Hot off WB’s acclaimedIn the Heightsmovie,Leslie Gracehas been cast as crimefighter Barbara Gordon in the upcoming HBO Max movieBatgirl, Collider has confirmed.
Grace reportedly edged outZoey Deutch,Haley Lu RichardsonandIsabela Mercedfor the coveted role, making her the third Latina to be cast in a DC superhero project. The Dominican-American actress joinsSasha Calle, who will play Supergirl inThe Flashmovie, andRachel Zegler, who has landed an unspecified role inShazam: Fury of the Gods.
Grace’s casting was first reported by Deadline and TheWrap, though she confirmed the exciting news an hour later on Twitter,writing: “I am beyond excited to embody Barbara Gordon, your Batgirl ! I cannot believe what I’m writing [right now]. Thank you DC for welcoming [me] to the family! I’m ready to give her all I’ve got!”
RELATED:‘In the Heights’ Star Leslie Grace on Reading for Both Nina and Vanessa When Auditioning for Lin-Manuel Miranda
Bad Boys for LifefilmmakersAdil El ArbiandBilall Fallahwill direct theBatgirlmovie, which was written byChristina Hodson, whose DC credits includeBirds of PreyandThe Flash.Kristin Burrwill produce the comic book movie, which is one of several being developed exclusively for HBO Max rather than theaters.
Batgirl made her comic book debut as Betty Kane exactly 50 years ago and the character remains quite popular among DC fans. Barbara Gordon, the daughter of Gotham City Police Commissioner Jim Gordon, may not have been the original Batgirl but she’s the best-known incarnation of the character. When Barbara was left paralyzed by the Joker inAlan Moore’s seminal graphic novelThe Killing Joke, other crimefighters such as The Huntress and Orphan took up the Batgirl mantle, while Gordon became Oracle, who helped aid Batman in his adventures.
Grace grew up in the Bronx and earned raves for her turn as Nina Rosario inIn the Heights, which pairs her withCorey Hawkins. The award-winning singer has a bright future ahead of her in Hollywood, and I’m eager to see who joins her in theBatgirlmovie, as well as what the tone of the film will be. For more on Grace,watch her interviewwithPerri NemiroffforCollider Ladies Night.
KEEP READING:‘Batgirl’ and ‘Zatanna’ Projects Confirmed for HBO Max by Warner Bros.
