The “Birds of Prey” film appears to have found its final Bird.
According to Variety, Warner Bros. has cast Ella Jay Basco as the character Cassandra Cain in the upcoming superhero film directed by Cathy Yan. For those that aren’t steeped in Batman mythology, Cassandra Cain is the daughter of two assassins that grew up without human contact, leaving her mute. As is the case with many young kids in Gotham, Cain comes across Batman and becomes one of his wards, adopting the Batgirl moniker. However, it’s not expected that Basco will play Batgirl in the film, as Cassandra Cain has used different superhero handles throughout her comic book history.
“Birds of Prey” will be the biggest role yet for the young Basco. Previous to the superhero film, the actress has appeared in small roles on TV series like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Superior Donuts,” and “Veep.”
Basco joins Margot Robbie (as Harley Quinn), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (as Huntress), and Jurnee Smollett-Bell (as Black Canary) in the film. Supporting roles have been cast with Rosie Perez as Detective Renee Montoya and Ewan McGregor as the villain Black Mask.
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“Birds of Prey” is written by Christina Hodson, who is best known as the writer of the upcoming “Bumblebee.” The film is directed by Cathy Yan, coming off her indie film “Dead Pigs.” ‘Birds’ is said to be rated R and is described by Robbie as a “girl gang film.”
“Birds of Prey” will hit theaters on February 7, 2020 and will begin production in early 2019.