Top 15 Actresses Perfect for the Role of Raven in the DCU

Raven, also known as Rachel Roth, is a complex character in the DC Universe, balancing her half-human, half-demon heritage with powerful mystical abilities. As a key member of the Teen Titans, she’s a tele-empath who can manipulate emotions, teleport, and wield her soul-self, all while fighting her demonic father, Trigon. With James Gunn’s DCU reboot opening new casting opportunities, fans are eager to see who could bring Raven’s dark, emotional depth to life.

The ideal actress needs to capture Raven’s reserved nature, mystical aura, and inner struggle. She should convey vulnerability and strength, with a look that matches Raven’s iconic pale skin and mysterious vibe. Here are 15 actresses who could shine as Raven in the DCU, each bringing unique skills to this challenging role.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy’s intense performances in The Queen’s Gambit and The Menu show she can handle complex, emotionally layered characters. Her ability to portray quiet strength and inner turmoil makes her a strong fit for Raven’s reserved yet powerful nature.

Her striking features and ethereal presence align with Raven’s mystical aesthetic. Taylor-Joy’s experience with psychologically intense roles suggests she could nail Raven’s struggle with her demonic heritage.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh’s work in Midsommar and Black Widow proves she can balance vulnerability with fierce determination. Raven’s emotional depth and strength under pressure match Pugh’s acting strengths perfectly.

Her ability to command scenes with subtle intensity would bring Raven’s tele-empathic powers to life. Pugh’s versatility ensures she could portray both the hero and the darker side of Raven’s personality.

Sadie Sink

Sadie Sink’s breakout role as Max in Stranger Things highlights her ability to play a tough yet vulnerable teen. At 23, she’s the right age to portray a young Raven in the DCU’s Teen Titans.

Her emotional range and experience with high-stakes drama make her a great choice for Raven’s inner conflict. Sink’s red hair could be dyed to match Raven’s iconic dark, gothic look.

Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown’s performance in Stranger Things and Enola Holmes shows her skill in playing powerful, young characters with depth. She could capture Raven’s mystical and emotional complexity with ease.

Brown’s ability to convey strength while showing subtle vulnerability fits Raven’s struggle against Trigon’s influence. Her star power would also bring attention to a Teen Titans project.

Zendaya

Zendaya’s roles in Euphoria and Spider-Man: No Way Home showcase her ability to handle intense, dramatic characters. Her commanding presence would make Raven’s mystical aura believable.

She excels at portraying layered characters with emotional weight, perfect for Raven’s tele-empathic abilities. Zendaya’s unique look and acting range could refresh the character for the DCU.

Maisie Williams

Maisie Williams’ work as Arya Stark in Game of Thrones proves she can play a fierce, introspective character. Raven’s reserved nature and inner darkness align well with Williams’ acting style.

Her experience with action and emotionally complex roles makes her a strong candidate. Williams’ ability to convey quiet intensity would suit Raven’s mystical and brooding personality.

Dafne Keen

Dafne Keen’s performance as X-23 in Logan shows she can handle dark, intense roles with emotional depth. At a young age, she’s ideal for a teen Raven in the DCU.

Her ability to portray a character with hidden power and vulnerability fits Raven’s struggle with her demonic side. Keen’s action experience would shine in Raven’s soul-self battle scenes.

Kaitlyn Dever

Kaitlyn Dever’s roles in Booksmart and Dopesick highlight her ability to play smart, emotionally complex characters. She could bring a mature, grounded Raven to the DCU.

Her subtle acting style would capture Raven’s reserved nature and inner turmoil. Dever’s experience with dramatic roles makes her a compelling choice for this mystical hero.

Sophie Thatcher

Sophie Thatcher’s performances in Yellowjackets and Heretic show her knack for eerie, intense roles. Her gothic vibe and emotional depth make her a natural fit for Raven.

Thatcher’s ability to portray troubled characters with a dark edge aligns with Raven’s struggle against Trigon. Her unique look would enhance Raven’s mysterious, otherworldly presence.

Talia Ryder

Talia Ryder’s work in Never Rarely Sometimes Always shows her ability to convey quiet strength and vulnerability. She could bring a fresh, understated take to Raven’s complex character.

Her youthful energy and emotional range make her a great fit for a teen Raven. Ryder’s subtle intensity would highlight Raven’s tele-empathic powers and inner conflict.

Esmé Creed-Miles

Esmé Creed-Miles’ role in Hanna proves she can handle action and emotional depth. Her ability to play a fierce yet introspective character suits Raven’s dual nature.

Creed-Miles’ understated intensity would bring Raven’s reserved personality to life. Her experience with physically demanding roles makes her a strong choice for Raven’s mystical battles.

India Eisley

India Eisley’s performances in Underworld: Awakening and I Am the Night show her ability to portray dark, mysterious characters. Her ethereal look fits Raven’s gothic aesthetic perfectly.

She can convey both vulnerability and strength, ideal for Raven’s emotional and mystical complexity. Eisley’s experience in intense roles makes her a compelling pick for the DCU.

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan’s breakout role in Never Have I Ever highlights her charm and emotional range. Her South Asian heritage aligns with Raven’s original design inspiration from Indian actress Persis Khambatta.

Ramakrishnan’s ability to play a relatable yet complex teen would bring depth to Raven’s character. Her fresh energy could make Raven stand out in the DCU’s Teen Titans.

Avantika

Avantika Vandanapu’s roles in Mean Girls and Spin show her ability to portray vibrant, layered characters. Her South Asian background connects to Raven’s design roots, offering authenticity.

Her youthful energy and emotional depth would suit a teen Raven in the DCU. Vandanapu’s rising star status could bring a fresh perspective to this iconic character.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega’s performances in Wednesday and Scream make her a fan-favorite for Raven. Her ability to play moody, cryptic characters with a gothic vibe fits Raven’s aesthetic perfectly.

Ortega’s knack for blending vulnerability with strength would capture Raven’s struggle with her demonic heritage. Her star power and eerie presence make her a top choice for the role.

Who’s your pick to play Raven in the DCU? Share your thoughts in the comments below!