Just when you thought that superhero shows were totally by the (comic) book, Gotham went ahead and flipped that idea on its head. How so? Instead of casting a male actor to play the role of Firefly (as has always been done), the producers decided to make the character a female. This isn't the first time a role has flipped genders (we're currently seeing it with our November cover star Sandra Bullock in Our Brand Is Crisis), but it sure is impressive in the rare times it happens.

The lucky lady? Michelle Veintimilla, who recently made her Broadway debut in the Tony-nominated musical The Visit and can be seen later this year in the feature film Fathers and Daughters with Russell Crowe, Octavia Spencer, and Aaron Paul. In fact, Veintimilla wasn't even told she was going to be playing the groundbreaking role until after she nabbed the part. The character (who starts off as Bridgit Pike) is enslaved by her brothers—a notorious gang of arsonists—and forced into the family business. She made her debut on Monday's episode of Gotham and concludes her story arc (at least for the moment) next Monday night.

While braving the unseasonably cool temps in New York ("My parents told me it actually snowed on Long Island the other day!"), Veintimilla called us in unseasonably hot Los Angeles to talk about her audition, fans reactions, and what you can expect from Firefly before all is said and done.

Glamour: What was your audition like?

Michelle Veintimilla: It was pretty simple, actually. The funny thing about it was that they didn't tell me I was Firefly in the audition. It said that she was a timid girl who eventually found her strength. I had been auditioning frequently for the show, so I think this was just the part that fit best. The name was still Bridgit, but since it's a brand new incarnation of the character, I had no idea it would ultimately be Firefly. I'm glad it worked out the way it did!

Glamour: Were you a fan of DC comics?

Michelle: Actually, I wasn't totally into it [beforehand]. I grew up as a dancer and lived in a dance studio pretty much, so I wasn't on the comic book train. Now I think it's super cool, and I'm excited to be a part of it.