‘Gotham’ adds ‘Game of Thrones’ actor Alexander Siddig as Ra’s al Ghul
Gotham has added another iconic Batman villain with Game of Thrones actor Alexander Siddig cast as the leader of the League of Shadows, the immortal Ra’s al Ghul.
The synopsis of the upcoming episode gives fans a look at what to expect:
Gotham’s take on the classic Batman villain has a connection to another recent adversary. As Bruce (David Mazouz) pulls the veil off the Court of Owls, he finds Ra’s al Ghul is the enigmatic and powerful man pulling the strings. With his past shrouded in mystery, Ra’s al Ghul uses cunning and deception to lay waste to his foes. As the leader of an international criminal organization known as the League of Shadows, Ra’s al Ghul will prove himself to be Bruce’s most dangerous adversary yet.
A preview of the appearance is likely to occur when Gotham returns in April. Siddig’s other TV credits include Peaky Blinders and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Deadline summarized the character’s history: “Created by DC Comics editor Julius Schwartz, writer Dennis O’Neil and artist Neal Adams, Ra’s Al Ghul was first introduced into the Batman canon back in 1971. A quick fan favorite, the supervillain has since proved an adversary to not just Batman, but Arrow, Superman and more of the caped crowd as well. He’s also been a presence on the live-action scene with Liam Neeson playing Ra’s Al Ghul in Christopher Nolan’s big screen Batman blockbusters. Matt Nable portrayed the character starting in Season 3 of the CW’s Arrow. Ra’s Al Ghul also was a presence in the CW’s DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.”
Siddig’s version of Ra’s is actually the head of Gotham’s version of the Court of Owls, which Bruce will uncover later on in the season. In the comics, while both organizations are cabals of secretive assassins, they’re not linked and are separate entities.
Gotham returns on April 24, 2017.