Top 15 Actresses Perfect for the Role of Poison Ivy in the DCU

Poison Ivy, also known as Dr. Pamela Isley, is one of DC Comics’ most iconic villains, blending seductive charm with deadly eco-terrorism. Her complex mix of intelligence, passion for nature, and manipulative allure makes her a standout character, perfect for the revamped DC Universe (DCU) under James Gunn’s vision. The right actress needs to capture Ivy’s sensuality, cunning, and tragic depth while holding her own against other DCU heavyweights like Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn. Fans are eager to see Poison Ivy brought to life with a fresh take, and the actress chosen must embody her fierce environmentalism and magnetic presence.

This list highlights 15 actresses who could nail the role of Poison Ivy, each bringing unique strengths to the character. From their proven acting chops to their ability to portray complex, villainous women, these performers have what it takes to make Poison Ivy unforgettable on the big screen. Whether through seductive charisma, emotional depth, or commanding screen presence, these women could redefine the eco-terrorist for a new era.

Jodie Comer

Jodie Comer’s breakout role as Villanelle in ‘Killing Eve’ shows she can handle Poison Ivy’s mix of ruthlessness and vulnerability. Her ability to play a charming yet deadly character makes her a strong fit for Ivy’s seductive manipulation. Comer’s intense screen presence and knack for layered performances would bring depth to Ivy’s tragic backstory as a betrayed botanist. She can balance the character’s allure with her darker, eco-terrorist edge.

Comer has yet to join a major superhero franchise, which makes her a fresh choice for the DCU. Her work in ‘The Last Duel’ and ‘Free Guy’ proves she can tackle diverse roles, from historical dramas to action-comedy. This versatility would allow her to craft a Poison Ivy who’s both a dangerous villain and a sympathetic figure. Her chemistry with other actors could also spark a compelling dynamic with Harley Quinn.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy’s ethereal look and commanding performances make her a great pick for a younger Poison Ivy. Her roles in ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ and ‘The Northman’ show she can play intelligent, defiant women who challenge norms. Taylor-Joy’s ability to convey strength and vulnerability would suit Ivy’s complex personality. Her unique beauty aligns with the character’s seductive, plant-like aesthetic.

She’s no stranger to darker roles, as seen in ‘Split’ and ‘Last Night in Soho’, where she portrayed morally ambiguous characters. This experience would help her capture Ivy’s blend of charm and menace. Taylor-Joy’s rising star status and ability to dominate the screen make her a bold choice for the DCU. She could bring a fresh, youthful energy to Poison Ivy’s eco-warrior mission.

Emma Stone

Emma Stone’s versatility across genres makes her a standout candidate for Poison Ivy. Her role as Cruella in ‘Cruella’ proved she can play a charismatic villain with depth and flair. Stone’s ability to shift between charm and intensity would fit Ivy’s seductive yet dangerous nature. Her natural charisma could make Ivy a fan-favorite in the DCU.

Stone’s work in ‘La La Land’ and ‘The Favourite’ shows she can handle emotionally complex characters. This skill would bring nuance to Ivy’s motivations as an eco-terrorist driven by betrayal. Her star power and ability to steal scenes would ensure Poison Ivy stands out in any DCU project. A potential pairing with Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn could be electric.

Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain’s interest in playing Poison Ivy makes her a top contender. Her performances in ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ and ‘Crimson Peak’ highlight her ability to portray strong, complex women with a hint of menace. Chastain’s fiery red hair and commanding presence align perfectly with Ivy’s iconic look. She could bring both sophistication and danger to the role.

Her work in ‘The Help’ and ‘Molly’s Game’ shows she can play sympathetic yet fierce characters. This balance would suit Ivy’s tragic backstory and her mission to save the planet through extreme means. Chastain’s experience in high-stakes dramas would make her a compelling villain. Her passion for the role could translate into a memorable performance.

Natalie Dormer

Natalie Dormer’s experience playing cunning, seductive characters makes her a natural fit for Poison Ivy. Her role as Margaery Tyrell in ‘Game of Thrones’ showed her ability to wield charm as a weapon, much like Ivy. Dormer’s commanding presence would bring the eco-terrorist’s manipulative side to life. Her chemistry with female co-stars could spark a great Harley-Ivy dynamic.

Dormer’s work in ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘Penny Dreadful: City of Angels’ proves she can handle complex, villainous roles. She brings a mix of elegance and danger that would suit Ivy’s plant-obsessed persona. Her experience in fantasy and action genres makes her a strong fit for the DCU. Dormer could deliver a Poison Ivy who’s both enchanting and deadly.

Victoria Pedretti

Victoria Pedretti’s chilling performances in ‘You’ and ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ make her a strong candidate for Poison Ivy. Her ability to play lovesick yet dangerous characters, like Love Quinn, mirrors Ivy’s seductive and lethal nature. Pedretti’s emotional depth would bring out Ivy’s tragic past as a betrayed scientist. She could make audiences root for a villain.

Her youthful energy and intense screen presence would fit a modern take on Poison Ivy. Pedretti’s ability to connect with audiences through complex roles would add layers to Ivy’s eco-terrorist motives. She’s a rising star who could shine alongside Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn. Her knack for playing morally gray characters makes her a perfect fit.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway’s diverse roles in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and ‘Ocean’s Eight’ show she can handle sophisticated yet cunning characters. Her natural elegance would contrast beautifully with Poison Ivy’s chaotic, plant-loving villainy. Hathaway’s ability to steal scenes would make Ivy a standout in the DCU. Her star power could elevate the character’s presence.

