‘Gotham Knights’ Casts Navia Robinson As Carrie Kelley
by Erik Amaya
Carrie Kelly may soon make her way to network television.
Variety reports Navia Robinson has been cast as the character in The CW’s upcoming Gotham Knights pilot. The potential series, from Batwoman executive producers Natalie Abrams, James Stoteraux, and Chad Fiveash, will not be spinoff of that show or related to the Gotham Knights comic book or video game. Instead, it takes place in a Gotham City where the Batman is dead and his “rebellious adopted son” forms an “unlikely alliance with the children of Batman’s enemies” when they are all framed for killing the Caped Crusader. Wanted by the GCPD, the group must fight to clear their names in a Gotham with no Dark Knight hovering over it.
Robinson’s version of the character, originally created by Frank Miller in The Dark Knight Returns, is described as “fearless, idealistic and plucky as hell.” She also talked her way into becoming Batman’s sidekick. At the same time, she does not seem to be the lead character, though. That is presumably Turner Hayes (Oscar Morgan), an orphan who tries to “live up to his billionaire adoptive father’s name.” Although, that is at odds with the program’s original plan to feature a rebellious adopted son of the Batman. Perhaps there is still room for Damien Wayne to take the lead here. Although, there is something to be said about an ensemble focused on the next generation of Gotham’s heroes and villains. Just yesterday, word broke indicating Fallon Smythe and Tyler DiChiara will play the Row siblings in the pilot.
Also added to the cast is Olive Rose Keegan as a character simply referred to as “Duella.” Born inside Akrham Asylum, she is said to be “abrasive, unpredictable and a little unhinged.” A reference to her neglectful father as “the most dangerous man in Gotham” definitely suggests she is based on a certain Silver Age and New 52 character.
Although teased in various programs and featured in The Dark Knight Returns animated film, Carrie has never been a key characters in any of the various DC live actions shows. Of course, Gotham Knights is currently still just a pilot order, so it is possible she may still end up on the bench for sometime. But considering the network’s push for younger DC characters, the program may end up becoming a top priority and Carrie will finally get her time to shine.