MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American actress Ivory Aquino is set to make movie history. She has been cast as transgender woman character Alysia Yeoh in the upcoming DC Film ‘Batgirl.’
The DC Extended Universe feature film will follow Barbara “Batgirl” Gordon, played by Leslie Grace. Aquino will portray Barbara’s best friend, the first major transgender character in a live-action film.
Alysia Yeoh was written by Gail Simone and illustrated by Ardian Syaf. The DC character first appeared in a 2011 issue of ‘Batgirl.’
The casting first made rounds when Leslie Grace posted a photo of them crossing the street. She tagged Aquino and captioned the post “Barbara and Alysia.”
Aquino is the niece of former President Corazon Aquino. She was born in the Philippines but later moved to the US when she was a teenager. Aquino has appeared in several movies and series such as FBI: Most Wanted and Lingua Franca. She is best known for starring in the ABC docudrama When We Rise.