Hathaway’s experience in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ as Catwoman proves she can tackle comic book roles with ease. She brings a mix of charm and intensity that would suit Ivy’s manipulative tactics. Her ability to portray layered characters would add depth to Ivy’s environmental crusade. A pairing with Harley Quinn could create a dynamic, fan-favorite duo.

Madelaine Petsch

Madelaine Petsch’s role as Cheryl Blossom in ‘Riverdale’ makes her a great fit for Poison Ivy. Her natural red hair and seductive, sassy demeanor align with Ivy’s iconic look and personality. Petsch’s ability to play a character who’s both alluring and antagonistic would suit the eco-terrorist perfectly. She could bring youthful energy to the DCU.

Her work on ‘Riverdale’ shows she can handle complex emotions, from innocence to menace. This range would help her portray Ivy’s mix of sympathy and villainy. At 28, Petsch is young enough to grow with the role while adding maturity. Her chemistry with other actors could make a Harley-Ivy romance compelling.

Nicole Kang

Nicole Kang’s brief stint as a Poison Ivy-like character in ‘Batwoman’ proves she can handle the role. Her portrayal of Mary Hamilton showed a seductive, plant-wielding villain with sass and depth. Kang’s ability to embrace darkness while staying charismatic would make her a great fit for the DCU. She could bring a fresh take to Ivy’s story.

At 29, Kang offers a balance of youth and maturity, perfect for a long-term role in the DCU. Her chemistry with other female characters in ‘Batwoman’ suggests she could nail a Harley-Ivy dynamic. Kang’s lesser-known status could make her a surprising yet effective choice. Her performance would add a unique edge to Poison Ivy.

Emeraude Toubia

Emeraude Toubia’s role as Isabelle Lightwood in ‘Shadowhunters’ highlights her ability to play fierce, seductive characters. Her experience with action and chemistry with female co-stars makes her a strong candidate for Poison Ivy. Toubia’s striking looks and confident demeanor would fit Ivy’s femme fatale vibe. She could bring a bold energy to the DCU.

Her work in ‘Shadowhunters’ shows she can handle complex, combat-ready roles, perfect for Ivy’s eco-terrorist schemes. Toubia’s ability to connect with audiences and co-stars would make her a great fit for a Harley-Ivy romance. Her diverse background adds a fresh perspective to the character. She could make Poison Ivy both captivating and dangerous.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra’s commanding presence in ‘Baywatch’ and ‘Matrix: Resurrections’ makes her a strong contender for Poison Ivy. Her ability to play a charismatic villain, like Victoria Leeds, shows she can handle Ivy’s manipulative charm. Chopra’s star power would bring global appeal to the DCU. Her fiery energy would suit Ivy’s passionate eco-mission.

Chopra’s versatility across action, drama, and villainous roles makes her a great fit for Ivy’s complex personality. Her ability to steal scenes would ensure Poison Ivy stands out in any project. A potential dynamic with Harley Quinn could be electric. Chopra’s experience in high-profile films would make her a memorable villain.

Megan Fox

Megan Fox’s seductive screen presence and action experience in ‘Transformers’ make her a fan-favorite for Poison Ivy. Her ability to command attention would suit Ivy’s alluring yet dangerous nature. Fox’s bold persona aligns with the character’s femme fatale archetype. She could bring a larger-than-life energy to the DCU.

Her roles in ‘Jennifer’s Body’ and ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ show she can handle dark, intense characters. Fox’s star power and iconic look would make her a visually striking Poison Ivy. She has the charisma to match Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn on screen. Her fanbase would rally behind her in this role.

Zendaya

Zendaya’s versatility in ‘Euphoria’ and ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ makes her a wildcard choice for Poison Ivy. Her ability to play emotionally complex characters would bring depth to Ivy’s tragic backstory. Zendaya’s youthful energy could offer a fresh take on the character. Her star power would draw audiences to the DCU.

Her work in ‘Dune’ shows she can handle intense, commanding roles, perfect for Ivy’s eco-terrorist persona. Zendaya’s ability to connect with younger audiences would make her a modern, relatable Poison Ivy. Her chemistry with other actors could create a compelling Harley-Ivy dynamic. She’d bring a unique edge to the role.

Rachelle Lefevre

Rachelle Lefevre’s mature, commanding presence makes her a great fit for an older Poison Ivy. Her roles in ‘Under the Dome’ and ‘Twilight’ show she can play intense, layered characters. Lefevre’s red hair and feline energy align with Ivy’s seductive, dangerous vibe. She could bring gravitas to the DCU.

Her experience in dramatic roles would help her portray Ivy’s tragic past and eco-warrior motives. Lefevre’s ability to convey strength and vulnerability would make her a compelling villain. At 44, she offers a mature take on Poison Ivy that could stand out. Her chemistry with other actors would add depth to the role.

Deva Cassel

Deva Cassel, a rising star and daughter of Monica Bellucci, brings a fresh, sultry energy to Poison Ivy. Her work in ‘The Beautiful Summer’ and her modeling career show she can embody Ivy’s seductive, enchanting look. Cassel’s youth and unique beauty would make her a bold choice for the DCU. She could grow into the role over time.

Though early in her acting career, Cassel’s natural charisma and striking features fit Ivy’s femme fatale archetype. Her potential to portray vulnerability would add depth to Ivy’s tragic backstory. With more experience, she could become a standout Poison Ivy. Her pairing with Harley Quinn could create a fresh, dynamic duo.

Who’s your dream casting for Poison Ivy in the DCU? Share your picks in the comments below!