Written by Rachel Freeman
Joss Whedon’s Batgirl: Casting the Film, & Predicting the Plot
Today Internet was abuzz with the latest comic rumor: Batgirl getting a solo film, written and directed by Joss Whedon, produced (of course) by Warner Bros.
If you don’t know who Joss Whedon is, you probably live under a rock, but allow me to enlighten you. Joss Whedon is the creator and writer of and Dollhouse. He is also the co-creator of Angel (The Buffy spin-off series), Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. He was also a co-writer and director on a number of films, such as Cabin in the Woods, Serenity, The Avengers, and Avengers: Age of Ultron. He’s kind of a big deal. He’s also known for his writing of strong female characters and has written his fair share of comics. I think he would do an amazing job of writing and directing a movie about Barbara Gordon’s Batgirl.
However, nothing is confirmed yet. We have no idea who would play who or even what the story arc would be. But, if I may, I have some ideas you may find intriguing and even supportive of. And then maybe Warner Bros. will notice my article and hire me on as a co-director and I’ll become rich and famous.
First, let’s talk about story. Barbara Gordon holds a very dear place in my heart. She is my favorite female super hero and although I have respect for the Batgirls that have taken up the mantle, they were no Barbara Gordon. After being shot by the Joker, she was Oracle for a long time (which I also loved) and it wasn’t until DC’s New 52 run that she was given back the use of her legs and returned to us as Batgirl. Written by Gail Simone, one of my favorite Batgirl arcs (really New 52 arcs in general too) was Death of the Family, where Barbara not only faced the Joker again, but her own brother, James Gordon Jr. who happens to be a psychopath.
Honestly, I think a Barbara vs. James Jr. would make for an amazing movie plot. Especially because, although he appears in Batman comics too, he is more her villain than Batman’s. Plus, he is her brother, so we it would be easy to discuss both of their backstories in one movie without it feeling like unnecessary filler. That being said, I also think that at some point in the movie, Batgirl would need to run into and/or team up with Black Canary. This would be easy to do, she could even just pop up at the end or something, but Black Canary NEEDS to make an appearance so they can create a Birds of Prey tie-in. Huntress could appear too, but Black Canary is crucial.
If we are going to go by this amazing movie-plot idea, we would need to cast the following: Barbara Gordon (Batgirl), Dinah Lance (Black Canary), Commissioner James Gordon, James Gordon Jr., and potentially Batman, Nightwing, and Huntress. Whew. What a list!
Barbara Gordon/Batgirl – Our leading lady. I genuinely had a hard time thinking of who I thought could truly capture Barbara Gordon. And I landed on Sophie Turner, best known for her role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones. Which she’s PERFECT in. Sansa started off as a pretty weak and annoying character, to me at least. But when she was faced with trauma and a terrible future, she endured. She kept going. She was brave and she was smart. One of Barbara’s biggest traits is her intelligence. Sophie Turner has already shown us her acting ability, to be able to switch from weak and naive to strong and fearless, its not an easy feat, but here she is, blowing us all away. I truly think she would be able to embrace and portray Barbara’s character.
Dinah Lance/Black Canary – My vote is for Julianne Hough. She looks the part and I really enjoyed her in the 2011 Footloose remake. Many may know her name though from <Dancing with the Stars. Not only can she act, but she can dance and sing. Singing, being something Dinah also does. Clearly, she’s a very talented individual, top that off with the fact that she’s in incredibly good shape, what more could you want for Dinah?
Commissioner James Gordon – I’m going to have to say Bryan Cranston. The man is so goddamn talented. And when he grows his beard? Holy crap. Spitting image of James Gordon. And I mean, look at his track record. There is no doubt in my mind he wouldn’t steal the show as James Gordon. We’ve seen him play the badass, the detective, and the dad already! Plus, he already voiced our beloved Commissioner in Batman: Year One, which he nailed.
James Gordon Jr. – I don’t know if you have watched it, but there is this fantastic series called American Horror Story, and one of the main re-curring lead actors is Evan Peters. Each season is different and so each time, he is a different character. However, my favorite is when he plays a psychopath (Like Tate Langdon and James Patrick March). He can do this role and I think he deserves it. I was so excited when I heard he was going to play Quicksilver, and then I found out it was for the X-Men franchise and not with The Avengers. Although I think Aaron Taylor-Johnson did a great job, I really wanted to see Evan Peters in that role for that film. But since he isn’t contracted to Marvel, hopefully DC will snag him instead!
Batman – I’m sure people expect me to say Ben Affleck. Problem is, we don’t know if he wants to be Batman much longer given his recent announcements. So, if he’s still being Batman, then I won’t say no. But if he’s decided he’s over it, I pick Jon Hamm. He has shown us his versatility in acting, he can go from playboy to serious, lighthearted to dark. He could totally pull off the Bruce Wayne/Batman dynamic. Plus, just look at him. He’s perfect.
Nightwing – Ok, so before you jump down my throat, hear my out on this one: Taylor Lautner. AND MY REASONS are that 1. He’s really attractive, I can admit that to being a reason, 2. He’s not a bad actor. Seriously. I know he played Jacob in the Twilightseries, so he gets this stigma for that, but its not like he did a bad job acting in it and I think, given the chance, he could really come through in a good role. 3. My final reason: he’s a ninja. Like, he has an intense work-out regiment and he has studied martial arts since he was a kid. He would be perfect as the comedic, handsome, and agile, Dick Grayson.
Huntress – Priyanka Chopra. Hands down. She looks the part and from what I’ve seen of Quantico she could nail Huntress and/or Helena Bertinelli. In particular, I am loving the characterization and look of Huntress in DC’s Rebirth and I think Priyanka Chopra would make a fantastic version of this Huntress.
Ok. There you have it. My plot theory and casting for the potential Batgirl film. I really hope this movie happens. I hope Joss Whedon reaches out to Gail Simone too because her Batgirl run and her Birds of Prey are my favorites even now. DC. Make. It. Happen.
