The CW’sBatwomanhas been proving time and time again that it’s capable of being one of the network’s real breakout hits among all the comic book shows currently coasting through the airwaves. From its poignant social commentary to its surprisingly compelling portrayal of Roman Sionis/Black Mask, this is a show that isn’t afraid to punch up and punch big. Now, with new cast member Bridget Regan joining the fray as Batman villain Poison Ivy, it seems as though things will only continue to escalate.
The relatively young superhero series, which is no stranger to big changes, has just castJane the Virgin’s Regan as the legendarily deadly Poison Ivy for its upcoming 3rd season. AfterBatwoman’s recent casting ofVictoria Cartagena as Renee Montoya, it seems as though the show aims to make some big waves going forward. These sorts of powerful moves may be just what’s needed to turn the series from great to phenomenal.
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Poison Ivy has been enjoying a bit of a popularity surge herself lately, having charmed audiences on the fantastic animated HBO MaxHarley Quinnseries (and finally becoming a couple with Harley at the end of season 2) as well as seeing a push for inclusion in the DC Extended Universeby Margot Robbie herself. Variety reports the character, who shares her comic origin as the brilliant botanist Pamela Isley transformed by plant toxins into a misguided but well-meaning supervillain, will reportedly appear inBatwomanalready as an established baddie. Having fought Batman years ago, now she’s back for the new Bat-family to deal with.
Regan most recently starred in Spectrum’sParadise Lost, where she played psychiatrist Frances Forsythe. She has also appeared in seasons 3-5 ofThe Last Shipand notably dipped her toes in the other side of the comic book genre onAgent Carter(no, not theWhat If…?version ofAgent Carter, though that would be cool). This appears to be her biggest foray yet into that geeky world, but as her time onJane the Virginhas shown, she’s no newbie to playing the villain game. That’s not even to mention her appearance inJohn Wick, which oddly already feels very Poison Ivy-esque, at least visually.
Poison Ivy seems like an ideal candidate for inclusion inBatwoman, which has already shown its eagerness to address issues of social justice andLGBTQ+ storylines. Having now had two lesbian women carry the Batwoman mantle, it’s a refreshing change of pace to see a mainstream show like this put people outside of the straight, white norm into the spotlight without making those efforts feel insincere.
Of course, that’s not exactly a scholarly appraisal since it comes from someone who absolutely fits into that aforementioned norm. But while the push for progress should never stop, everyone should try to appreciate moments like this. Ivy isa well-known bisexual DC character, so adding her toBatwomanis sure to lend even more clout to this already addictive show.
Batwomanseason 3 is scheduled to premiere on The CW on July 12, 2025.
