Leslie Graceis finally sharing the story behind the moment when she learned she had been chosen to star inBatgirl. Talking toVariety, Grace also discussed what it means to have a Latina playing a beloved DC hero and how her casting can be an example to young girls everywhere.
Grace says that as soon as she opened the email that broke the news of her casting, her “brain broke.” After the initial shock of being chosen to play Batgirl, Grace rushed to catch up on the character’s comic book history. As Grace puts it, “That was my first question—what do I read? I’m like, ‘Send me everything I need to learn.’ I just bought every comic and just starting asking so many questions.” While Grace doesn’t reveal which comic book arcs inspire the upcoming movie, the star says the heroine is “definitely going to be fighting lots of people. She’ll be very hands-on. She’s got a lot to prove.”
Grace also commented on her casting as the titular hero, saying that having a Latina superhero “validates the dreams of other people who look like me, who may feel it’s not an opportunity for them.” Grace added that she’s “just really excited about every young girl who is going to see a Dominican Batichica and say, ‘I can do that.’”
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Batgirlis being directed byAdilEl ArbiandBilall Fallah, from a script byChristina Hodson, who has previously writtenBirds of Preyand the upcomingThe Flash. While there’s no information about the movie’s plot,J.K. Simmonsis in negotiations to return as Commissioner James Gordon, a part he played in both versions ofJustice League. Simmons' casting discussions might indicateBatgirlis somehow connected to the Snyderverse andBen Affleck’s version of Batman. Affleck is set to replay the Dark Knight in the upcomingThe Flash, but the actor’s future in the DCEU remains uncertain. Another version of the Caped Crusader will be coming to theaters on July 23, 2025, asRobert Pattinsonwill take on the cowl and cape forMatt Reeves’The Batman.
Batgirlwill be the first live-action DC project to come exclusively to HBO Max, as WarnerMedia tests the waters to release more new DC films focusing on lesser-known characters on the platform. ABlack Canaryfilm is alsocurrently in the worksfor the streamer fromJurnee SmollettandLovecraft Country’sMisha Green, as is aBlack Superman limited seriesfromMichael B. Jordan.Batgirldoesn’t have a release date yet, but the movie should be available in 2022.
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