Originally published June 16, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
Jane Levy
Like Anya Taylor-Joy, Jane Levy feels like she is primed for big things. She has, in recent years, endeared herself to genre fans with great performances in movies like The Evil Dead and Don’t Breathe and she has shown in those movies that she is definitely ready for the physical aspects of the role as well.
Levy can also deliver a kick ass piece of dialogue, and her delivery would be perfect alongside J.K. Simmons. I can just picture a scene with them squabbling over the table, while Ben Affleck looks on bemused.
Evan Rachel Wood
While many are presuming that the Batgirl we see on-screen will be lifted directly from the New 52 comic book series, nothing has yet been confirmed and there is a fair chance that DC may want to give us an older version of Batgirl to go alongside Ben Affleck’s aging Bruce Wayne.
While Wood is not, in actuality, that old (she is 29) she does have the ability to pull off a certain world-weariness that a lot of the other actresses on this list don’t possess. Her performance as Dolores in Westworld has put her on everyone’s radar and a big role like this could really help establish her as a huge star.
Olivia Cooke
If it’s a vulnerable, young, redhead that you’re after for a role, then Olivia Cooke is likely the first name you are going to contact. Seemingly having a niche for playing girls with some sort of illness with roles in Me and Earl and The Dying Girl and Bates Motel, Olivia Cooke has quickly become one of the most sought-after young actresses in Hollywood and she seems the ideal choice for a wounded Barbara Gordon post-Joker shooting.
She also has a huge appeal to a younger fanbase, something that DC would no doubt love to tap into. Her role in the upcoming Ready Player One movie could really cement her as a big name in Hollywood and DC could be stupid to let this chance slip.
Maika Monroe
Like Anya Taylor-Joy, Maika Monroe has been steadily endearing herself to genre fans with great performances in the likes of The Guest and It Follows. Unlike Taylor-Joy, however, she has starred in a major blockbuster – 2016’s atrocious Independence Day: Resurgence.
While this may not be in her favor, the actress clearly has tons of potential and is nothing if not a workhorse, with six movies starring her set to be released this year.
Monroe has also shown that she can get physical when the time is right too and this, combined with a suitable amount of vulnerability and youth could make her high on the list when Whedon comes knocking.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Gugu Mbatha-Raw is one of the hottest new talents working right now and she there is little doubt that she could make the perfect Barbara Gordon. She has shown with her performances in movies like Belle and TV shows like Black Mirror that she is capable of pulling off a character who is both emotionally scarred and yet strong and confident, which could be the perfect combination for a post shooting Barbara Gordon.
Her casting would likely cause a backlash among fans who want to see the traditional red-headed Gordon on-screen, but her acting abilities would soon put those to rest. She also has the rare advantage of being able to play an older or younger version of the character. The actress is currently 34 years old, but still looks a lot younger than that – meaning a little bit of makeup could make her look convincing with whatever route they take.
Who do you think should play Batgirl in the upcoming movie? Let us know in the comments below, and let Liam know on Twitter @liamhoofe
