‘Superman’ Star Isabela Merced Can’t Wait for People To Call Her Hawkgirl

The big picture

• Isabela Merced is thrilled to bring Hawkgirl to life in the next one
  Superman
  movie
• Working with her childhood hero James Gunn, Merced is excited about a potential long-term role in the DC Universe as Hawkgirl.
• Merced's passion for the role and desire to be recognized as Hawkgirl by fans shows her dedication to bringing the character to life.

In exciting news for fans of the DC Universe, Isabela Mercè is set to bring the iconic character Kendra Saunders, aka Hawkgirl, to life in the upcoming Superman movie of James Gunn, and can't wait to go up to heaven. Speaking to Collider's Cristina Rave while promoting his new film, Turtles all the way downMerced shared her excitement about joining the ranks of superhero legends and reuniting with Gunn, a filmmaker who played a big role in her childhood movie experiences.

Reflecting on her casting as Hawkgirl, Merced described the moment as “so cool” and a “full circle moment,” drawing on her childhood memories of playing with DC action figures, including Hawkgirl and Hawkman. She continued:

“I was a DC kid growing up. We had the action figures, and most of them were so old and used that the paint had come off… But I adored Hawkgirl. I had Hawkgirl and Hawkman as part of my collection Well it wasn't technically my brothers collection and we had a really fun childhood with those.

James Gunn is one of Isabela Merced's childhood heroes

His enthusiasm extended to working with Gunn, whom he adores for his contributions to his favorite childhood films and his unique vision and leadership in the filmmaking process. “James Gunn also curated many of my favorite childhood films, including Scooby Doo films,” he said. “And to work with him and learn from him, he has such a solid team and a solid way of doing it. He knows. He just knows. And I like it too, I think, so that's great.”

The prospect of playing Hawkgirl for an extended time in the sprawling DC Universe is something Merced is very excited about, especially given the potential impact on fans. As Radish pointed out, Gunn has indicated that anyone cast in the new DCU could play these characters for years to come. Merced was more than happy to make a long-term commitment to the role. On a charming note, she welcomed the idea of ​​being primarily recognized as Hawkgirl by the public, comparing it to her experience of being known for her role as dora the explorer. She said:

“I'd be honored if people saw me on the street and said, 'Hawkgirl!' They don't need to know my name, I'd be honored because, you know what? Because Dora has honored me, because these characters mean so much to to other people, I'm glad I can have a special place in their hearts. As long as it means something to them, I'm very excited.”

Merced's enthusiasm and passion for joining the DC Universe should not be overlooked, and for fans who can't wait to see Hawkgirl shoot, Superman will fly into theaters on July 11, 2025. Stay tuned to Collider for more, including Radish's full conversation with Merced.