Warner Bros. has officially canceled the Batgirl movie before it could ever be released. Meant to find a home on their streaming platform HBO Max next year, the decision comes with the company's shift from streaming to focus on theatrical releases. Batgirl was already filmed, and fans were excited to see actors Brendan Fraser, J. K. Simmons, Michael Keaton, and the star herself, Leslie Grace, in their roles.
The statement from Warner Bros., released after the news of the film's cancellation had started to spread across the internet, does little to soothe fans over the sudden decision. It compliments Grace and cites only the company's leadership shift as the reason for shelving the film, nothing about the quality of the film itself.
"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."
The decision isn't only controversial because it's canceling a completed film. It's controversial because there are films within the DC Extended Universe that should be on the chopping block for substantial reasons, which has led to speculation over the future of the DCEU.
What About The Flash?
It is no secret that there are issues surrounding The Flash film and its star Ezra Miller. The actor has been accused of violence against several individuals and various other concerning charges like a burglary in recent weeks. With a solo movie due out next year, there have been calls from fans for either Elliot Page or Grant Gustin to replace Miller in the film. Gustin already portrays the character in The CW series The Flash.
Knowledge of the company's plans for handling Miller and the film has only come to light recently. A source close to the matter speaks of three options Warner Bros. is considering at this time, ranging from Miller receiving professional help and explaining their behavior in an interview to shelving the film if the situation with the actor continues to escalate. While Batgirl's cancellation doesn't directly impact The Flash, it does speak to the studio's willingness to cancel a film after production is complete. Batgirl sets the precedent that movies in the universe can be canceled for much less.
It isn't only the DCEU that Miller is impacting for WB. The actor also has a main role in the Harry Potter prequel series Fantastic Beasts. While the ending of the most recent film, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, leaves room for Miller's quiet exit off-screen, that isn't the case with The Flash.
Woman-Led Projects in the DCEU
The DCEU has already been trending down with its woman-led content compared to its competitor. While the Marvel Cinematic Universe boasts Wanda Maximoff, Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, She-Hulk, Black Widow, and more as leads of their own projects, the DCEU only has Harley Quinn and Wonder Woman. If you count the Arrowverse on The CW, Supergirl and the short-lived Batwoman makes four. Batgirl was not only going to be the fifth woman-led project in the universe, but she was a person of color, adding to the diversity of the franchise.
What does Batgirl's fate mean for other female-led projects? The second film in the Wonder Woman saga, Wonder Woman 1984, was not well received by critics, averaging a 58% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. That's a significant decrease from the score Wonder Woman received, which is Certified Fresh. Harley Quinn has been the breakout from the Suicide Squad, but she can only carry the franchise for so long. Black Canary, played by Jurnee Smollett in Birds of Prey, is expected to receive her own film, but it has yet to be given the green light.
Batgirl's cancellation could speak to what happens with other female-led projects. If this project could be canceled for no reason specific to the film's quality or performance, at least as stated, one receiving negative reviews is certainly on the chopping block. Reported test screenings of Batgirl did not yield positive reviews, which may have impacted the studio's decision.
Mirroring the MCU's Formula
With their move away from streaming films, will this impact the projects Warner Bros. carries out within the franchise? Several projects are being discussed, and more are confirmed, but it is unlikely they will all make it to a theatrical release. Batgirl's release to HBO Max opened the door for other DCEU films to have the same treatment, which now seems to be out the window.
The only DCEU project that has been exclusive to HBO Max so far has been Peacemaker, a series following the character of the same name. If other shows are developed, will they be on HBO Max as well, mirroring the setup of the MCU?
Though Warner Bros. hopes to keep Leslie Grace in the role, the jury is still out on what impact this move will have on the franchise as a whole.