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5 Female Comic Book Characters That Could (and Should) Head Their Own Films

From Black Widow to Storm: countless female comic book characters should have their own films, but don't.

By Maggie StancuPublished 6 years ago 5 min read
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Superhero films are all the rage right now. Whether they're causing controversy or highly anticipated, it's impossible to go onto the internet without coming across some sort of superhero news. Currently, one of the most talked about characters is without a doubt the crazy, bubbly Harley Quinn. The question remains: When will DC finally give in and give movie fans the film they've been asking for?

A Harley Quinn solo film could actually save the DC Universe. Why? She's loved, sure, but she is an absolutely fascinating character, journeying from falling in love with a psychotic clown to ruling the streets on her own. Harley isn't the only female comic book character stirring people's interest, either. Wonder Woman was the highlight of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and the trailer for her highly anticipated solo film has fans over the moon. Not to mention the Captain Marvel film we're finally getting, with Brie Larson landing the titular role. This is the time for both female heroes and villains, and there are countless others who could totally own their own films.

5. We are long overdue for a Black Widow standalone.

Scarlett Johansson first donned Black Widow's suit in 2010's Iron Man 2. She was brought closer to the forefront in 2012's The Avengers, and has been a fan favorite in the Marvel Universe since. While she's brilliant in each movie, she's never headed her own. Fans have been rooting for a standalone Black Widow film for years now, and Johansson could totally pull it off. Natasha has such a complex and dark past, and though she has no powers, there is no question she is an incredibly talented and skilled superhero — she is an Avenger, after all! She's been responsible for some of the best moments in the films, including spilling HYDRA's secrets for the world to see. There's no question that a film about Natasha Romanoff is a film we want to see.

4. Lady Sif is one of the fiercest warriors.

While Lady Sif technically isn't a superhero, she is one powerful warrior! We've seen many action and superhero flicks, but how many of those are led by a woman? Sif is without a doubt one of the strongest and bravest Asgardian warriors. In the comics, she does become romantically involved with Thor, but so far that has yet to happen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The truth is that in the films, we don't get to know a whole lot about Sif. We haven't even seen the true extent of her strength. Nonetheless, she's a fantastic character, and I'm sure we would follow her into any battle.

3. Batgirl has a lot of potential and deserves better.

Anyone keeping up with comic news will have heard the controversy regarding this year's adaptation of Batman: The Killing Joke. The Killing Joke comic was (and still is) controversial because of what happens in it. While it contains the origin story of The Joker, arguably one of Batman's best adversaries, it also depicts Barbara Gordon's, a.k.a. Batgirl, paralysis and sexual abuse. To make matters worse, this adaptation added in a scene that wasn't even in the comics. In the film, Barbara actually has sex with Batman, which angered a lot of fans, and understandably so. Batgirl is an extremely beloved character, but so rarely do we get to see her in the spotlight. The Killing Joke is a perfect example of how the character, and how so many characters like her, are treated below their worth. If she were given a chance to head her own film, or at the very least play a larger and more powerful role — which she is certainly capable of — I am positive she would be able to pull it off.

2. Storm is one of the most powerful X-Men.

I honestly don't know why this one hasn't happened yet. Storm is without a doubt an incredibly powerful superhero. Her ability to control and manipulate weather is in fact often too strong for her body to take. However, her moral compass is stronger than her powers, which limits her abilities. She wouldn't be the first of the X-Men to get her own film, though she would be the first X-Woman. There are, for instance, many films focusing on Wolverine, and we most recently welcomed Deadpool to the MCU. Giving Storm her own film would be taking huge leaps for the superhero genre and there's no doubt that she could handle the pressure. Storm's powers are unparalleled, but aside from that, she also has enough story and likability to head her own film. She is a fantastic role model for young women, and her strength is overwhelming. Not to mention that it would help add to the diversity movement in the MCU.

1. Poison Ivy could easily be introduced in the Harley Quinn standalone.

Harley Quinn could definitely rock a standalone by herself, but the pitch for the film is even more intriguing than that. Many more female characters would be incorporated into the movie. Harley has worked with many villains in the comics, the most notable being Poison Ivy. She's a fantastic character, though definitely a bit of an oddball, being both a seductress, as well as an intense botanist. But while she's great on her own, what makes fans most excited about the idea of bringing Poison Ivy into the DCEU is her relationship with Harley Quinn. Again, this would be a very important step for the superhero genre. In fact, many think that including Poison Ivy in Suicide Squad could have actually solved a lot of the film's problems. Hopefully DC takes the hint and gives us the villain we love so dearly. We, of course, would want to see Margot Robbie as Harley again, but the casting for Ivy is wide open, though there are a few fan favorites!

There really are countless female characters that are under-appreciated; from the above to She-Hulk, Black Cat, and many others. And while it is extremely prevalent in the comic book genre, this certainly isn't the only genre where great female characters are being left to the wayside. However, thanks to Wonder Woman and Harley Quinn, perhaps this could soon be changing!

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About the Creator

Maggie Stancu

(she/they/he) writer of sad, spooky, and supernatural things.

Twitter: maggiestancu

Instagram: maggiestancu

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