If you weren't already anticipating HBO Max's upcoming Batgirl movie, leaks from the set and an apparent confirmation from its star indicate the movie will introduce the DC Extended Universe's first live-action trans character.
While production is just getting under way, footage and photos of star Leslie Grace shooting scenes alongside actor Ivory Aquino have fans feeling pretty confident we'll see the character Alysia Yeoh make her debut in the film. Yeoh is a trans character who appeared in the Batgirl comics as the roommate and best friend of the titular crime fighter's secret identity, Barbara Gordon. Created by comics writer Gail Simone, Yeoh first appeared in 2011 and represented a landmark moment in comics, as she was the first major trans character in a contemporary mainstream comic.
Adding fuel to the speculation around Yeoh's live-action introduction was a casting announcement from Warner Bros. for "a mid-to-late 20's Asian American trans woman" to star in the film. To top it all off, Grace has specifically name-checked Yeoh in her stories. The actor posted a photo of herself holding hands with Aquino as they crossed the street, captioning it "Barbara and Alysia."
While Batgirl doesn't have a release date just yet, it's been announced that it will focus on the origin story behind how Barbara Gordon became Batgirl. Brendan Frasier is set to star as the rumored villain, Firefly, and J.K. Simmons will be reprising his role as Commissioner Gordon. Michael Keaton will reportedly be donning Batman's cowl again as he reprises his role as the Dark Knight from Tim Burton's cinematic take on the character.
In recent years, both DC and Marvel have been making strides with LGBTQ+ representation in their respective cinematic universes, and from the looks of things, Batgirl continues to push that even further. We're ready to tune in now.
