One of the biggest films that are currently in development from DC Films and Warner Bros. is the feature, “Batgirl.” Originally, the film was expected to debut in theaters with Joss Whedon writing and directing. Over the past few years, things have changed and now the film is set to debut on HBO Max from directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah and writer Christina Hodson. And apparently, things are going so well right now, the studio is already lining up actresses to test for the role.
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According to Deadline, WB is testing a number of actresses for the lead role of Barbara Gordon, aka Batgirl, in the upcoming superhero film. Names like Isabela Merced, Zoey Deutch, and Leslie Grace are all expected to be in the running, with Haley Lu Richardson reportedly already bowing out of the process. Either way, judging by this sampling of names, it appears WB is casting a pretty wide net for “Batgirl,” seemingly unafraid of breaking away from the typical white Barbara Gordon with bright red hair.
For those unaware of some of the names, Isabela Merced is probably best known for her role in “Transformers: The Last Knight,” as well as the lead role in the live-action “Dora the Explorer.” Leslie Grace recently appeared in a major role in the musical, “In the Heights,” but is also a Grammy-winning singer. And Deutch is probably best known for films such as “Everybody Wants Some!!,” “Buffaloed,” “Flower,” and “Zombieland: Double Tap.”
There are still some major questions surrounding the new “Batgirl” feature. First, and foremost, is the question of continuity. It’s unclear if “Batgirl” will exist in the same world as Robert Pattinson’s “The Batman.” If so, the new Barbara Gordon is seemingly still expected to be the daughter of Commissioner Gordon, played by Jeffrey Wright in the aforementioned film. Otherwise, with DC Films playing fast and loose with continuity, “Batgirl” could exist in its own little pocket of the multiverse. We’ll just have to wait and see.
As for when “Batgirl” will arrive on HBO Max, that is still unclear. However, with casting apparently underway, perhaps filming could begin in 2022 with 2023 serving as the debut window.