Joss Whedon Reveals Which Traits An Actress Needs To Play Batgirl

Earlier this year, thousands of aspiring actress surely headed to their local comic store to get acquainted with Barbara Gordon. Not long after announcing a Nightwing project was underway, Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment stunned fans when the companies confirmed a Batgirl film was also in the works. Joss Whedon was announced as the director in-charge of the feature, but the visionary has kept quiet about the project’s proceedings.

That is, until now.

Yesterday, Whedon spoke with several press outlets about Batgirl as he walked the red carpet premiere for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. It was there he told USA Today a few of the traits he thinks any hopeful actress can bring to Batgirl.

“What I’m looking for in a Batgirl is probably somebody new. Somebody who is willing to go the distance. It is going to be hard. I want somebody who’s going to get in the trenches with me…”

“I know what she looks like in the comic books. We’ll deviate if the right person is different,” he continued. “We haven’t even begun the conversation, but it’s about the spirit she exudes, not exactly what she looks like.”

For up-and-coming actresses, Whedon’s revelation is a comforting one. Warner Bros. may give the director wiggle room when it comes to green-lighting an actress. The Batman franchise itself does carry a lot of weight, so a leading actress will be less pressured to hold up the film; The name ‘Batgirl’ will do a lot of that heavy lifting.

However, it doesn’t look like Whedon has any actresses in mind for the job right now. The director stressed he is still getting to know the character, so it may be some time until fans catch wind of any Batgirl frontrunners.

MORE: Joss Whedon Speaks Out About Batgirl’s Casting / Joss Whedon Called Marvel’s Kevin Feige About Batgirl / Wonder Woman Director Comments On Whedon’s Batgirl / Whedon’s Batgirl Reportedly Based On New 52 Version

In Justice League, fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.

Justice League is directed by Zack Snyder, from a screenplay by Chris Terrio, and features an ensemble cast that includes Ben Affleck (Batman), Henry Cavill (Superman), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Ezra Miller (The Flash), Jason Momoa (Aquaman), Ray Fisher (Cyborg), Ciarán Hinds (Steppenwolf), Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Diane Lane (Martha Kent), Jeremy Irons (Alfred Pennyworth), J.K. Simmons (Commissioner Gordon), Amber Heard (Mera), Kiersey Clemons (Iris West) and Jesse Eisenberg (Lex Luthor).

Justice League is out November 17.