The Batgirl movie has been in some phase of development for several years, but it’s finally coming to fruition thanks to HBO Max, co-directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, and screenwriter Christina Hodson. Leslie Grace slips into the purple motorcycle suit and now the rising star has shared the first look of her as Batgirl on social media.
Grace captioned her photo with a quote from Batgirl: Year One, written by Scott Beatty and Chuck Dixon:
“‘I use their expectations against them. That will be their weakness. Not mine. Let them all underestimate me… And when their guard is down, and their pride is rising, let me kick their butts.’ – Batgirl, Year One 🦇 #Batgirl.”
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Leslie Grace was announced as having landed the role of Barbara Gordon/Batgirl, the daughter of Batman’s ally Commissioner Jim Gordon, in July. At that time, she expressed her excitement in this tweet:
I am BEYOND EXCITED to embody Barbara Gordon, your #Batgirl ! I cannot believeeee what I’m writing rn… THANK YOU DC for welcoming to the family! I’m ready to give her all I’ve got! 🦇💜✨ https://t.co/muq9GuVVk6
— Leslie Grace (@lesliegrace) July 21, 2021
The new movie Batgirl suit resembles the comic book costume designed by Babs Tarr in 2014. That version of her costume seems based on a motorcycle-riding outfit complete with a leather jacket. This is appropriate, considering her usual means of transportation.
This costume also seemed to draw from the costume worn by Yvonne Craig in the 1960s live-action Batman series. Craig’s costume was largely purple, but traditionally, in the comics, the character tended to wear either gray or black with yellow accessories and a blue or black cape and cowl combo.
Below, you can check out the more “traditional” Batgirl costume:
Leslie Grace broke out in the musical In The Heights, from Warner Bros., directed by Jon M. Chu based on the Broadway show by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
In addition to Craig, who originated the role of Barbara Gordon/Batgirl, a version of the character also appeared in 1997’s Batman & Robin portrayed by Alicia Silverstone. The latter was not depicted as Gordon’s daughter but rather a family friend of Alfred’s and was named Barbara Wilson.
Batgirl will also star J.K. Simmons as Barbara’s father, Commissioner Gordon, Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman, and Brendan Fraser as Garfield Lyons/Firefly. The movie is now filming and is expected to hit HBO Max later this year.
