Nothing gets a conversation and/or debate going faster than an alternate casting. Everyone has their own opinion about what actor should play which role and, more importantly, nobody can ever agree with anyone else’s picks. If it’s even slightly different than what you pictured in your head, you will immediately disregard it and ridicule the person who suggested it. The aim of the FanCast is to inspire conversation, create debate and provide ammo for the bloodthirsty nerds who can’t ever be wrong.
Yes, yes, we’re all aware that the Batgirl movie got cancelled last year. Despite what anybody thinks and even if this makes people want to watch it even more, we’re all well aware that it would’ve been a complete and total disaster anyway. So, let’s take it as a sign and forget that movie even exists and move on into the future with whatever it is that comic book movies bring us, give us or in turn, take away. And, yes. I would’ve watched the cancelled film but that doesn’t mean it’s what I would’ve wanted from a Batgirl movie, especially one starring Barbara Gordon.
But, let’s just say that I would’ve gone a different direction …
Featured:
Batgirl
Mckenna Grace | Stephanie Brown
Stephanie Brown has to be one of the most underrated Batman characters to have ever been created. She has gone through many different identities throughout her career; first starting out by the moniker of Spoiler. She later went onto adopt the roles of both Robin, when Tim Drake gave up the life of crime fighting for a few issues, and later Batgirl when Barbara Gordon felt she was worthy of taking on the title. I would cast Mckenna Grace because despite her incredibly cute appearance, she seems to have some brains to her as well. That is exactly what sets the “Bat-Family” characters from a lot of the other characters in the DC Universe; is that they are actually intelligent. I would also cast her because she seems to have a bit of fire behind her eyes which is the best recipe for dishing out some pain and hurt while cleaning up Gotham City’s underworld.
Oracle
Karen Gillan | Barbara Gordon
This casting was a no-brainer. Karen Gillan has the perfect combination of the cute girl next door mixed with the hardened exterior of a tortured soul. She was actually one of the better parts of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) and even though I didn’t think too much of Gamora until the events of Avengers: Endgame (2019) and I have to admit, she slowly turned into one of my favorite characters. I wanted to have somebody who also had the look of intelligence but wanted to stick to somebody in their 30’s and yes, I would have her in the wheelchair. She’s already been crippled. However that happened, I don’t know. We all have a past and I’m choosing to leave this up to the imagination.
Anyways, she needs to be Oracle, because the whole point of the movie is that she is recruiting Steph to take up the role of Batgirl. I’d be willing to keep J.K. Simmons as her father Jim Gordon for the sake of fleshing out Barbara’s life, but I wouldn’t give him anything more than that minor role.
Antagonist:
The Calculator
Tim Blake Nelson | Noah Kuttler
My first introduction to The Calculator was during the polarizing Identity Crisis (2004) storyline. Never had I had heard of him before so I had no idea who he was. As the story progressed, he slowly turned out to be one of the more interesting characters. He eventually made his way over to the Birds of Prey title where he and Oracle formed an interesting rivalry. Tim Blake Nelson seems to be somewhat of a character actor so I think he would be able to bring the slight wackiness of a computer nerd mixed with the dangers of a psychopath, genius, devious genius.
Supporting:
The Mad Hatter
Martin Freeman | Jervis Tetch
The inclusion of The Mad Hatter mainly has to do with the fact that this is a character who would never stand a chance in hell of getting a live action adaption in a Batman movie. There are just too many villains that would get chosen before him and it’s kind of a shame. Despite his Wonderland schtick, he’s actually quite the sad little character and his episodes in Batman: The Animated Series are some of my favorites. Martin Freeman seems to be a good choice. I don’t know why, he’s just who I thought of first so I’m going with it.
Clayface
Brendan Fraser | Cassius Payne
Yep. I’m well aware that Brendan Fraser was meant to be Firefly in the cancelled Batgirl movie. However, I would’ve gone in a different direction. I’m not sure what exactly his role would’ve been but I don’t know if I really buy him as the Firefly from the comics. Which makes me believe that they would’ve gone a different direction with the character. I would cast him as Clayface instead … and do I really have to say why? Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the fact that he is finally getting the recognition that he deserves but this is the more suitable role for him.
Who would you fancast in a new Batgirl movie?