Kaitlyn Dever says she’d be up for playing DC’s Batgirl, not denying casting rumors that link her to the role. Introduced in 1961 by Bill Finger and Sheldon Moldoff, the character was replaced a few short years later by Barbara Gordon who would soon take up the seminal superhero mantle. Across television and film, Batgirl has been a part of many different projects over the decades. She was first portrayed by Yvonne Craig for ABC’s television adaptation of Batman. More recently, a version of the character appeared in the final season of Gotham. In the animated realm, Batgirl has been voiced by the likes of Rosario Dawson and Rachel Bloom. Most famously perhaps, Alicia Silverstone played Batgirl as Alfred Pennyworth’s niece in 1997’s Batman & Robin.

Now that a standalone Batgirl movie is in the works, reportedly having a tie-in with Matt Reeves’ The Batman, there has been plenty of speculation as to which performer might step into the role. Dever, known for her lead performances in Netflix’s Unbelievable and Booksmart, as well as long-running arcs on Justified and Last Man Standing, is one of the actresses championed by fans for the high-profile gig. Several eagle-eyed devotees have even noticed that Dever has been interacting on social media with Reeves and The Batman co-writer Mattson Tomlin, taking that as a sign that the actress is in consider for the highly-anticipated film starring Robert Pattinson. Asked about the rumors prior to Sunday’s Academy Awards, Dever had ample opportunity to shoot down the rumors that have built up. She didn’t quite go that far.

On the red carpet, Variety questioned Dever about Batgirl. In response, the Booksmart breakout refused to deny anything. While the actress didn’t come close to confirming her involvement, seeming to suggest that she hasn’t been a part of any official talks, she expressed clear enthusiasm for the possibility of playing one of DC’s most famous personas. See Dever’s full response, including her endorsement of Robert Pattinson, in the short clip below.

Dever isn’t the only notable name with hopes of being Batgirl. Karen Gillan, known for playing Nebula in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, expressed interest in both directing and starring in a Batgirl movie. It is, of course, understandable why Dever and Gillan would want to have a leading role in a comic book franchise. In addition to the obvious financial incentives, it’s the kind of project which has the potential to alter careers and open up new creative opportunities.

With Batgirl, there’s an added significance. In development for years, with Joss Whedon attached as director at one point, there might be a bit of professional pride involved in headlining the production and getting it right. For fans of a character that debuted so long ago, that’s certainly the hope.

More: All 28 Upcoming & In-Development DC Films

Source: Variety

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