The actress Isabela Merced, known for her role in Superman, has shared insights into her character, Kendra Saunders, also known as Hawkgirl, in the forthcoming film set in the DC Universe. The cast includes notable figures such as David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Anthony Carrigan, Edi Gathegi, Nathan Fillion, Sara Sampaio, Neva Howell, and Pruitt Taylor Vince. Directed by James Gunn, this film highlights Hawkgirl’s debut on the big screen, where she is featured as a member of the Justice Gang, a group of corporate-sponsored heroes whose ethical standards diverge from those of Superman.
Over the years, Hawkgirl has been portrayed in various forms across comic book storylines, including as an alien, a reincarnated being, and even a combination of both in recent narratives. The character has been incarnated as Shiera Sanders Hall, Shayera Hol, and Kendra Saunders, with Merced portraying the latter. Merced discussed Kendra’s complex background on the DC Studios Showcase Official Podcast, highlighting the depth and darkness of her character’s past:
“Kendra is reincarnated, but she’s reincarnated from an alien. So, she has all those memories. The story is actually really dark, it’s actually so messed up that I wonder how they’re going to handle that when it comes to addressing that. I think she carries all of the memories and the traumas and the mistakes of her past lives in her body wherever she goes, so she has a little bit of a grumpy demeanor.”
Merced also expressed her excitement about being part of Superman, noting her admiration for director James Gunn: “One of my dreams in my career was to work with James Gunn. I told James the day I met him…I was a huge fan.” She humorously added that she would have accepted any role offered by Gunn, even a minor one: “If he wanted me to be a citizen in Metropolis, I would have done that too.“
Isabela Merced’s Insights on Hawkgirl Explored
How Kendra Saunders’ Intricate Past Shapes Her Character
Merced’s interpretation of Hawkgirl suggests that director James Gunn has embraced a comprehensive approach, incorporating both the reincarnation aspect and her Thanagarian origins into the character’s storyline.
Merced appreciates the rich backstory provided for her character, which she finds beneficial for her performance. She explained, “I love it. Honestly, it gives me so much backstory and it’s super helpful. But then, also, with the James Gunn twist, you know, that self-awareness and the comedy of it all. […] It gives me [the] opportunity to sort of… make light of my trauma.“
Analysis of Isabela Merced’s Remarks on Hawkgirl
The Compelling Nature of Kendra Saunders’ Backstory
Until the official announcement of Hawkgirl’s inclusion in Superman, the specifics about which version of the character Merced would portray remained unclear. The confirmation came when Gunn hinted at Kendra’s comic origins in a post. This modern and widely recognized version of Hawkgirl logically fits into the narrative.
Merced’s approach to leveraging Kendra’s deep-seated traumas for both dramatic and comedic effect underscores her respect for the source material and suggests a multifaceted portrayal. The debut of Hawkgirl in the DC Universe through Superman promises to be a standout, potentially setting the stage for more appearances of the character in future projects.
Forthcoming DC Film Launches
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
