Topline
Warner Bros. Discovery has scrapped plans to release Batgirl theatrically or via streaming, multiple publications reported Tuesday after reportedly spending $90 million to make it.
Key Facts
Starring Leslie Grace in the iconic comic book role, the movie had performed poorly in test screenings, according to the New York Post, which first broke the news of the cancellation. Production was delayed because of Covid-19 and expensive reshoots were carried out, causing the film’s budget to skyrocket, according to The Wrap.
New CEO David Zaslav is reportedly cutting costs and seeking to focus on big theatrical releases rather than direct-to-streaming.Animated movie Scoob!: Holiday Haunt will also not be released, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Forbes has reached out to Warner Bros. for comment.
Key Background
Leslie Grace is best known for her role as Nina in In The Heights. Batgirl also starred Michael Keaton, who was set to reprise his role as Batman in the film, as well as J.K. Simmons and Brendan Frasier. It was directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, who are known for Mrs. Marvel. It’s unusual for studios to completely scrap projects.
Further Reading
Michael Keaton Will Reprise Role As Batman In Upcoming HBO Max Movie (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisadellatto/2022/08/02/warner-bros-cans-batgirl/