If Tim Burton Had Introduced Barbara Gordon/Batgirl in His Batman Series: Who Should Portray Her?
Tim Burton’s dark and brooding take on the Batman series introduced a generation to the iconic Gotham, its characters, and storylines. If Tim Burton or a contemporary director had decided to introduce Barbara Gordon (Batgirl) into his movies, who would have been the perfect actress to bring her to life? Let's explore this intriguing concept by delving into Barbara Gordon's character traits and considering potential actresses.
Who Should Play Barbara Gordon in Burton’s Batman Series?
There's been plenty of debate among fans about the right actress to portray Barbara Gordon. Answers range from Felicia Day and Sophie Turner to suggestion of finding an unknown or lesser-known actress. In the same vein that director Richard Donner cast relatively unknown Christopher Reeve as Superman, it is suggested that casting an unknown actress could bring a fresh perspective, rather than relying on fans of a particular actor.
Rose Leslie as Career Prime Batgirl
At Career Prime Batgirl, the standout traits of Barbara Gordon are her intelligence and tenacity. Rose Leslie stands out as a top choice for her performance in Game of Thrones and Stranger Things. She possesses a strong mix of intelligence, athleticism, and a unique on-screen presence. While she may not be as young as some fans might prefer, her maturity and experience make her a formidable Batgirl.
Her physical appearance, including red hair and the ability to look both strong and relatable, makes her an ideal choice. Leslie’s capacity to portray a character with both formidable strength and inner vulnerability, combined with her ability to run complex operations, would make for a compelling Batgirl.
Her portrayal could be further enhanced by being drilled in a solid American accent, making her an even more convincing Gothamite.
Sophie Turner as Origin Story Batgirl
In her Origin Story Batgirl phase, Barbara Gordon can be seen as a young, rebellious, and resilient character. Sadie Sink, known for her role in Stranger Things, is a popular choice. Despite her not being as young as some fans might prefer, she is already an accomplished actress with a raft of awards from her time on Stranger Things. At 17, she possesses a certain raw energy and rebellious spirit that can represent the early days of Batgirl effectively.
Sophie Turner, known for her role in Game of Thrones, also offers a compelling choice. Her height, looks, and build closely resemble those of Barbara Gordon, and her acting chops are undeniable. Though Turner is more mature than the younger Batgirl, she can still capture the spirit of a rebellious young hero. Her charisma and the ability to handle complex action scenes would make her a strong choice for the role.
Deborah Anne Woll as Oracle
As Oracle, Barbara Gordon transforms into a computer genius and the mind behind multiple operations. Deborah Anne Woll, known for her role as Karen Page in Daredevil and Punisher, is a perfect fit. She is not just a dedicated fan of comic books and superheros but a self-proclaimed nerd who regularly plays Dungeons and Dragons. This real-life passion perfectly matches Barbara Gordon's character and makes her a prime candidate for the role of Oracle.
Woll's tenure as Karen Page in Daredevil and Punisher showcased her ability to handle complex and nuanced characters. Her portrayal of Karen Page, a brilliant and capable hacker, is a testament to her acting skills. Woll's affinity for problem-solving and strategic thinking would make her a standout Oracle in a Burtonian interpretation.
Conclusion
The choice of actresses for Barbara Gordon would depend on which phase of her life is being portrayed. For Career Prime Batgirl, Rose Leslie is a strong and mature choice. For Origin Story Batgirl, Sadie Sink or Sophie Turner can bring the necessary energy and charisma. And for Oracle, Deborah Anne Woll's real-life nerdy persona would make her an ideal candidate to play the tech-savvy and strategic Barbara Gordon.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts
While these actresses present compelling choices, the key is to choose someone who can embody Barbara Gordon's unique blend of intelligence, resilience, and vulnerability. The right actress should be able to portray a character who both inspires and intimidates, someone who can navigate the complexities of Gotham with intelligence and determination.