Joss Whedon is stepping away from writing and directing a Batgirl project for DC Entertainment and Warner Bros.
At a moment when inclusion and representation within the world of superhero adaptations are proving to be of increasing importance to studios and audiences alike, the first standalone film for the enduringly popular Batgirl character would seem a priority item.
Last year, DC and Warner Bros’ Wonder Woman earned more than $821 million (Dh3 billion) at the worldwide box office. Marvel and Disney have their Captain Marvel, starring Brie Larson, in the works.
Whedon was first announced as being attached to the Batgirl project in March 2017, entering the DC universe after having previously directed Marvel’s The Avengers and Avengers: Age of Ultron. Then in May of last year, Whedon stepped in to complete Warner/DC’s Justice League after director Zack Snyder left the project for family reasons.
In a statement first published by the Hollywood Reporter, Whedon referred to DC President Geoff Johns and Warner Bros Picture Group President Toby Emmerich when he said, “Batgirl is such an exciting project, and Warners/DC such collaborative and supportive partners, that it took me months to realise I really didn’t have a story. I’m grateful to Geoff and Toby and everyone who was so welcoming when I arrived, and so understanding when I... uh, is there a sexier word for ‘failed?’”
Warner and DC still have their Aquaman, directed by James Wan, slated for release late this year. While the immediate fate of the Batgirl project was unclear, noted author Roxane Gay, who wrote for Marvel’s World of Wakanda comic book series, threw her hat in the ring on Thursday afternoon. On Twitter, she wrote, “Hey DC Comics I can write your batgirl movie, no prob.”
