Those involved in the production of Batgirl are getting the chance to see the canceled DC Extended Universe film before it is locked away in the proverbial Warner Bros. vault.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, multiple sources have revealed that "secret screenings" of Batgirl are taking place at the WB lot this week. These screenings -- which one source referred to as "funeral screenings" -- are for those who worked on the film, including cast members, crew members and other insiders, such as representatives and executives. After the screenings, the Batgirl footage will be sealed, possibly never to be viewed again.
DC's Batgirl Film Will Not Be Released to the Public
Earlier this month on Aug. 2, it came to light that Warner Bros. Discovery had pulled the plug on Batgirl, which was previously slated to debut exclusively on HBO Max as part of the DCEU sometime this year. This move was called "unprecedented," given how deep the $90 million comic book movie was into production. Prior to the shocking cancellation, a single test screening for Batgirl was held, which marked the only time individuals not involved in the production got to see a cut of the film.
"The decision to not release Batgirl reflects our leadership's strategic shift as it relates to the DC universe and HBO Max," Warner Bros. said in an official statement. "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."
Batgirl was directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah (Ms. Marvel) from a script by Christina Hodson (Birds of Prey, The Flash). The film would have starred the aforementioned Leslie Grace in the lead role of Barbara Gordon/Batgirl. It also would have seen Justice League star J.K. Simmons reprise his role as James Gordon, Barbara's father. Moreover, Michael Keaton was set to reprise his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman from 1989's Batman and 1992's Batman Returns. The rest of Batgirl's planned cast included Jacob Scipio as Anthony Bressi, Ivory Aquino as Alysia Yeoh and Brendan Fraser as main antagonist Ted Carson/Firefly, among others.
Despite Batgirl's cancellation, Warner Bros. and DC are reportedly interested in bringing Grace back to play Barbara Gordon in a different project.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
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