Mary Elizabeth Winstead Talks About Playing The Huntress In BIRDS OF PREY

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This week has demonstrated a couple of important developments for the upcoming DCU film Birds of Prey. Aside from learning that actors Sharlto Copley and Ewan McGregor are early considerations for the role of Black Mask, we finally got official confirmation that actresses Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Mary Elizabeth Winstead had been selected to lead the film alongside Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn as Black Canary and the Huntress. And mere days after getting the gig, Winstead spoke with TheWrap about her new role and joining the superhero movie fray.

“I’m going to start training, and I’ll be learning how to shoot a bow and arrow, too — which is new for me,” Winstead said. Considering how the Huntress’ weapon of choice is typically a crossbow, it makes perfect sense that Winstead will be taking lessons on how to shoot arrows for the role.

Winstead confessed that she wasn’t “a huge comic book reader,” but became interested in the part when she met with director Cathy Yan and learned more about the character of Helena Bertinelli. She added, “It’s a really strong, kind of emotional place to start from for a superhero character. I won’t go into too much detail now, but I think it’s interesting and an opportunity to do something cool with this kind of character.”

Another element to Birds of Prey that excited Winstead was just how female-driven the whole project is, from its director, screenwriter, cast and story. She commented, “It’s really exciting, and even the process of going through getting the role and everything was a very different experience than I’ve typically been through. Being with the other actresses and a female director and just the whole energy behind this is so unique, so I’m really happy about that.”

These are very exciting times for DCU fans. While I absolutely understand being upset about the ongoing drama with Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck, it’s hard not to smile reading Winstead’s comments. I’ve been writing the bulk of Birds of Prey stories here on Revenge of the Fans over the summer and I have a feeling this is going to be a film for everyone to keep their eyes on.

Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments below!

SOURCE: TheWrap