The story had caused a lot of ink to flow in 2022. While the DCEU was still in place, Warner Bros announced the cancellation of a project evolving around Batgirl. Under the direction of Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, it had nevertheless been promoted from all sides, notably during the 2020 DC FanDome. Interviews with the directors, the lead actress Leslie Grace and exclusive images of the costume, everything suggested that DC and its parent company Warner Bros were betting big on this action film.
Yet, even though filming is finished and post-production begins, Warner Bros. cancels the film outright. The merger of Warner and Discovery forced the company to review its order of priorities, so films exclusively for its HBO Max platform were no longer an absolute necessity. The affair, in addition to causing many disappointments, had shaken the hierarchy of DC Films, starting with its president at the time, Walter Hamada. He had not been warned and will leave his post some time later, in October of the same year.
Batgirl was to tell the first adventures of Barbara Gordon, daughter of the commissioner who becomes a vigilante. The story was to take place in a different timeframe than that of the Justice League, with Michael Keaton to play the Dark Knight. Batgirl was supposed to be the preface to The Flash by Andy Muschietti. Brendan Fraser and J.K Simmons were also announced at the cast, the first in the role of Firefly or Pirovol in French, the second in that of Commissioner Gordon.
Unseen images
Nearly three years after its cancellation, Batgirl is making headlines again as images were shared on social networks. We see Batgirl, and especially Leslie Grace's stunt double, Emely Cartagena, being manhandled by criminals. While there is no editing or visual effects, the sequence, in addition to presenting impressive choreography, demonstrates the energy of this proposal. A nice glimpse that reinforces the incomprehension of DC fans. Note that the scene was removed from social media shortly after. It remains, however, accessible via a video spotted by Ecran Large.
A hashtag #ReleaseBatgirl has just appeared on social media. However, it seems impossible that DC Films will not answer their prayers. The studio is preparing to launch a new franchise by wiping the slate clean. Peter Safran, co-CEO of the company alongside James Gunn, has clarified that the film is not finalized. He even refused to imagine a future where it could be made available to the general public. According to him, it could harm the reputation of the team, which already has to deal with the dismal critical reception of the previous films.
In the meantime, the two directors are busy working on other projects, starting with Patsers, a Belgian film and sequel to Gangsta, released in theaters in 2018. It is due for release this year. A third installment is promised for a theatrical release a year later.
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