Dreamcasting: 5 Top Choices To Play Batgirl

Fans are still processing Warner Bros. and DC’s latest announcement that Joss Whedon will be directing, writing, and producing a solo Batgirl film, provided the deal is finalized of course. That said, minds are already moving to who could possibly play the popular DC role, ComicBook.com included.

Some of the character traits will change of course depending on what avenue DC decides to take with Batgirl. If they adopt the Cassandra Cain model that will vary wildly from something more akin to the recent Batgirl of Burnside version, but either way there are a few hallmarks of the character. Charisma, enthusiasm and a curious nature are all essential. It also has to be someone who can stand alongside Batman (theoretically) and not be overshadowed, regardless of how new at the job they are.

Hit the next slide to see ComicBook.com’s top five picks for Batgirl, and you can view the official synopsis for DC’s Justice League below.

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).

DC and Warner Bros. have a full slate ahead, with Teen Titans: The Judas Contract coming first on April 4, 2017. After that it’s time for Wonder Woman on June 2, 2017, followed by Justice League on November 17, 2017. The Batman is expected sometime in 2018, with The Flash debuting on March 23, 2018. Aquaman is set for October 5, 2018, and Nightwing’s solo feature is due sometime in 2019.

MORE: Joss Whedon Directing Batgirl For Warner Bros. / 5 Questions Raised By The Justice League Trailer / Beware The Batgirl Of Burnside Cosplay By Dragon Anjo

Madelaine Petsch

DC has a large footprint on the CW, but instead of looking inward they might benefit from looking over at Archie Comics’ Riverdale, specifically actress Madelaine Petsch. Petsch plays Cheryl Blossom, and you can certainly picture her in the role.

The striking red hair certainly doesn’t hurt, a hallmark of Barbara Gordon. Petsch is relatively early in her career, and this could be the start of a franchise if the studio plays its cards right. It could be a match made in heaven.

Emma Stone

Emma Stone has been a fan favorite ever since Zombieland, and she’s shown a wide range of ability ever since. She’s also shown a fearlessness in tackling popular characters, like her role of Gwen Stacey in The Amazing Spider-Man. While the sequel was less than stellar, she still shined in it, and she would bring an innate likeability to the role as well as her vaunted acting chops.

Stone could be perfect for a Barbara Gordon Batgirl or even a Stephanie Brown version, though most likely Gordon will be the one picked for the film.

Shannon Purser

Another person right in DC’s backyard is Shannon Purser, who has also guested on CW’s Riverdale. She is best known though for her role as Barb Holland on Netflix’s Stranger Things, a performance that has earned her a growing following, and rightly so.

Purser has a number of projects in production but surely could find some time to work in the Batgirl part. She would play a great foil to Affleck’s Batman, being a more light and comedic take on the character of course. Like some of the one’s before her, this would be in-line with the Batgirl of Burnside version, and while she hasn’t done much in the action realm of Hollywood, that doesn’t mean she can’t. It just means she hasn’t had the chance to.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood can take any scene and make it more than the sum of its parts and has the capability to do the same with the Batgirl role.

Wood has been turning heads for years, but her most recent role on Westworld has earned her immense amounts of praise. She can bring a real intensity to the role, highlighting the more ass-kicking elements of the character with ease. She also has the acting ability to infuse the character with charm and compassion, something longtime fans have always loved. Her take might not fit the burnside treatment, but it would fit much better within the darker tone of the current DCEU.

Haley Bennett

Hayley Bennett might be the most versatile actress in the bunch, as she’s taken on a number of varying roles that could fit Gordon, Brown, and even Cassandra Cain’s takes on the character.

She earned great reviews for her role in The Girl On The Train but has also been in films like The Equalizer and The Magnificent Seven. There’s an approachability she brings to her roles, but can as quickly adapt to darker tones when she needs to. In short, she’s perfect for Zack Snyder’s universe, and seeing her play opposite Ben Affleck would certainly be entertaining.