15 Actresses Perfect for the Role of Batgirl in the DCU

Batgirl—most famously Barbara Gordon—has been depicted across comics, animation, and live-action for decades, with core throughlines that include forensic smarts, detective work alongside Batman, and action that blends agility and gadgets. Casting the cowl in the DCU means finding someone with proven screen presence, sharp timing, and experience anchoring high-energy stories driven by character and mystery.

Below is a curated roster of performers whose résumés already showcase crime-solving ensembles, stunt-ready roles, or character-centric dramas. Each profile highlights concrete career details—major films and series, collaborators behind the camera, and roles that define their range—to help map what each actor would tangibly bring to Gotham City.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega headlined the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’ as Wednesday Addams, created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar with episodes directed by Tim Burton and Gandja Monteiro, and supported by a cast including Emma Myers, Gwendoline Christie, and Christina Ricci. Her feature credits include the slasher entries ‘Scream’ and ‘Scream VI’ directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the A24 horror film ‘X’ directed by Ti West, and the high-school drama ‘The Fallout’ written and directed by Megan Park.

Ortega began working in television on projects such as ‘Jane the Virgin’ and grew into genre leads noted for physical performance and precise line delivery. She has also appeared in family adventures like ‘Yes Day’ from director Miguel Arteta and voice roles in animation including ‘Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous’, demonstrating range across formats while collaborating with filmmakers known for stylized genre storytelling.

Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee Steinfeld earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘True Grit’ from directors Joel and Ethan Coen, starring opposite Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon. She later led the Transformers spinoff ‘Bumblebee’ directed by Travis Knight and voiced Gwen Stacy/Spider-Woman in ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ and ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’, directed by teams led by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, and later Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson.

On television, Steinfeld starred in Marvel’s ‘Hawkeye’ alongside Jeremy Renner in episodes directed by Rhys Thomas and Bert & Bertie, and headlined Apple TV+’s ‘Dickinson’ created by Alena Smith. Her credits span action, period dramedy, and animation, working with studios and showrunners that emphasize character-driven genre pieces and ensemble synergy.

Isabela Merced

Isabela Merced led ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’ from director James Bobin, transitioning a Nickelodeon character into a live-action adventure opposite Eugenio Derbez and Eva Longoria. She appeared in ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ from director Michael Bay, the comedy ‘Instant Family’ directed by Sean Anders, and the period comedy ‘Rosaline’ from director Karen Maine.

Beyond film, Merced has worked as a recording artist and bilingual performer, adding voice roles and music credits to her portfolio. She has also joined superhero and action ensembles, extending her experience with stunt-driven sequences and ensemble teamwork across studio productions anchored by well-known franchises.

Sadie Sink

Sadie Sink plays Max Mayfield in ‘Stranger Things’, created by the Duffer Brothers and produced by 21 Laps, joining an ensemble that includes Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, and David Harbour. She co-starred in ‘The Whale’ directed by Darren Aronofsky opposite Brendan Fraser and Hong Chau, and appeared in Netflix’s ‘Fear Street’ trilogy directed by Leigh Janiak.

Sink’s stage background includes Broadway productions such as ‘Annie’ and ‘The Audience’, demonstrating early training in performance and discipline. On screen she has alternated between coming-of-age narrative arcs and horror-thriller storytelling, collaborating with filmmakers and crews experienced in practical and VFX-assisted action.

Elle Fanning

Elle Fanning starred as Catherine in ‘The Great’, created by Tony McNamara, a satirical series that pairs historical settings with rapid-fire dialogue and political intrigue. In Disney’s fantasy saga, she portrayed Aurora in ‘Maleficent’ directed by Robert Stromberg and in ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ directed by Joachim Rønning, acting opposite Angelina Jolie and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Her feature work includes ’20th Century Women’ from writer-director Mike Mills, ‘Super 8’ directed by J.J. Abrams, and ‘The Neon Demon’ from director Nicolas Winding Refn. Fanning’s collaborations span independent and studio projects, bringing experience with directors known for visual style, ensemble dynamics, and character-centric narratives.

Zoey Deutch

Zoey Deutch starred in the Netflix romantic comedy ‘Set It Up’ directed by Claire Scanlon and written by Katie Silberman, opposite Glen Powell and Taye Diggs. She appeared in ‘Zombieland: Double Tap’ directed by Ruben Fleischer alongside Emma Stone, Jesse Eisenberg, and Woody Harrelson, and led the satirical drama ‘Not Okay’ written and directed by Quinn Shephard.

On television, Deutch featured in ‘The Politician’ created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan. Her filmography also includes ‘Before I Fall’ directed by Ry Russo-Young and ‘Everybody Wants Some!!’ from writer-director Richard Linklater, building a portfolio across comedy, thriller, and coming-of-age stories grounded by ensemble casts.

Lili Reinhart

Lili Reinhart played Betty Cooper in ‘Riverdale’, developed by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa from Archie Comics, sharing the ensemble with KJ Apa, Camila Mendes, and Cole Sprouse. She appeared in ‘Hustlers’ written and directed by Lorene Scafaria alongside Constance Wu and Jennifer Lopez, and led the Netflix drama ‘Look Both Ways’ directed by Wanuri Kahiu.

