The Batgirl film was recently canceled by Warner Bros. Discovery and now, the filmmakers have weighed in. Directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah (Bad Boys for Life, Ms. Marvel) have released a statement following the movie’s surprise cancellation on social media. Additionally, star Leslie Grace has broken her silence on the matter. Grace was on board in the lead role as Barbara Gordon, aka Batgirl.
Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah have released a statement about ‘BATGIRL’ being cancelled.
“As directors, it is critical that our work be shown to audiences… we wish that fans all over the world would have had the opportunity to see and embrace the final film themselves.” pic.twitter.com/ZDKeu1xtNl
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) August 3, 2022
Both Arbi and Fallah, as well as Grace, took to Instagram to share their feelings following the surprise news. Earlier this week, it was revealed that the studio was shelving the long-in-the-works Batgirl movie even though it was almost done. The film came with a reported $90 million budget. Ultimately, as reported by Deadline, it came down to a cost-saving measure and a tax write off. This all stems from decisions being made from the new regime following the merger between WarnerMedia and Discovery earlier this year.
Here is the statement from the directors.
“We are saddened and shocked by the news. We still can’t believe it. As directors, it is critical that our work be shown to audiences, and while the film was far from finished, we wish that fans all over the world would have had the opportunity to see and embrace the final film themselves.” “Our amazing cast and crew did a tremendous job and worked so hard to bring Batgirl to life. We are forever grateful to have been part of that team. It was a dream to work with such fantastic actors like Michael Keaton, J.K. Simmons, Brendan Fraser, Jacob Scipio, Corey Johnson, Rebecca Front and especially the great Leslie Grace, who portrayed Batgirl with so much passion, dedication and humanity.
“In any case, as huge fans of Batman since we were little kids, it was a privilege and an honor to have been a part of the DCEU, even if it was for a brief moment. Batgirl for life,” the directors concluded. Meanwhile, star Leslie Grace also took to Instagram to release her own statement on the matter.
“Querida familia! On the heels of the recent news about our movie “Batgirl,” I am proud of the love, hard work and intention all of our incredible cast and tireless crew put into this film over 7 months in Scotland. I feel blessed to have worked among absolute greats and forged relationships for a lifetime in the process! To every Batgirl fan – THANK YOU for the love and belief, allowing me to take on the cape and become, as Babs said best, “my own damn hero!” she said, while also concluding her post with “#Batgirl for life!”
Leslie Grace has posted new images of herself as Batgirl along with a thank you message pic.twitter.com/Y3kV2LT9km
— DC Daily (Neb) (@DCU_CORE) August 4, 2022
The film also saw Michael Keaton reprising his role as Batman, which he hasn’t done since Batman Returns in 1992. Keaton is also set to appear in The Flash next year. Though that movie is also in hot water due to star Ezra Miller’s recent, highly public troubles. Brendan Fraser was also set to play the movie’s villain. In addition to Batgirl, the animated movie Scoob! Holiday Haunt was also canceled.
Batgirl does not have any sort of release date and looks like it never will.
What do you think? Are you disappointed that the movie isn’t being released? Do you think Warner Bros. will release it someday? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
