Warner Bros Discovery states that the movie Batgirl starring Leslie Grace will no longer be released for theaters nor for HBO Max.
In a report from TheWrap, Warner Bros. Discovery has made the decision to stop the almost-done production of Batgirl. The company has no intentions of releasing the movie, not for theaters and not even for streaming on HBO.
A spokesperson of the company released the following statement:
The decision to not release Batgirl reflects our leadership’s strategic shift as it relates to the DC universe and HBO Max. Leslie Grace is an incredibly talented actor and this decision is not a reflection of her performance. We are incredibly grateful to the filmmakers of Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt and their respective casts and we hope to collaborate with everyone again in the near future.
Warner Bros Discovery Cancels Leslie Grace’s Batgirl Release
Image: Warner Bros.
Apparently, New York Post article states that test screenings for the movie had its audience poorly receiving the movie. The executives have immediately halted what’s left that needs to be done to complete the project. According to the article “It’s a DC disaster.”
Although the statement specifically said that the decision does not reflect Grace’s performance, people still wonder what could have gone wrong. For months developments and updates seemed to steadily come into play. Fans are looking forward to see the movie especially with the appearance of Michael Keaton’s Batman. J.K. Simmons and Brendan Fraser also star in the project which fans were also rooting to see.
Prior to this decision, there were even news about Batgirl having the possibility of theatrical release. Indeed, certain decisions are made and what appears to be a hugely expensive dump may actually be a preemptive move. Who knows but the test audience who are most likely in a non-disclosure agreement. Other than the people directly involved in the project, no one else would be able to know what the Batgirl could have delivered for the DC narrative.
We have reported that directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah were focusing on possible Batgirl for DCEU multiverse. After their successful stint with Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel in the MCU, they were gearing for Batgirl getting into the DCEU. Now Warner Bros. Discovery has turned that engine off.
Warner Bros Discovery Cancels Leslie Grace’s Batgirl Release
Image: DC Comics
Although this news my be a huge setback for DC and how it progresses, we can still hope that Warner Bros. Discovery has something up in its sleeves. DCEU and franchises connected to it has taken so many misfires that somehow fans have become doubtful of how it has been handled. Nevertheless, the same fans are still hopeful. With this newest development and decision, it goes without saying that people now assume that the DCEU project The Flash would be an even bigger gamble.
Warner Bros. Discovery is not having second thoughts about shelving a $90-100M spending because they think that the end loss and its effects to the brand would be more costly. However, they are acutely mum about The Flash considering that the Scarlet Speedster project is multiple times more expensive than Batgirl. Does this mean that they have more faith with the story that The Flash is about to tell? Despite the fact that the lead themselves can possibly sink the movie, does Warner Bros. Discovery think that the story can save The Flash? That audiences can actually see past Ezra Miller because the movie is that good. And what does that say about Batgirl’s writing and delivery?
