Even though Batgirl is in the final stages of post-production, Deadline has confirmed that Warner Bros. and DC Films will not be releasing the movie on any platform, including theatrically.
This falls in line with the mandate put down by the new WB regime to cut back on the feature films premiering on the streamer and deciding which films will be released theatrically and which will be shelved, and sources close to the project say word came down this week that Batgirl did not make the cut. The studio has also made the decision to shelve the Scooby-Doo pic, Scoob!: Holiday Haunt.
The film stars Leslie Grace in the titular role, Brendan Fraser and Michael Keaton reprising his Bruce Wayne part and was expected to bow sometime in 2023. As for the exact reason behind the shelving, sources say the film did not fall in line with the new strategy being implemented by DC Films as well as HBO Max. The studio is looking to make theatrical tentpoles with budgets at $90 million-plus, and from early footage seen this did not fall into place with that model. (Batgirl was greenlighted at $70 million budget.)
Watch on Deadline
The decision follows several recent changes across company including major changes to HBO Max, with more expected with the upcoming earnings call later this week. The New York Post first reported the Batgirl news.
Did the money digging ??????
at wherever this decision is being made, ever take into consideration that young girls need Batgirl, and maybe just try to do something selfless for the Hunan race for a change???!!!?
Warner Bros Discovery: “We made billions off reality show crap that we paid pennies to make, with ‘talent’ that are a dime a dozen. I’m not sure what else you’d think we do?”
In my 20 years at WB, nothing like this has happened. It was disappointing to find out about it in the press. An email from the Zas would’ve been nice explaining the thought process behind the decision and, I dunno, acknowledging our hard work on these films?
This really is vindication for Christopher Nolan who warned Warner Bros not to dilute their medium and quality. They paid no attention and as a result lost arguably one of the greatest film producers and directors of our time. An expensive lesson for Warner Bros but one that will hopefully pave the way for better cinematic quality movies that eventually find their way to lesser ancillary formats like TV streaming.
Between this and the chop shop job they are doing to poor TBS I think this will be a firesale company in a few years. Seems to be what they are going for because it isn’t about making anything good or earning the good graces of your paying audience.