The DC Extended Universe has given us some incredible superhero movies, and one of the most iconic characters in the franchise is Black Canary. With her impressive combat skills and powerful sonic scream, she has become a fan favorite among comic book enthusiasts and moviegoers alike. In the 2020 film Birds of Prey, Black Canary takes center stage alongside Harley Quinn, and her portrayal has sparked a lot of interest among fans. In this article, we will delve into the world of Birds of Prey and explore the talented actress who brings Black Canary to life on the big screen.
The Significance of Black Canary in Birds of Prey
Black Canary’s inclusion in the Birds of Prey film is a significant milestone in the character’s history. As a founding member of the Birds of Prey team in the comics, her presence in the movie helps to bring the franchise closer to its comic book roots. Moreover, her complex and intriguing personality adds depth to the story, making her a fascinating character to explore.
Meet the Actress Behind Black Canary
In the following sections, we will introduce the talented actress who plays Black Canary in Birds of Prey, discussing her background, her approach to the role, and what makes her portrayal of the character so compelling. Whether you’re a die-hard DC fan or just curious about the movie, this article is the perfect guide to understanding the importance of Black Canary in Birds of Prey and the actress who brings her to life.
Who Plays Black Canary in Birds of Prey?
The highly anticipated DC Comics film, Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), has finally hit the big screens, and fans are buzzing with excitement. One of the most iconic characters in the film is Black Canary, a skilled martial artist and superheroine with a powerful sonic scream. But who plays Black Canary in Birds of Prey?
Jurnee Smollett-Bell: The Actress Behind Black Canary
Jurnee Smollett-Bell is an American actress and singer who has been active in the entertainment industry since the early 1990s. Born on October 1, 1986, in New York City, Smollett-Bell began her career as a child actress, appearing in various television shows and films. Some of her notable roles include Michelle Tanner on the sitcom Full House, Denise on The Parent ‘Hood, and Jess Merriweather on the TV series Friday Night Lights.
In recent years, Smollett-Bell has shifted her focus to more mature roles, including her portrayal of Black Canary in Birds of Prey. Her casting was announced in September 2018, and fans were thrilled to see her take on the iconic character.
Black Canary’s Origin Story
Black Canary, also known as Dinah Laurel Lance, is a superheroine in the DC Comics universe. Created by writer Robert Kanigher and artist Carmine Infantino, she first appeared in Flash Comics #86 in 1947. Black Canary’s origin story varies depending on the iteration, but the core concept remains the same.
In the comics, Dinah Laurel Lance is the daughter of Dinah Drake, the original Black Canary. She inherits her mother’s mantle and becomes the new Black Canary, using her skills as a martial artist and detective to fight crime. Black Canary’s most notable feature is her sonic scream, which can shatter objects and incapacitate villains. (See Also: Which Birds Cannot Fly)
In the Birds of Prey film, Black Canary’s origin story is slightly different. Dinah Laurel Lance is a skilled singer and martial artist who uses her abilities to fight crime in Gotham City. She becomes an ally to Harley Quinn (played by Margot Robbie) and joins the Birds of Prey team to take down the villainous Black Mask (played by Ewan McGregor).
Jurnee Smollett-Bell’s Preparation for the Role
To prepare for the role of Black Canary, Jurnee Smollett-Bell underwent extensive training in martial arts and singing. She worked with stunt coordinators and trainers to develop her fighting skills, including kickboxing and gymnastics. Smollett-Bell also took singing lessons to perfect Black Canary’s powerful vocals.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Smollett-Bell revealed that she drew inspiration from various sources, including the comics and other actresses who have played Black Canary in the past. She stated, “I wanted to honor the character and the comic book series, but I also wanted to bring my own spin to it.”
Black Canary’s Costume and Abilities
In the Birds of Prey film, Black Canary’s costume is a sleek and modern take on the classic comic book design. Smollett-Bell’s costume features a black leather jacket, fishnet stockings, and a pair of high-heeled boots. The costume also includes a mask to protect Black Canary’s identity.
