African American women are finally breaking into the comic-inspired movie and television genres and taking their long-awaited places at the forefront. In 2020 we finally have a comic adapted movie to be directed by a Black woman as well as the first-ever casting of a Black woman as the lead in a series based on a comic.
Netflix set another record with the release of its action-filled The Old Guard. Starring Charlize Theron, the movie is based on the comic of the same name and follows a group of immortal warriors as they initiate the newest member among them, while also trying to conceal their thousand-year hidden identities. The movie has been widely celebrated for its action sequences and was propelled to #1 on the streaming service, but still very few realize the Black girl magic involved behind the scenes and how director Gina Prince Bythewood added her signature touch. She's directed films such as Love and Basketball and Biker Boys, proving her ability to balance multiple characters while conveying strong emotions. As the first African American woman to direct a comic adapted film, this is somewhat more special as the Old Guard isn't necessarily a "black film" bypassing the common prejudicial practice of using a director of color for only "urban" projects (i.e. Black Panther).
On the television front, fans of black superheroes are rejoicing as the CW has officially cast Javicia Leslie as its newest Batwoman. Following the departure of Ruby Rose, Leslie is picking up the mantle making history as the first African American Batwoman and as the lead, the first-ever comic adapted series featuring an African American woman. Leslie has previous experience from the series God Friended Me, which aired on CBS, the same station to debut Supergirl, and will be playing the role of Ryan Wilder. Ryan is described as “likable, messy, a little goofy and untamed. A girl who would steal milk for an alley cat and also could kill you with her bare hands.” And for anyone worried about authenticity in relation to the Batwoman mythology, Leslie is a proud bisexual woman, which she expressed stating, “"I am extremely proud to be the first Black actress to play the iconic role of Batwoman on television, and as a bisexual woman, I am honored to join this groundbreaking show which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community,” Leslie said in a statement." Her casting makes her the first-ever Black woman to lead a series based on a comic.
The Old Guard ended with plenty of room for a sequel, and if that's the case hopefully Bythewood will be brought back on board and lighting will strike twice. As far as Batgirl What I find most exciting is the possibility of a crossover with the Arrowverse shows, especially Black Lightning, a show that has already name-dropped Gotham city. Naturally, there is no premiere date for the return of the series but it is definitely worth the wait. Both Bythewood and Leslie and pushing the boundaries previously set for Black women behind in front of the camera adding to the narrative that there's no limit to what anyone can do.
