In a shocking move, Warner Bros. Discovery will not move ahead with Batgirl, shelving the unfinished film and basically tossing aside $90 million. The New York Post reports that the DC Films production will not see any form of release; it was originally set for HBO Max but many hoped for a theatrical run as well.
In the report, industry website The Wrap claims that “leaders of the studio determined ultimately, in spite of reshoots and increased budget, that the movie simply did not work.” Due to COVID issues and shutdowns, the budget ballooned to $90 million, which the new leaders of Warner Discovery found to be not worth the effort.
In the original article from The New York Post, the plan was also placed on a test screening, which was labeled as a “DC disaster.” One source claims, “They think an unspeakable Batgirl is going to be irredeemable.” With the waters already murky for the DCEU and the recasting of Michael Keaton, who was set to debut in The Flash (a film with its own major problems concerning lead Ezra Miller), the studio can’t risk another low blow.
This must come as sad news for all involved, including filmmaking duo Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, who were directors on the film following their work on Ms. Marvel. The news must also hit lead actress Leslie Grace, who was following up her breakout role in the movie In The Heights.
Batgirl’s filming took place in Glasgow, Scotland, from November 2021 to March 2022. The film was looking at another round of reshoots and was sitting in post-production, with Leslie Grace and Michael Keaton featuring in the cast alongside J.K. Simmons as Commissioner Jim Gordon and Brendan Fraser as Firefly.
SEE ALSO: Batgirl set photos offer best look yet at Brendan Fraser’s Firefly costume
What are your thoughts on Warner’s decision to shelve Batgirl? Where does this leave Michael Keaton’s Batman – especially after the news that Ben Affleck will once again be reprising his role as Bruce Wayne for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom? Let us know on our social channels @FlickeringMyth…
