it would be too similar/confusing with him being the Mandarin

Network tv still doesn't pay compared to feature films. You aren't going to see Robert Down Jr. on Agents of Shield. Samuel Jackson did a five minute guest spot, but no way he does multiple episodes.
Where are the Asian characters DC CW? #MoreAsians

That's why I have often made threads about what if Arrow was in a bigger network. So many missed oppertunities of being in the CW. I may not agree with many things joseriou says, but one thing I do agree with him\she is that Arrow could have worked out better on CBS. Bigger networks attracts better actors. Such as Kingsley or Oda Fehr.

I highly doubt they have the budget for Kinglsey. Not sure why he would even be interested in a CW show, he would have probably only appeared in 3 eps if they were ever able to get him.

We really need that IMDB upvote button
I just tend the bar.

Other than being another white Ra's, in a show where a perfect choice for Ra's already appeared (Navid Negabahn) Matt wasn't miscast. The writing for Ra's was just inconsistent nonsense.
Ben seems too high profile for the show. He does a lot of crap, direct to dvd crap, but it's also probably getting him more money than Arrow has to offer. Unless he was a huge Ra's fan and took the paycut.
I see another joker on the news telling me to play the fool.

Ode would have been great.

I was keeping my fingers crossed for Oded Fehr.
And when it was revealed that Ra's was going to be the big bad for S3, there was a rumor he was going to play him.

Well Ben Kingsley did appear in a Uwe Boll movie. That's about the same level as a CW show.
May the Force be with you.

I agree Matt Nable was miscast, but really? Ben Kingsley is way too good for this show. Critically acclaimed actors never do CW shows.