The role of Cassandra Cain in Birds of Prey has been filled by newcomer Ella Jay Basco. Despite some early troubles, the DCEU looks to be moving ahead with a variety of different projects. One of these is the return of Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn in an all-girl team-up movie.

Robbie broke out as Harley Quinn in 2016’s Suicide Squad, and many are surprised that she hasn’t already returned to the big screen. She’s one of the biggest stars of the DC universe at this point, but the studio and Robbie finally figured out her next project. Birds of Prey will team the fan-favorite character up with Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell) and Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). The trio of female heroes are far from the only major DC heroines who director Cathy Yan and screenwriter Christina Hodson are looking to add to the universe though. One of the more promising is that of Cassandra Cain, and we finally know who’ll be playing her.

Variety reports that the search for Birds of Prey’s Cassandra Cain is now done. Newcomer Ella Jay Basco has landed the coveted role, which has the potential to be a major launching point for her career. The young actress has most recently made guest appearances on Teachers, Veep, Superior Donuts, and several other TV shows. Her securing the part of Cain will actually be her feature film debut, judging by her known credits.

Basco’s unknown status should fit in well with the role of Cain, who may also be a character many are unfamiliar with. She’s the daughter of assassins David Cain and Lady Shiva, who trained their daughter from a very young age to be a deadly assassin. Further along in her story in the pages of DC comics, she’s adopted by Bruce Wayne and made a member of the Bat Family. Cain is the fourth character to take on the Batgirl mantle, but Variety’s Justin Kroll stated on Twitter he does not believe that aspect of the character will be included in Birds of Prey.

Previously reported plot details for Birds of Prey stated she’ll have been kidnapped by Black Mask (Ewan McGregor), and it becomes Harley, Huntress, and Black Canary’s goal to rescue her from the crime boss. But, Variety reports the female team will actually be tasked with protecting Cain after she discovers a diamond that belongs to Black Mask. This should keep Cain quite involved throughout the movie, which opens the door for her killer instincts and action potential to make her the scene-stealer of the film. Many have likened her to Logan’s use of X-23, where Dafne Keen was a fan-favorite thanks to her vicious action scenes. With Birds of Prey setting up futures for these female characters, this should just be the beginning to Basco’s portrayal of Cain.

MORE: DC Will Beat Marvel to Release Two Female-Led Superhero Movies In Same Year

Source: Variety

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