As for her abilities, Black Canary’s sonic scream is a key feature of her character. Smollett-Bell worked with the film’s sound designers to create a unique sound effect for the scream, which is both powerful and intimidating. In addition to her scream, Black Canary is also an expert in hand-to-hand combat and martial arts.
Black Canary’s Relationship with Harley Quinn
One of the most interesting aspects of Birds of Prey is the dynamic between Black Canary and Harley Quinn. In the film, the two characters form an unlikely alliance to take down the villainous Black Mask. Smollett-Bell and Margot Robbie developed a strong chemistry on set, which translates to their characters’ relationship on screen.
In an interview with Variety, Smollett-Bell discussed the importance of female friendships in the film, stating, “I think it’s really beautiful to see women coming together and supporting each other, especially in a genre where it’s often about men saving the day.” (See Also: Where To Place Fake Owl To Scare Birds)
Reception and Reviews
Birds of Prey has received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising Jurnee Smollett-Bell’s performance as Black Canary. Critics have noted her impressive fight choreography and her ability to bring depth and nuance to the character.
Rotten Tomatoes reports a 79% approval rating, with many critics praising the film’s action sequences, humor, and female empowerment themes. The Hollywood Reporter wrote, “Smollett-Bell makes a strong impression as Black Canary, bringing a sense of gravitas and intensity to the role.”
Conclusion
Jurnee Smollett-Bell’s portrayal of Black Canary in Birds of Prey is a standout performance that brings a new level of depth and excitement to the character. With her impressive martial arts skills, powerful vocals, and strong chemistry with Margot Robbie, Smollett-Bell has cemented her place as a talented actress in the DC Comics universe.
As the Birds of Prey franchise continues to grow, fans can expect to see more of Black Canary’s adventures on the big screen. With Jurnee Smollett-Bell at the helm, the character is in good hands, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for this iconic superheroine.
Recap: Key Points
- Jurnee Smollett-Bell plays Black Canary in the DC Comics film Birds of Prey.
- Black Canary’s origin story varies depending on the iteration, but she is typically a skilled martial artist and detective with a powerful sonic scream.
- Jurnee Smollett-Bell underwent extensive training in martial arts and singing to prepare for the role.
- Black Canary’s costume is a modern take on the classic comic book design, featuring a black leather jacket and fishnet stockings.
- Black Canary’s abilities include her sonic scream, hand-to-hand combat, and martial arts skills.
- The film has received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising Jurnee Smollett-Bell’s performance as Black Canary.
By exploring Jurnee Smollett-Bell’s portrayal of Black Canary, we can appreciate the depth and nuance she brings to the character. As the Birds of Prey franchise continues to grow, we can expect to see more exciting adventures from this talented actress and her iconic superheroine.
Frequently Asked Questions: Who Plays Black Canary in Birds of Prey
Who plays Black Canary in the 2020 movie Birds of Prey?
Jurnee Smollett plays the role of Dinah Laurel Lance, aka Black Canary, in the 2020 DC Extended Universe movie Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). (See Also: What Do Birds Have Instead Of Teeth)
What is Black Canary’s superpower in Birds of Prey?
In the movie Birds of Prey, Black Canary’s superpower is her ability to emit a sonic scream that can shatter objects and incapacitate her enemies. This power is also referred to as her “canary cry.”
Is Black Canary a main character in Birds of Prey?
Yes, Black Canary is one of the main characters in the movie Birds of Prey. She is a skilled fighter and vigilante who teams up with Harley Quinn and other characters to take down the villainous Black Mask.
Has Jurnee Smollett played Black Canary before Birds of Prey?
No, Jurnee Smollett’s portrayal of Black Canary in Birds of Prey is her first time playing the character. However, she has previously played the role of Black Canary in the TV series Arrow and its spin-off Birds of Prey, which aired from 2002 to 2003.
Will Jurnee Smollett reprise her role as Black Canary in future DC movies?
There has been no official announcement from Warner Bros. or DC Comics about Jurnee Smollett reprising her role as Black Canary in future movies. However, the ending of Birds of Prey leaves room for potential sequels or spin-offs, and Smollett has expressed interest in continuing to play the character.
