As production on the upcoming DCEU Birds of Prey film readies to begin principal photography next month, the film has cast a new villain straight from Batman's extensive rogues' gallery.

Chris Messina, who previously appeared on HBO's Sharp Objects and Hulu's The Mindy Project, has been cast as Gotham City serial killer Victor Zsasz. The notorious murderer will be working with Ewan McGregor's Black Mask over the course of the film.

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Created by writer Alan Grant and artist Norm Breyfogle in the pages of 1992's Batman: Shadow of the Bat #1, Zsasz was an affluent young man whose familial wealth fell into ruins. Afterwards, the character turned to a life of murder, scarring himself with a tally mark for every victim. The character appeared in a silent cameo in 2005's Batman Begins portrayed by Tim Booth.

Also joining the cast of Birds of Prey are Steven Williams, Derek Wilson, Dana Lee, Francois Chau, and Matthew Willig is currently undisclosed roles.

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Directed by Cathy Yan from a script by Christina Hodson, Birds of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) stars Margot Robbie, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Rosie Perez, and Ewan McGregor. It is scheduled to be released on February 7, 2020.

(via Deadline)