If you wanted to watch the Batgirl movie that was in development until just recently, you'll have to use your imagination. While the film has already completed filming, Warner Bros. Discovery has chosen to controversially cancel the release of Batgirl, meaning it won't be coming out in theaters or on HBO Max. Reportedly, the decision was made this way for tax purposes as a way for the company to recoup as much money as possible that was spent on the $90 million budget.
In any case, it appears that Batgirl will never see the light of day. That news has obviously left the cast and crew feeling disappointed as nobody will be able to see the result of their hard work. Actor Jacob Scipio, who'd been cast as mob boss Anthony Bressi in the film, weighed in on the situation by sharing an image to his Instagram Stories of an explosive scene featuring his character and Leslie Grace's Batgirl. Scipio added the hashtag, #BatgirlForLife.
Very few photos of the now-axed Batgirl film have been released. During production, Warner Bros. released an image of Grace in costume as Batgirl, and there had been photos and videos leaked from the set that were released unofficially as well. There hadn't been any actual teasers or anything of the sort released by Warner Bros. so these sneak peek images are the best fans will have to go on when it comes to trying to imagine how the film would have turned out.
Batgirl's Directors and Star Leslie Grace Are Shocked and Saddened
Others involved with the film have also spoken out about the surprise cancelation of Batgirl. Co-directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah have released a joint statement expressing their shock and sadness over the news while still expressing their gratitude for working with such a high-caliber cast and crew on the film, even if nobody will get to see it.
"We are saddened and shocked by the news," their statement reads in part. "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. Maybe one day they will insha'Allah."
They added, "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, JK 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 even an honor to have been part of the DCEU, even if it was for a brief moment. Batgirl for life."
In a separate post on her own Instagram account, Batgirl star Leslie Grace also addressed the situation. She similarly praised her fellow cast and crew and is happy for the experience, regardless of what ultimately happened with the movie's release.
"Querida familia!" Grace said. "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!’"