Recently Warner Bros. Discovery killed DC comics’ highly-awaited Batgirl starring Leslie Grace in the titular role after spending almost USD 90 million on it. The film will neither release in theatres nor on HBO Max for which it was actually meant. The film had finished shooting months ago and was in the test screenings as directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah worked through the post-production process. The move came on the heels of a change in top leadership with Jason Kilar giving way to David Zaslav, who scrapped the film citing cost-cutting measures and on refocusing on theatrical release rather than streaming service. Now, directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah and Leslie Grace have come forward and reacted to the canning of their film.
Taking to social media, Leslie, who was the first Latina to spearhead a superhero film, issued a statement and 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!” Along with her heartfelt note, she shared several BTS pictures and videos from the sets of Batgirl.
On the other hand, the directors also issued their own statement on the cancellation of Batgirl that reads, “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. Maybe one day they will insha’Allah. 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 a 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 an honor to have been a part of the DCEU, even if it was for a brief moment. Batgirl for life.”
Besides Leslie, Batgirl also starred Michael Keaton, JK Simmons, Brendan Fraser, Jacob Scipio, Corey Johnson and Rebecca Front. Batgirl followed Barbara Gordon, the daughter of Commissioner Gordon from Batman universe. Michael Keaton had reprised his Batman role for the film while Commissioner Gordon aka Barbara’s father was played by JK Simmons. Brendan Fraser played the antagonist Firefly in one of his comeback roles.
(Source: Instagram)
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