Isabela Merced is booked and busy. The actress has various big roles premiering this year, including the series "The Last of Us" and one of the most awaited movies of the year: "Superman."
Merced stars as Hawkgirl, a character with over 80 years of history. Her version of the role is named Kendra Saunders, a Hispanic-American hero who's been involved in the Justice League and The Justice Society of America, big names for any fan of comic books. The role is not a responsibility that Merced takes lightly. Over the past year, she's shared a few details about "Superman," including her excitement over getting involved with a film that's key in the future of the DC Universe and what fans of the character can expect once the film premieres this summer:
Merced has been a comic book fan throughout her life
In different interviews, Merced has revealed her relationship with DC comic books and the character of Hawkgirl. "I was a DC kid growing up. We had the action figures, and most of them were so old and used that the paint had come off... But I really adored Hawkgirl," she said to Collider.
"I had Hawkgirl and Hawkman as part of my collection. Well, technically it wasn’t mine. It was my siblings and I’s collection. We had Hot Wheels too. We just had a really fun, enjoyable childhood with those. So, this is a full circle moment."
She's a fan of James Gunn
Not only is Merced playing a superhero, she's also working with the director James Gunn, one of the heroes of her childhood. "James Gunn also curated a lot of my favorite childhood movies, like the Scooby Doo movies," she said.
"And to work with him and learn from him, he’s just got such a solid team and a solid way of just doing it. He knows. He just knows. And he likes me too, I think, so that’s awesome."
Gunn is directing and writing "Superman" and is also the mastermind behind this new stage of the DC Universe, which is planning more films involving some of the characters that he's introducing.
She's described the film as 'clever' and funny'
Merced has been very careful when discussing the film, knowing that it's one of the most awaited projects this year. Still, she's made it clear that she's had a great time making the project. “The whole movie is very loyal to the comic books but with a James Gunn twist," she said on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast.
"I really think it’s funny, it’s clever, but it’s heartwarming… at least, that was my experience on set. Obviously, things can change in the editing room but, God, I loved… James is so prepared.”
More details about 'Superman'
"Superman" stars David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult as Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Lex Luthor. It premieres in theaters this July 11th.