Hawkgirl in Superman (2025): Origin, Powers, and Actress Playing the Role

It’s no secret that when James Gunn takes on a project, he pours everything into it, bringing in characters and storylines that might otherwise fly under the radar. Now, keeping Gunn’s track record and experimental style in mind, it was always expected that we’d see some fresh faces in the upcoming Superman movie, and one of them is Hawkgirl. If you’ve been keeping up with DC comics or its animated universe, chances are you already have a decent idea of who she is. But if not, don’t worry —I’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about Hawkgirl’s origin, powers, and the actress playing the Hawkgirl before Superman soars into theaters.

Who Is Hawkgirl in DC Comics?

At first glance, Hawkgirl might come off as just another superhero, but truth be told, she’s easily one of the most layered and complex heroes in DC’s lineup. She first took flight in Flash Comics #1, way back in 1940, and since then, she’s made appearances across comics, animated shows, and even a few live-action series. Now, if you’re assuming that the Hawkgirl we’ll see in Superman is the same one you’ve seen before, you might want to hold that thought—because you’re in for a surprise.

There have been three women who have taken up the mantle of Hawkgirl, and the one I’m referring to — the first Hawkgirl—was Shiera Sanders Hall. She hailed from the planet Thanagar and possessed superhuman strength, flight, and enhanced speed.

On top of that, she wielded Thanagarian weaponry made from Nth Metal, which further amplified her abilities. Later, her powers were passed on to Shayera Hol, who became the second Hawkgirl. And finally, we come to the one we’ll be seeing in Superman (2025)—Kendra Saunders’ Hawkgirl.

What Is the Origin of Kendra Saunders’ Hawkgirl?

Kendra Saunders’ origin is a bit twisted, but it gives rise to one of the most recognizable faces in the DCU. As the story goes, Kendra is a reincarnation of Shayera and also the grandniece of Shiera. Even though she came from a lineage of superheroes, her life wasn’t exactly kind, which eventually led her to take her own life as a teenager. When Kendra’s soul left her body, Shiera’s soul took over.

Now, you might think this would instantly turn Kendra into Hawkgirl—but no, that wasn’t the case. Even though she was revived with Shiera’s soul, Kendra retained her own memories, occasionally experiencing irregular flashes from Shiera’s life.

However, as soon as Kendra’s soul was replaced, she gained powers, but they weren’t developed enough for her to take on the mantle of a superhero just yet. This is where Speed Saunders, Kendra’s grandfather and a former OSS agent, stepped in. He took her under his wing and trained her to become the Hawkgirl we’re familiar with today.

What Are Hawkgirl’s Powers in Superman?

As I’ve said before, Hawkgirl is essentially an alien, and her powers stem from her Thanagarian physiology. Her abilities include superhuman strength, speed, agility, and heightened senses. However, the most remarkable power she possesses is her ability to fly, thanks to the wings she inherits from her Thanagarian roots. Since all three Hawkgirls in DC technically come from the same lineage, they eventually develop similar powers over time.

Who Is Playing Hawkgirl in Superman (2025)?

Isabela Merced will play Hawkgirl in DCU’s Superman. While she has already made her mark with roles in projects like The Last of Us and Alien: Romulus, this role could very well catapult her career to new heights. Looking at things, there is a good chance that if Superman works out as James Gunn expects it to be, Isabela Merced might find herself sticking with the cast of Superman in the DCU for quite some time. So, let’s wait and see what James Gunn brings us with Superman on July 11, 2025.