The Batgirl film recently cast In the Heights star Leslie Grace as the titular heroine. Now, Grace has shared new behind-the-scenes footage of her training for the upcoming HBO Max project.
In the comics, Batgirl was primarily known for being one of the best fighters and a trusted ally of Batman. During the recent DC FanDome event, Grace joined directors Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah and writer Christina Hodson to provide insight into their version of Batgirl.
Now, the Instagram video shared by Grace shows her doing a number of exercises that all work out a variety of muscle groups in order for the star to get into a superhero physique. The Batgirl film will no doubt have a lot of fighting in it, especially with the casting announcement of Brendan Fraser as Firefly, so it's good that the star is practicing and getting reps in now before shooting begins. The clip even shows her practicing her boxing while everyone else is eating, which was a fun and humorous nod to the work ethic of the actress. In the caption included with the video, Grace jokingly asks when the workout will result in her getting superpowers.
Since J.K. Simmons will reprise his role as Commissioner Gordon, one must assume that this Batgirl film exists in the world the was established by Zack Snyder, meaning that the Batman of this universe is the one played by Ben Affleck. There's no confirmation that Affleck will make an appearance in Batgirl, but it's good to see that the world is continuing in some form. There are more characters being added to Batgirl and DC is finding more stories to be told despite the absence of the big three (Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman).
It's good to see DC focusing on its supporting characters because this is what they need now more than ever. DC has often been associated with focusing solely on Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman). With their absence, this breath of fresh air from these other heroes and villains is a good choice for DC.
Black Canary is getting a series, The Suicide Squad did very well, Black Adam is getting a movie, Aquaman and Shazam! are getting a sequel, Blue Beetle is getting his own film, and there are many more projects down the line that fans should expect to be announced in the coming months. All of this without relying on any of the big three to keep the story moving, which is good because it's what Marvel has been doing with its own "smaller" heroes.
Batgirl is expected to be released in 2022 on HBO Max.
Source: Leslie Grace/Instagram