Hawkgirl’s Familiar Face in Gunn’s Superman

Isabela Merced: From Spider-Woman to Hawkgirl and Beyond

Isabela Merced is poised to take flight as Hawkgirl in James Gunn’s upcoming “Superman” movie, and fans are eager to see her portrayal of the iconic DC Comics character. Merced herself has offered some insights into her interpretation of Kendra Saunders, revealing a darker, more complex backstory than some might expect.

Hawkgirl’s Troubled Past

Kendra Saunders, in the DC Universe, is known for her multiple reincarnations and ties to different versions of Hawkgirl throughout the character’s history (Shiera Sanders Hall, Shayera Hol). Merced’s version will tap into Kendra’s past lives as an alien, carrying the weight of past traumas and mistakes. As Merced explained, Kendra’s history is “really dark” and “so messed up,” leading to a somewhat “grumpy demeanor.” This suggests a depth and complexity that will likely resonate with audiences, especially under Gunn’s direction, known for balancing humor with serious themes.

The Road to Hawkgirl: “Madame Web” and Anya Corazon

Before donning Hawkgirl’s wings, Merced appeared in “Madame Web” as Anya Corazon, a young woman destined to become Spider-Woman. While “Madame Web” faced challenges at the box office and with critics, Merced believes the experience prepared her for the physical demands of playing Hawkgirl.

Interestingly, Merced admitted that she initially kept her involvement in “Madame Web” a secret from Warner Bros. and DC to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. She even downplayed her stunt training experience during discussions about “Superman,” joking that she couldn’t remember where she had acquired those skills.

Dina in “The Last of Us”: A Survivor’s Story

Beyond the superhero realm, Merced has also made a significant impact in HBO’s “The Last of Us,” where she plays Dina, a key character in the post-apocalyptic world. Dina is a resident of Jackson, Wyoming, and is closely connected to protagonists Ellie and Jesse. As the story unfolds, Dina’s relationship with Ellie deepens, and they embark on a dangerous journey together.

Dina’s character is marked by her resilience and ability to find moments of levity amidst the devastation. Merced has described Dina as a survivor who has experienced immense loss, shaping her perspective on justice and the complexities of a world ravaged by the cordyceps virus. Dina’s backstory reveals a childhood trauma where she lost her family to raiders and was forced to kill one of them at a young age. This experience informs her approach to survival and her relationship with Ellie.

Merced emphasized Dina’s strength and potential for violence, noting that she is “equally as strong and potentially terrifying as Ellie, but she goes about it in a different way.” She also highlighted Dina’s ability to be underestimated due to her cheerful demeanor, making her a formidable force in the fight for survival.

A Rising Star

Isabela Merced’s career has been steadily gaining momentum since her early roles. Her diverse filmography demonstrates her versatility and ability to tackle a range of characters, from action-oriented roles to emotionally complex ones. With her upcoming role as Hawkgirl and her continued presence in projects like “The Last of Us,” Merced is solidifying her status as a rising star in Hollywood.

• Early Career: Merced began her acting career in 2013 with “The House That Jack Built.”
• “Sicario: Day of the Soldado”: She appeared in the 2018 sequel.
• “Father of the Bride” Remake: Merced starred in the 2022 HBO Max remake.
• “Madame Web”: She played Anya Corazon/Spider-Woman in the 2024 film.
• “The Last of Us”: Merced plays Dina in the acclaimed HBO series.
• “Superman”: She will portray Hawkgirl in the upcoming James Gunn film.

What to Expect from Hawkgirl

Merced’s comments about Hawkgirl’s dark backstory suggest a nuanced portrayal of the character. Coupled with Gunn’s track record of blending humor and emotional depth, audiences can anticipate a compelling and memorable take on the classic DC superhero.

“Superman” is scheduled to premiere in theaters on July 11, marking a new chapter in Isabela Merced’s career and offering fans a fresh perspective on Hawkgirl. With her talent and dedication, Merced is sure to bring a unique and captivating energy to the role.