Back in the fall of 2014, we learned that Jena Malone of ‘Donnie Darko’, ‘Sucker Punch’, and the ‘Hunger Games’ franchise would be joining the cast of Zack Snyder’s ‘Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice’. An Instagram post from the actress following those reports showed off her newly-dyed red hair, so based on the fact that the film is largely based on Frank Miller’s seminal graphic novel ‘The Dark Knight Returns’, many assumed that she would be playing Carrie Kelley AKA Robin. However, those rumors were seemingly debunked nearly a year later when reports surfaced saying that Malone would take up the mantle of a different Bat-Family member as she was supposedly set to appear as Barbara Gordon AKA Batgirl. So with the movie coming out next month, who exactly will we see Jena Malone playing? We might have a better idea now.
According to The Latino Review, three sources are reporting that Malone will indeed be playing Barbara Gordon in ‘Dawn of Justice’. It’s unclear whether she’ll be suiting up as Batgirl or even providing tech support as Oracle for sure, but all of the sources seem to agree that she’ll be portraying the intelligent red-headed daughter of Commissioner James Gordon (who is believed to be dead in the film).
To add even more fuel to this fire, Comic Book Movie has shared a magazine scan from an unnamed French periodical that list the characters that various stars will be playing in the next chapter in DC’s budding cinematic universe. Aside from listing Scoot McNairy as Jimmy Olsen, Michael Shannon as General Zod, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Thomas Wayne, the publication also notes that other Justice Leaguers Cyborg (played by Ray Fisher) and The Flash (played by Ezra Miller) will make cameos in the movie. However, that distinction isn’t included with Malone’s blurb, so maybe Miss Gordon will be included in a supporting capacity or more.
But with so many characters and so much going on already, I don’t really see Batgirl getting too involved in the events of the film, assuming she even suits up at all. Of course, her superhero alter ego could come into play down the line, especially with a solo Batman film on the schedule, but it probably won’t be right now. Of course, judging by how many big names are thrown into the upcoming superhero blockbuster as it is, it’s very possible that DC and WB opt to blow their load all at once.
What do you think about the latest ‘Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice’ rumors regarding Jena Malone’s character? Do you think that she’s definitely playing Barbara Gordon? And if she is, do you think that we’ll see her don the cape and cowl of Batgirl? Share your thoughts and theories in the comments below.
‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ starring Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, Diane Lane, Jeremy Irons, Holly Hunter, and Jesse Eisenberg hits theaters on March 25, 2016.
