When I first started thinking about this/writing this, it was way before they announced Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey (previously Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of Harley Quinn). Either way, this was more based on the Arrowverse (DCTV). So characters like Black Canary (both Dinah Lance and Dinah Drake) and Katana were already cast. And beautifully so in my opinion.
But whether it’s in TV or movie form, I love these characters from the Birds of Prey comics. Specifically, Oracle, Lady Shiva, and Zatanna. Among many others. All of which are still yet to be cast (as far as I know). So, even though Arrow is now over, the spin-off show (Green Arrow and the Canaries) is still up in the air. Even more so now because of the quarantine. The same goes for any other TV and movie production so anything could happen. With that, here are my picks for some iconic DC comic characters a part of the Birds-of-Prey-verse if you will:
Full disclosure: I haven’t read every Birds of Prey story. So a lot of what I know about some characters is based on their Fandom pages online. Also, I based some on looks alone.
Jane Levy/Alison Brie as Barbara Gordon (Oracle/Batgirl)
I’m a huge Oracle and Batgirl fan, not just from the Birds of Prey stories but in her own comics. Especially Gail Simone’s stories. This was probably the hardest casting to figure out. So, I came up with two choices, both of which I’m still not completely sure about.
I’ve only recently become more acquainted with Jane Levy. Specifically through Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. And she definitely fits the bill in terms of looks. I also saw other people suggest Levy when looking online to see who people wanted to see as Batgirl. I also saw Alison Brie as an option from a Cinema Blend article. And I think I could see that working too. But this was a tough one, so I’ll leave it to you: who do you think should play the infamous, Barbara Gordon (as either Batgirl or Oracle, or even better, both)?
Maggie Q as Sandra Wu-San (Lady Shiva)
This was probably my first (and if we’re being honest, only) choice when thinking of Lady Shiva. Maggie Q’s a complete badass, as is Lady Shiva. This was by far a no-brainer and you have no idea how much I’d love to see this happen IRL.
Alina Andrei as Zatanna Zatara (Zatanna)
I loved Serinda Swan’s portrayal of Zatanna from Smallville. It was my first introduction to the character and I continued to enjoy her in cartoon form on various shows. For this choice, I went purely on looks and Alina Andrei looked like a good fit to me.
Laura Vandervoort as Zinda Blake (Lady Blackhawk)
I’m probably not the best person to ask about Lady Blackhawk. But I’ve heard that Juliana Harkavy would’ve made a great one. If Arrow writers hadn’t already made her another Black Canary. Based on Zinda’s comic look and the little research I did, I thought of Laura Vandervoort. She played a great Kara Danvers in Smallville, so I know she can pull off the superhero well. And she definitely looks the part.
Madelaine Petsch as Pamela Lillian (Poison Ivy)
I first want to say that this fanart is stellar. Major props to user, kate-lirdy on DeviantArt. And second, I think this choice is pretty self-explanatory. Poison Ivy’s got a seductive personality which Madelaine Petsch can really pull off well. She also clearly has the look with the signature red hair. And the fact that she dressed up as Poison Ivy in an episode on Riverdale proves it.
That’s all my picks for now. Let me know which actors you want to see play these characters. As well as others in the DC comic verse. Just comment below your thoughts or tweet me @mzsnguyenthai.