Imagine pouring your heart and soul into a project, only to have it vanish into thin air. That’s exactly what happened to Batgirl, the DC Comics adaptation that was unceremoniously scrapped by Warner Bros. Discovery after filming had already wrapped. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Jacob Scipio, one of the film’s stars, actually saw the movie before it was shelved—and he’s calling it 'phenomenal.' Could this unseen film have been a hidden gem, or is there more to the story than meets the eye?
When Warner Bros. Discovery pulled the plug on Batgirl, fans and industry insiders were left stunned. The decision was unprecedented, with reports labeling the film 'unreleasable.' This move sparked widespread speculation, especially since recent DC releases like Black Adam and The Flash had already tested audiences' patience. Was Batgirl truly that bad, or was this a cost-cutting measure by CEO David Zaslav? After all, shelving a movie meant for streaming seemed like a way to avoid financial losses rather than a quality control issue.
DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran didn’t mince words, stating that Batgirl 'was not releasable' and applauding Zaslav’s 'bold and courageous decision' to cancel it. But this raises a question: Was this a necessary business move, or did it unfairly rob audiences of a potentially great film?
Batgirl was poised to be a major breakthrough for stars like Leslie Grace and Jacob Scipio, who played Barbara Gordon and gangster Anthony Bressi, respectively. In a recent interview with The Direct, Scipio confirmed he watched a near-final cut of the film. 'It was a phenomenal film,' he shared. 'I’m really sad the world never got to see it. But you know, you never know.' His optimism echoes a broader hope among fans that the movie might one day see the light of day.
Scipio also praised the decision to save Coyote vs. Acme, another Warner Bros. project initially on the chopping block. 'Hollywood’s a funny place,' he noted. 'If enough people want it, it can happen.' But let’s be real—the odds of Batgirl resurfacing are slim. Rumors suggest the film has already been deleted after a 'funeral screening' for the cast and crew. Plus, with James Gunn steering the DCU in a new direction, a three-year-old film featuring Michael Keaton’s Batman (instead of the new Bruce Wayne) doesn’t align with current plans.
Speaking of Keaton, his take on the situation was refreshingly candid. 'Big, fun, nice check,' he said last year, shrugging off the cancellation. While he expressed sympathy for directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, Keaton seemed unfazed by the outcome. But for fans, the loss of Batgirl means more than just a missed paycheck—it’s the end of a potential Batman Beyond project and the Bat Family’s role in the now-defunct DCEU.
Instead, DC Studios has rebooted the franchise as the DCU, with a new Bruce Wayne set to debut in The Brave and the Bold. And this is the part most people miss: Could Batgirl have been retooled as an Elseworlds story, existing outside the main canon? Or has that window of opportunity closed for good?
As we reflect on what could have been, the question lingers: Are you disappointed that this 'phenomenal' film will never be released? Or do you think Warner Bros. made the right call? Let’s spark a debate—share your thoughts in the comments below!
