Too often, the coolest female characters are stuck playing second (or third, or fourth) fiddle to a superhero or a Chosen One. But if you were assembling a dream team, these women would be the first ones on your #squadgoals list.
Think the all-female Ocean’s 8 team, but assembled from women once considered sidekicks across the entertainment universe.
(Take a quick break for the Ocean’s 8 trailer and Cate Blanchett’s flawless bangs:)
When assembling a female squad dream team, there’s a set of roles you have got to fill. Balance is key. Can’t have two team leaders and no getaway car drivers, after all.
Hacker in a van: Chloe O’Brian, 24
Every squad (or heist!) needs a white hat hacker. Someone’s gotta cut the video camera feeds and/or help you build a great professional website.
Why Chloe? Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) may have been the one running around stopping terrorist plots and occasionally biting necks, but Chloe (played straight by IRL hilarious person Mary Lynn Rajskub) was his eyes, ears, and sometimes conscience. She appeared in more 24 episodes than any other character besides Jack, always ready to lend her tremendous hacking skills and snark to the cause. While she may be a bit standoffish, anyone would be lucky to have her as the brains of your operation because she got Jack out of more scrapes than we can count.
Someone to nerd out with: Hermione Granger, the Harry Potter franchise
Every group needs a know-it-all for trivia nights.
Super-smart witch Hermoine (Emma Watson), with her confidence, fearlessness and top-notch wand skills is definitely the first-round draft pick in the magic department. Plus, she also has that amazing Mary Poppins satchel that can store literally anything inside.
Bad witch: Willow Rosenberg, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
And a little more magical backup can’t hurt. Love spells, revenge spells, etc.
While Willow (Alyson Hannigan) is certainly sporting the same kind of talent and keen intellect as Hermione, she’s not afraid to go a little dark if need be. Remember how she removed Warren’s skin in season six? (No? Look it up.) We certainly don’t want her going that dark again, but a little willingness to skirt the line here and there is key — every squad needs a bad girl.
The hot head: Gamora, Guardians of the Galaxy
This is an intergalactic dream squad, just enjoy it. She’s who you want on your side when there’s catcallers to deal with.
This warrior assassin may not be the Guardians‘ leader, but she’s just as awesome and fearless as Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) — if not more so, to be honest. Someone is going to have to do the “wet work” and we know Gamora has the stomach for it.
The rich girl: Trish Walker, Jessica Jones
It never hurts to have someone willing to pick up the check.
This child star-turned-radio host is definitely more than just her money and pretty face, but a killer squad is going to need some killer funding and Trish (Rachael Taylor) fits the bill. But she can also hold her own in a fight and would make an excellent getaway driver, so don’t underestimate this blonde bombshell.
The muscle and wisdom: Antiope, Wonder Woman
Get you a friend who always has your back. With muscles or wise words.
Wonder Woman featured an army of Amazonian women fighting the good fight, and there is no better right-hand woman than Antiope, as badass a warrior as they come. She doesn’t need guns or gadgets — Antiope is going to mix it up with her sword and her fists. We dare any man to try to take her down.
The caretaker: Claire Temple, Luke Cage
It’s never healthy to search your symptoms online; that’s where having a nurse BFF comes in handy.
Claire Temple (Rosario Dawson) has been popping up as an incredibly useful ally all over the Marvel universe. Claire may not have supernatural powers, but she’s incredibly resourceful and also brings some key medical skills to the group. So when Gamora rolls in with a gunshot wound or Antiope has taken a beating, Claire is going to be the one to patch them up.
The moral compass: Karen Page, Daredevil
Reliability is seriously underrated these days. You know this friend will always pick up your calls and reply to texts ASAP.
On Daredevil, Karen’s (Deborah Ann Woll) quest for justice exposes Wilson Fisk’s (Vincent D’Onofrio) dirty deeds and gives Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) an unlikely ally when everyone else thinks he’s just a psychotic killer. As part of your squad, she would absolutely be the moral center, keeping everyone grounded in the face of tempting shortcuts.
Disagree with this list? Put together your own squad.
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