Reinhart has production credits through projects developed under her banner, expanding into roles behind the camera. Additional film work includes ‘Chemical Hearts’ written and directed by Richard Tanne, demonstrating interest in literary adaptations and character-driven drama with young-adult themes.

Kathryn Newton

Kathryn Newton co-led the horror-comedy ‘Freaky’ from director Christopher Landon opposite Vince Vaughn, merging slasher tropes with body-swap mechanics. She appeared in ‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’ directed by Rob Letterman alongside Justice Smith and voiced creatures from the Game Freak franchise, and starred as Cassie Lang in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ directed by Peyton Reed.

Her television credits include ‘Big Little Lies’ created by David E. Kelley based on Liane Moriarty’s novel and ‘The Society’ from creator Christopher Keyser. Newton’s résumé includes studio franchise work and ensemble dramas, with experience in action choreography, mystery plotting, and effects-heavy productions.

Cailee Spaeny

Cailee Spaeny headlined ‘Priscilla’ directed by Sofia Coppola, portraying Priscilla Presley opposite Jacob Elordi as Elvis Presley, adapted from the memoir ‘Elvis and Me’. She appeared in ‘Pacific Rim: Uprising’ directed by Steven S. DeKnight and in ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ written and directed by Drew Goddard.

Spaeny’s additional credits include ‘Civil War’ from writer-director Alex Garland, contributing to a cast led by Kirsten Dunst and Wagner Moura. Her roles span period drama, sci-fi action, and grounded thrillers, working with filmmakers recognized for balancing character with large-scale visual storytelling.

Thomasin McKenzie

Thomasin McKenzie earned critical notice in ‘Leave No Trace’ directed by Debra Granik, starring opposite Ben Foster in a character study adapted from Peter Rock’s novel. She went on to appear in ‘Jojo Rabbit’ written and directed by Taika Waititi, sharing the screen with Roman Griffin Davis, Scarlett Johansson, and Sam Rockwell.

McKenzie led ‘Last Night in Soho’ directed by Edgar Wright with a screenplay by Wright and Krysty Wilson-Cairns, performing alongside Anya Taylor-Joy and Matt Smith. Her body of work blends psychological thriller, historical satire, and intimate drama, including collaborations with directors known for precise tone and visual composition.

Sophie Thatcher

Sophie Thatcher stars as Natalie in ‘Yellowjackets’, created by Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson with Jonathan Lisco, in a cast including Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, and Juliette Lewis. She appeared in ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ within the ‘Star Wars’ franchise, working under directors including Robert Rodriguez and Bryce Dallas Howard.

Earlier film work includes ‘Prospect’ directed by Zeek Earl and Chris Caldwell, a science-fiction feature with Pedro Pascal that emphasizes survival storytelling in hostile environments. Thatcher’s screen roles span survival drama, space western, and crime-mystery television, integrating stunt work with ensemble character arcs.

Madelaine Petsch

Madelaine Petsch portrayed Cheryl Blossom in ‘Riverdale’, developed by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, participating in musical episodes and mystery arcs across multiple seasons. She led the thriller ‘Sightless’ from writer-director Cooper Karl and starred in ‘Jane’ directed by Sabrina Jaglom, expanding into psychological drama and social-media-driven suspense.

Petsch has produced and starred in independent features, pairing acting with development involvement. Additional credits include voice work in animated projects and appearances in music videos, illustrating familiarity with production pipelines that combine stylized visuals and character-centered storytelling.

Kiernan Shipka

Kiernan Shipka headlined ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’, developed by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and produced by Warner Bros. Television and Netflix, supported by a cast including Miranda Otto, Lucy Davis, and Chance Perdomo. She previously played Sally Draper on ‘Mad Men’ created by Matthew Weiner, appearing across multiple seasons with Jon Hamm and Elisabeth Moss.

Shipka’s film credits include ‘The Silence’ directed by John R. Leonetti and ‘Wildflower’ directed by Matt Smukler. Her career spans supernatural fantasy, period drama, and independent film, reflecting collaborations with showrunners and directors who balance moody atmospherics with character development.

Emma Myers

Emma Myers plays Enid Sinclair in ‘Wednesday’, created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, working opposite Jenna Ortega under directors including Tim Burton and James Marshall. She starred in ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’, a television adaptation of Holly Jackson’s novel developed for screen with lead creative involvement from Poppy Cogan.

Myers also appeared in the family comedy ‘Family Switch’ directed by McG, co-starring Jennifer Garner and Ed Helms. Her credits foreground YA mysteries and ensemble comedies, with production teams that emphasize brisk pacing, visual design, and collaboration across stunt, costume, and music departments.

Sydney Sweeney

Sydney Sweeney’s television work includes ‘Euphoria’ created by Sam Levinson for HBO, starring alongside Zendaya, and ‘The White Lotus’ created by Mike White. On the feature side, she produced and starred in the psychological thriller ‘Immaculate’ directed by Michael Mohan and led the romantic comedy ‘Anyone But You’ directed by Will Gluck with Glen Powell.

Sweeney also appeared in the superhero film ‘Madame Web’ directed by S.J. Clarkson within Sony’s Marvel slate. Her credits demonstrate experience with prestige drama, high-style thriller, and franchise-adjacent action projects, contributing to production processes that require coordination across effects, stunt, and second-unit teams.

Share your favorite Batgirl pick in the comments and tell us who you’d cast under the cowl and why!