2020's Birds of Prey was a huge hit, but fans are still asking the same question. Where's Batgirl? As the founder and leader of the team during her time as Oracle, viewers were surprised Barbara didn't even have a brief appearance or cameo. Avid Batman readers, however, might be on the same page as this comic-tie-in theory. Here's how Birds of Prey 2 could use comic inspiration to incorporate Batgirl into the next film and the larger DCEU.
The first version of the team is the 1996 duo of Oracle and Black Canary. Under their watch, several female heroes join the team on rotation. The Birds of Prey underwent a redesign in 2011, where Batgirl regains her mobility and is no longer Oracle, then again in 2016 with DC's Rebirth in Batgirl and the Birds of Prey. The group's core members generally consist of Black Canary, Huntress, and Batgirl. With Batgirl playing such a crucial role to the team, it's understandable why movie watchers were left scratching their heads at her absence. Harley Quinn added a refreshing mix to the bunch, making for a fantastic film experience, but where was Batgirl?
Huntress and Cassandra Cain did make it into the first film. Huntress's comic origin is nearly identical to her film's epic montage sequence. Cassandra Cain, however, is very different in the comics. She's a female fighter, highly skilled, and trained to kill. So movie audiences were puzzled again with the filmmaker's choice to age-down and de-power Cassandra's character. However, this is where the comic theory comes in; it could all be part of a delightful master plan. Fans of Batman's No Man's Land series know where this is going.
In the wake of a massive earthquake, Gotham is left in shambles. With Batman nowhere to be found and Barbara Gordon out of commission as Batgirl, Huntress works solo to protect the city. She dons the mantle of Batgirl, and serves as a temporary stand-in for the female bat. This is briefly approved by Batman until Huntress loses valuable territory to Two-face, and she agrees to return to her identity as Huntress. The Batgirl costume is left behind with Batman, ready for the next taker. Enter Cassandra Cain, an elite assassin. She's welcomed to the Bat-Family after saving Commissioner Gordon's life. Under Oracle's guidance, Cassandra becomes the next Batgirl and eventually enjoys her own solo series in Batgirl (2000-2006). She can read body language like she's reading minds, is more than proficient in martial arts, and doesn't shy away from inflicting death on enemies if it's warranted.
Birds of Prey 2 can use No Man's Land story of shifting Batgirl mantels to fill in the missing Batgirl gap. Huntress could try it out first - just like the comics - then pass it on to Cassandra. Or, perhaps this sequel focuses on the older heroines training Cassandra into her comic assassin counterpart? This would smoothly maintain the first film's spunky, girl-power atmosphere that made it such a box-office success. If Huntress serves as a temporary Batgirl in the sequel, Cassandra could be the next brief Batgirl until the official Barbara Gordon comes to the DCEU. Or both Huntress and Cassandra can play Batgirl in the same film. With Harley Quinn on the team, there's sure to be even more crazy twists and turns in the next movie's adventures. This theory - if used - would satisfy fans who are itching to see some form of Batgirl on the screen sooner rather than later. Batgirl is eventually coming to the DCEU, but the No Man's Land version of the Batgirls would be amazing to see in Birds of Prey 2.