Why BIRDS OF PREY's Black Canary Looks Different (But Isn't)
The world of comic book movies may not be prepared for what's coming from Birds Of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), promising to bring a 'girl gang movie' that the genre has been lacking to this point. And on film as in the comics, the ear-piercing Canary is going to be a major part of that assault on expectations.
Of course, Canary -- or Black Canary, as she's known in the comics -- has come to embody the filmmakers' dedication to the spirit of their cast members, while not restraining themselves to her exact appearance. On one hand, it's a demonstration of the fact that Birds of Prey's casting was surprising on purpose, with actress Jurnee Smollett-Bell appearing on few 'fancasts' prior to production. That can be said for most of the movie's cast, including its devious Gotham villains. But of all the titular Birds, fans have reason to be initially disappointed that Canary's iconic costume appears to be left out of the film. Thankfully, the costume designer has given a look into the philosophy of Canary's re-design, and how it's still going to be recognizable for fans of the comic book characters.
Screen Rant had the opportunity to visit the set of Birds of Prey during production in March, where we spoke with the film's crew, cast, and director about the next entry in DC's movie universe. It gave the chance to investigate the most obvious proof that Birds of Prey isn't a follow-up to Suicide Squad, with Harley Quinn's costume choices less faithful to her barely-there comic costume. The first trailer for Birds of Prey showed Canary in some fashionable outfits, but nothing resembling her signature comic looks. And the same goes for the Birds of Prey character posters.
In the larger context offered by the producers -- that Birds of Prey shows WB's new direction for DC movies -- the decision to not lift Canary's leather shorts, fishnets, and bustier (with or without the leather jacket) makes perfect sense. But speaking with Costume Designer Erin Benach on the film's set, the point was clear: Canary's style, and what it tells audiences about her character, is the goal. And fans will get to see small details pay homage to the classic, but far less realistic outfits:
Canary is the ultimate city girl survivor. She's a sultry singer by night, and by day she is all business. You will eventually see what that 'all business' looks like. She's the kind of girl who innately knows how to put a look together, exemplifying that 'style can't be bought,' she just has it. We took a lot of cues from her comic book character, as well. Her black fishnets and her color palette, yellow and black and blue. She dresses to embody strength and sultriness. Canary is that feeling of vintage meets modern with a fashion twist.
When you're trying to adapt comic book characters and their uniforms into this story, Black Canary's costume is probably going to be the most problematic. How did you approach adapting that character, who really has one signature, but not exactly practical, look?
We really did say, 'Okay, her black fishnets are one of her key elements.' So we looked at that and said, 'Okay great. How can we turn that into something that she would wear on a stage performing, as a performer, for reals? What would a performer do? So we really tried to interpret it that way. Then her other looks, her day looks, you'll see that we tried to do the same thing. We took her color palette of blue and black and yellow, and we did something there that is very similar. We said, 'Okay, what would a badass woman in a city wear that's real clothes? That's not a stretchy suit, you know? And keep it in character.
The proof will ultimately be in Smollett-Bell's performance and the movie's treatment of Dinah/Canary. And having seen the full fishnet outfit in person, it is guaranteed to be a standout look (recreation of a comic outfit or not). But if the spirit of the movie is all about the Birds of Prey "emancipating" themselves from something in their lives, it seems fitting that letting the restraints of the comics go, too. Stretchy suits included. Stay tuned to Screen Rant for more interviews and details from our Birds of Prey set visit!