In the Heights actor Leslie Grace, who will portray the titular superhero in HBO Max's upcoming Batgirl film, recently teased what fans can expect from her version of Barbara Gordon.
"...I will tell you this, Batgirl is a badass," Grace told Variety at the MTV VMAs on Sept. 12. "She's definitely going to be fighting lots of people. She'll be very hands-on. She's got a lot to prove."
During the same conversation, Grace also revealed how she feels about being the first Latina Batgirl, explaining, "I think that's the thing that has me most excited about this blessing of an opportunity."
"Not only what it means to me because it's like a dream for anybody who gets to play one of these superheroes. We all look up to superheroes," she continued. "It's just beautiful to be a part of that journey that validates the dreams of other people who look like me, who may feel it's not an opportunity for them."
Grace added, "I am really excited about every young girl who is going to see a Dominican Batichica -- Dominican Batgirl --and say, I can do that.' I can't wait."
The actor's comments about her version of Batgirl came shortly after she revealed that her brain "broke" when she first learned she had booked the role. Specifically, Grace explained, "It was an incredible moment. When I say incredible, I mean the textbook definition of, I could not believe it. My brain actually broke when I got the news."
Batgirl was first introduced in 1961's Batman #139 as Bat-Girl/Betty Kane. The more well-known version of Batgirl, Barbara Gordon, was introduced as the daughter of Commissioner Gordon and replaced Kane in 1967's Detective Comics #359. Prior to Grace taking on the role, the character was portrayed by Alicia Silverstone in 1997's Batman & Robin. Savannah Welch also currently stars as a version of Gordon, who serves as the Gotham City Police Department Commissioner, on HBO Max's Titans.
While details about the plot of Batgirl have not been revealed, it's been confirmed that a first draft of the film's script has been written by Christina Hodson (Bumblebee, Birds of Prey). "Christina's script is crackling with spirit," producer Kristin Burr said in May 2021. "Adil and Bilall have an excited and joyous energy which is infectious, making them the perfect filmmakers for this Batproject. And I'm just psyched I get to be part of the DC universe, which is super cool."
Batgirl has yet to receive a release date on HBO Max.
Source: Variety