Warner Bros. and DC's Batgirl movie just added one of the most beloved actors of today to its cast. Brendan Fraser, who currently plays Cliff Steele/Robotman in HBO Max's Doom Patrol, will play the foe to Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon.
Once known primarily as one of Batman's most trusted allies, Batgirl has since grown into a popular DC hero in her own right. However, Warner Bros.' upcoming Batgirl film will be the first live-action feature with the hero in the lead role.
Deadline, the outlet that first reported on Fraser joining the Batgirl cast, also noted that its sources believe he will portray DC Comics villain Firefly. Originally conceived as a criminal who uses lighting effects to help carry out robberies, Firefly was later re-imagined as a pyromaniac who has since become a recurring member of Batman's rogue's gallery. In addition to lead star Grace, Fraser's fellow Batgirl cast members will include Jacob Scipio in an unknown role and J.K. Simmons as Commissioner Gordon, a role he previously played in Zack Snyder's Justice League. Helmed by Bad Boys for Life directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah from a script penned by Christina Hodson, Batgirl is currently expected to be an HBO Max exclusive release.
Plot details for Batgirl are currently unknown, though Grace, El Arbi, Fallah, and Hodson recently appeared at DC FanDome 2021 to offer some tidbits. In addition to confirming that Grace's Barbara Gordon will have the character's signature red hair, the team unveiled Batgirl concept art that shows the hero in her classic suit and cowl. The concept art also offered a glimpse at the filmmaker's vision for Gotham City.
Fraser is no stranger to Hollywood blockbusters. To a generation, he may be best known for his role as the swashbuckling adventurer Rick O'Connell in three of Universal's The Mummy movies, if not for portraying the title character in Disney's live-action George of the Jungle film.
After taking an acting break for several years, Fraser now has several projects lined up, including Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon. Needless to say, fans of Fraser are glad to see the actor back in the saddle with such high-profile films as Batgirl.
Batgirl is expected to be released in 2022 on HBO Max.
Source: Deadline