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Batgirl movie cancelled to the surprise of lead woman and directors

by Ezekiel J. Walker Updated
Batgirl movie cancelled to the surprise of lead woman and directors
FILE - Leslie Grace arrives at a screening of "In the Heights" during the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival on June 4, 2021. Warner Bros. has axed the $90 million “Batgirl” film planned for HBO Max, according to a person connected with the film who was not authorized to speak publicly about it. The studio decided the film, starring Grace in the title role, didn’t merit either a streaming debut or a theatrical release, and has instead opted to entirely write off the film which also starred Michael Keaton, J.K. Simmons and Brendan Fraser. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)
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Leslie Grace, the star of Warner Bros.’ now-canceled “Batgirl” movie, has issued a statement following the studio’s decision to cancel the film’s release in theaters or on HBO Max. The comic book film would’ve marked Grace’s biggest acting role following her breakthrough performance in “In the Heights.” It would’ve also been a rare superhero film headlined by a Latina actor.

In an Instagram post, Grace wrote, “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!’ Batgirl for life!”

Grace accompanied her post with a number of photos and videos from the film’s Scotland production, including videos of her serenading the camera while getting into costume, working with the film’s camera crew, and singing with her castmates. It’s all very positive, and very light on the “fuck you, Warner Bros. Discovery president David Zaslav.”

Batgirl, which already wrapped production, cost an estimated $90 million to make. While it was intended to be a direct-to-HBO Max release, executives reportedly decided to axe it because they felt it “simply did not work” despite costly reshoots. The New York Postreported that during test screenings, the film was poorly received. Variety reported that a benefit of a tax credit for not releasing the film was also a factor.

Warner Bros. do not plan to release ‘Batgirl’ movie on any platforms

The move reportedly comes as part of a “strategic shift” with the DC Universe and HBO Max.

Hailing from Charlotte North Carolina, born litterateur Ezekiel J. Walker earned a B.A. in Psychology at Winston Salem State University. Walker later published his first creative nonfiction book and has...