The outbursts overBatgirl’scancelationhaven’t toned down. Ever since David Zaslav shelved the DCEU movie after it had wrapped filming, fans and the film’s cast and crew have shown extensive disappointment over the decision.Batgirlwas the sort of film that would have helped the DC Extended Universe to become more expansivewith new characters entering the fold. Now the film is shelved, there is no telling how DC Films and Warner Bros. Discoverywish to proceedwiththeir new ten-year plan.
Adding up to the frustrations over the film’s abrupt cancellation, an anonymous actor who was part of the film has called the move an act of ‘cowardice’ and described David Zaslav as an imbecile. The statement came from the actor, whose name isn’t revealed, in response to an article byEric KohnofIndieWire(viaComic Book Resources). The article reflected on Hollywood studios’ careless attitude towards filmmakers’ and creators’ work, usingBatgirl’scancellation as an example.
As further reported byThe Direct, the anonymous actor described the decision as a nightmare for the people involved in the film. He supported Leslie Grace and the director-duo Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah in a statement where he says,
I felt a considerable amount of comfort (and sincere sadness) reading your excellent article and the examination of this whole nightmare. The multiple streaming avenues and their vague guarantees appear anything but secure. I am very offended by what happened and feel terrible for the directors and Leslie Grace, who were all wonderful to work with, as well as all of the technicians. It was an enormous, rewarding challenge to make this movie during Covid, and during the cold weather in Glasgow. None of these things matter to an imbecile like [Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav]. His cowardice is breathtaking. I am glad I got to participate and I wish the best for all those involved — except the suits at Warner Brothers. But they all get replaced sooner than later.
It’s unknown who the actor is and what part he had in the film. But, his statement shows that everyone feels disrespected by the studio’s call. To have a project shelved in the final stages of production is a lot to deal with for filmmakers and the film’s other cast and crew members. It was also brought to light that Adil El Arbi was celebrating his wedding when the news hit him, and there couldn’t have been worse timing. WithBatgirlshelved, there’s no telling the character’s future. There are reports that thestudio wishes to retain Leslie Gracefor a potential film in the future, but that checkpoint is way ahead on the road.
BatgirlCancelation Has Led the Studio to RethinkThe Flash
Warner Bros.’s problems do not end with the announcement of the DC reset. The film apparently meant to execute that reset is also in trouble. Several criminal allegations against actorEzra Millerand his constant antics against law enforcement have led Warner Bros. to reconsider the position of his forthcomingThe Flash. Directed by Andy Muschietti,The Flashwas supposed to “rewrite’ DCEU via a multiversal superhero adventure. But, as Miller’s reputation andrapport with fans decline by the day,The Flash’sfuture looks bleak.
Recent reports show that Warner Bros. has sought three alternatives toThe Flashand the impending call to keep or release Ezra Miller from the role. All these three alternatives don’t include a wide release forThe Flashbut a limited one. There are also possibilities of that film getting scrapped.
Warner Bros. may have decided to reset the DCEU and adapt a Marvel Studios-inspired plan for a shared franchise, butall these direction-less mishapsare making things worse for them.
