The CW Series Casting: Birds of Prey

THE STORY: After the theoretical events in Arrow, involving Laurel Lance, the Black Canary, meeting the assassin known as the Starling (a storyline I've created for the basis of a BoP spin-off series), both women have been recruited by Strix (myths-of-genesis.deviantart.co…) into an all-female covert ops team, intended to be led by the Black Canary herself.
The series would pick up with the recruitment of the Huntress (Helena Bertinelli), Katana (Tatsu Yamashiro) and the Vixen (Mari McCabe). Each woman is on a search for a purpose; some for redemption, others for companionship, or to simply help their fellow man. Their first task is to track down a woman known as Sandra Wu-San, who is believed to be killing off men in cold blood, and masterfully so. After a showdown between Black Canary and the mysterious Sandra, it's discovered she is out to kill the man who murdered her sister, Carolyn. The Birds of Prey become entwined with Sandra's journey when a rogue assassin known as David Cain, who once worked under Ra's Al Ghul, as a member of the League of Assassins, becomes a suspect. The Birds delve into a war between an enraged woman, a rogue assassin, and his many associates and enemies.

THE CAST/CHARACTERS:

1.) Dinah 'Laurel' Lance/Black Canary: Katie Cassidy (Arrow)
Character's age: 30
Laurel would be the primary protagonist, being the team's leader. The writing for Laurel has been pretty poor on Arrow, and I believe this would be the chance to get the Black Canary we all know and love in the comics. Katie Cassidy's passion for this character, not only makes me enjoy her in Arrow, but also makes me think she'd be game for a spin-off as the lead. I'd love to explore the idea of Laurel finding her true identity, outside of Oliver, her father, and sister. It's something that she deserves, and this would be the opportunity.

2.) Evelyn Crawford/The Starling: Minka Kelly (Charlie's Angels, Almost Human)
Age: Early 30s
Evelyn, if introduced in Arrow as I envisioned, is on a path of forgiveness. After betraying Laurel (myths-of-genesis.deviantart.co…), she has made it her mission to reconcile with her sister-in-battle, and right her wrongs. She is openly bisexual and has a full sleeve of tattoos. As explained in my separate upload for Starling, Minka needs a large role since the cancellation of her last two shows. She is a fully capable actress with comedy, drama and action, all very fundamental to this take on Starling. After seeing her as one of Charlie's Angels and take on the sci-fi genre, I think she's perfect.

3.) Helena Bertinelli/Huntress: Jessica de Gouw (Arrow)
Age: Late 20s, early 30s
I'd like Arrow to introduce her path to redemption and have this spin-off finalize it. So far, she has been handled beyond poorly on Arrow, and this, like Laurel, is a chance to fix her characterization. Helena would be the loose cannon, being unpredictable and sarcastic, more often than not. Jessica can clearly handle the venomous attitude she has been given, along with the action aspect. This would be the best chance to bring actual depth and meaning to what could be a wonderful character.

4.) Mary Turner/Strix: Lyndie Greenwood (Sleepy Hollow, Nikita)
Age: Early 30s
Like Starling, my ideal introduction for Strix, would occur in Arrow, where she is sent by the Court of Owls, to recruit Laurel and Evelyn. The Birds of Prey would handle Mary's tragic backstory, explaining her quiet nature and the injuries she has obtained. Lyndie Greenwood is best known for her ole in Sleepy Hollow, which showcased her ability to handle a physical role that comes with a horrifying backstory behind it. With her experience in training and dramatic ability, she could take on Strix with ease.

5.) Tatsu Yamashiro/Katana: Rila Fukushima (Arrow)
Age: Late 20s, early 30s
Tatsu would be recruited directly by Laurel, knowing each other after a battle where Tatsu was forced to slay her husband. Katana is on a search for a purpose, and finds it on her journey with the Birds of Prey. Rila has been one of my favorites to come from the show. Her acting and portrayal were both superb, and seeing as Katana is one of my favorites, she had to be included, despite soon-to-be appearing in the Suicide Squad movie. Her character would be such wasted potential, if not brought back.

6.) Mari McCabe/Vixen: Megalyn Echikunwoke (Vixen)
Age: Late 20s, early 30s
While Vixen hasn't appeared in the live-action side of the universe, Megalyn was a fantastic Vixen and I'd love to see her in the live-action format. Unlike many of her teammates, Mari believes she owes it to herself to have a life outside of being an agent, and is set on having two separate lives. Like in the animated series, her necklace gives her the ability to tap into the essence of any creature within the animal kingdom. Megalyn is a great performer, as seen in not only Vixen, but also in <Damsels in Distress</I> and The Following. With the proper training, she could take on the physical side of Mari as well.