Batwoman: First Look At Poison Ivy Revealed
After the transformation of Dr. Mary Hamilton into Poison Ivy in the latest Batwoman episode, CW has now provided the first look at the villain in her full suit, thanks to Comicbook.com. Poison Ivy is all set to make her debut in the CW series during its midseason finale which will air on Wednesday, November 24th. The season has mostly revolved around the trophies of Batman and the impact that such dangerous artifacts can have when they’re not in the safe hands of someone like Bruce Wayne. Not to the surprise of many fans, the thorn that infected Mary came from Poison Ivy.
The CW has given an official description of the character. Read it below:
Now that she’s been infected by Poison Ivy, the selfless and caring Mary Hamilton (Nicole Kang) we’ve come to know and love is taking a backseat to a pernicious and virulent version of herself. No longer content with her supporting role on the Bat Team, Poison Ivy Mary uses her newfound powers to stand up, stand out, and express her most deeply buried opinions and desires — regardless of who or what may be in her way. But more awaits Mary as her destiny delivers her at the root of her new persona, as she realizes her power bloomed to give life to another…Gotham’s long lost and most infamous botanist.
Executive producer on the series, Caroline Dries also spoke about the addition of Poison Ivy and how exciting it will be for fans.
“As we’ve watched the fallout of Batman’s Rogues’ weapons this season, we wanted to make a few of these ‘trophies’ personal to our Bat Team, and Mary felt like the ideal character to go through a major ‘photosynthesis. The fun part of making each villain’s powers transferable is that we get to do our own spin on the character — this one through the lens of what Mary would create: something heightened, playful, fashion-forward, and sexy. It was so exciting to work alongside Nicole as we picked hair color, eye color and, of course, the clothing itself. But it wasn’t until Nicole showed up on set and absolutely killed her performance that the character of Poison Ivy Mary was complete.”
The character of Mary Hamilton has been played by Nicole Kang since the show’s premiere back in 2019. She is the stepsister to Kate Kane and has suffered a few mishaps in her life – like her mother passing away to Kate’s death.
Nicole Kang Is Ready For The Iconic Role!
“I’m so excited to bring you Poison Ivy,” Kang said in a statement. “She’s here… finally! That’s a sentence I never thought I’d say. Wow. In our story, I am most proud that Poison Ivy is an Asian villain whose danger does not stem from her foreignness or her mystique. Instead, we discover her personal motivations alongside those of the OG Poison Ivy’s and see them intertwine in an organic and powerful way. I am so humbled to be a Korean girl in line behind THE Uma Thurman to play the next live-action Poison Ivy (what?!). Hopefully the future holds space for others like me and beyond to portray one hell of a character. For everything you’ve let me feel, scream, and become through you, Poison Ivy- thank you.”
Bringing the whole Poison Ivy look together was a task for the production team, ranging from its wig to the full costume. It’s also slightly different as this is the first time that the character has debuted in live-action.
“I created this costume to reflect Mary’s desire to be seen and heard by those closest to her, while maintaining her unique eye for fun and fanciful fashion; a strong shoulder and a corset to symbolize a trellis guiding her alter ego upwards,” costume designer Maya Mani said.
“I envisioned her character being intrinsically powerful, alluring and seductive,” added makeup department head Cory Roberts shared. “It was the combination of beautiful glowy skin, with colors selected to enhance and celebrate Nicole’s complexion and structure.”
