Vixen in the much-awaited Arrowverse crossover event - ironically titled 'Elseworlds' - be prepared to be disappointed. Not only is the CW spinoff, featuring characters from the 'Arrow' and 'The Flash,' planning to sit the upcoming three-day crossover out but also is moving in a different tangent altogether (as compared to the other DC shows). 

From the 70s Woodstock-centric timeline to the assembly of rather eccentric superheroes (mostly magical ones) - CW's 'Legends of Tomorrow' is clearly trotting a different path. Some may even compare it to a certain Doctor Strange-esque style from the fellow Marvel cinematic universe. But all of this doesn't necessarily mean a loss of direction for the series. 

In fact, after a mediocre season 1, 2, and 3, 'Legends of Tomorrow' finally seems to be gearing up for an exciting chapter as "they find themselves in unfamiliar territory with the Time Bureau." However, "all that changes when Constantine informs Sara of a new magical threat that leads the team to Woodstock. Constantine thinks he knows how to defeat the new threat, but will need the help of the team and their special klepto talents to help with his spell."

While Constantine and team prepare to steer the series back in time, it's still highly likely that 'Legends of Tomorrow' might drop a subtle hint to the annual Arrowverse crossover, taking place on December 9, 10, and 11. If not a direct reference, at least a sly "Elseworlds" joke. Don't believe us? Read on to find what executive producer Keto Shimizu had to say.

"I think we're just gonna do our own thing and have fun, and maybe we'll be like, 'Why can't we get anyone from Star City on the phone? Is something going on over there? Did we get left out of something?' I mean, we'll probably do little jokes like that," Shimizu said, teasing how Legends might refer to the crossover. 

He also dished on the tonally and locationally different season 4 of 'Legends of Tomorrow.' 

"We are so different from those other shows at this point, it's hard to jump back into that world with the other Arrow-verse shows," Shimizu said adding, "I think the crossovers are going to be a lot different in general than what we've seen, and certainly our absence will be felt, because they are gonna miss us for sure. [laughs] But you know, I think we feel kind of liberated by it."

Meanwhile, The CW is upping its game ahead of the much-anticipated crossover special. The network recently released a weighty title for the event as well  - 'Elseworlds' - turning all eyes to the annual event, which may or may not tackle the comic book's "what if..." scenarios and the plotlines unfolding outside of the DC Universe canon.