Javicia joins a new league of black actress superheroes.
Congratulations again to Javicia Leslie on becoming the first black woman to play Batwoman.
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Since the first appearance of superheroes in comic books, many minority groups were underrepresented and the representation of black women was non-existent. Then starting in the 1970s, with the exception of Eartha Kitt as Catwoman in the 60s, during the Blaxploitation film era, women began being added, usually as sidekicks serving brief tenures with established heroes.
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And over the course of the past 15 years, black women have been scene-stealing their superhero roles on TV and film.
We have a long way to go in Hollywood when it comes to black women portraying superhero roles. But let’s celebrate the wins. Like Leslie who not only makes history but also enters the sister bond of black actress superheroes.
Halle Berry began her superhero career as Catwoman in the 2004 film. However, she is most known as Ororo Munroe/Storm in X-Men, X2-X-Men United , X-Men: The Last Stand, and 2014’s X-Men: Days of Future Past.
Nafessa Williams and China Anne McClain star as Thunder and Lightning on the hit CW show Black Lightning.
Zoe Saldana as Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy, its sequel and both Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: End Game. She also starred as Uhura in Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, and Star Trek Beyond.
Simone Missick appeared as Misty Knight in several Marvel’s Netflix TV series.
Regina King stars as Angela Abar, also known as Sister Night in the HBO limited series Watchmen.
Eartha Kitt took over the role of Catwoman in the third and final season of the TV show Batman, which ended in 1968.
Jurnee Smollett starred as Black Canary in Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn.
Alexandra Shipp starred as Storm in X-Men: Apocalypse, Dark Phoenix, and Deadpool 2 (Uncredited Cameo)
Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie in Thor: Ragnarok.
Zoë Kravitz starred as Angel Salvadore in X-Men: First Class and in 2021 (hopefully) she will play Catwoman in the new The Batman.
Akira Akbar portrays a child version of Monica Rambeau in the 2019 film Captain Marvel.
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Megalyn Echikunwoke played Vixen on Arrow.
Juliana Harkavy stars as Detective Tina Boland aka Dinah Drake in Arrow.
Eden Cupid stars as young Allison Hargreeves in Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy.
Emmy Raver‑Lampman stars as older Allison Hargreeves in Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy.