Given that 2020 felt like it lasted at least three times as long as it actually did, it sees like eons have passed since fans last got to check in with everyone on Titans, which wrapped its second season in November 2019. Season 3 is delivering some highly anticipated comic book elements, not the least of which is Curran Walters' Jason Todd pivoting from Robin to Red Hood. Another major introduction is coming in the form of Barbara Gordon, and it looks like that fan-favorite character has now been cast.
Actress and musician Savannah Welch has reportedly been tapped to play Barbara Gordon for Titans Season 3, according to Variety. One of the stars of the 2018 drama The Transcendents, Welch also has made appearances in such notable films as Boyhood and The Tree of Life. Having also appeared in an episode of History Channel's drama Six, Welch is set to take on arguably her biggest role yet by joining DC's live-action universe on HBO Max.
For those hoping to see Batgirl making her debut, the TV series is already beyond that period of Barbara Gordon's life, though it will potentially showcase the character's evolution as the hero Oracle. On Titans, Barbara is Gotham City's police commissioner, as her father was previously. Her Batgirl career ended when she was shot and paralyzed by The Joker, though she'll feel her inner crimefighter come alive once more when Brenton Thwaites' Dick Grayson returns to Gotham City. Considering they used to be romantically involved, it might be more than just her crimefighting instincts that start to spark.
An unfortunate incident in Savannah Welch's past possibly played a part in her securing the role of Barbara Gordon. The Texas native was hit by a vehicle in 2016, and the injuries she suffered resulted in her right leg being amputated. Obviously not the same injuries that Barbara faced, but a sign that the producers wanted to opt for more inclusive casting where this character is concerned.
It'll be interesting to see how incorporated Barbara is into the show's narrative, and whether or not we'll get to see flashbacks from her time as Batgirl, either with The Joker or without. (Probably not, but a person can dream.) This version of Barbara doesn't have a very good relationship going with Iain Glen's Bruce Wayne, who will be back in a recurring capacity.
Filming for Titans Season 3 started up in October 2020 after having previously been delayed due to COVID-related issues, and it's expected to wrap in June 2021, barring any further stoppages. So with luck, fans could see new episodes hitting HBO Max before the end of the year, but possibly not until early 2022. Until then, both of the first two seasons are available to stream now, and our Winter and Spring TV premiere schedule will clue viewers in on all the big debuts that are coming soon.
