The First Trans Character in a DC Film Is on Her Way to HBO Max

Batgirl, HBO Max's upcoming superhero film based on the DC Comics character Barbara Gordon, will feature the cinematic universe's first transgender character.

Ivory Aquino, star of Tales of the City and When We Rise, will play the role of Alysia Yeoh, Batgirl's best friend. According to Variety, the role is groundbreaking as "this is the first time a live-action feature film adaptation of a DC Comics title will feature an openly trans character played by a trans actor."

Alysia came out as trans in issue #19 of her run of Batgirl and dated men and women, eventually marrying her female partner Jo.

The upcoming Batgirl film was written by Birds of Prey's Christina Hodson and will also star J.K. Simmons, Brendon Fraser, Jacob Scipio, and Michael Keaton. It's expected to hit HBO Max later this year.