Warner Bros. has sought to make a Batgirl movie for several years. The film was initially announced in March 2017, with The Avengers director Joss Whedon at the helm. He planned to adapt Batgirl's 1967 comic book debut, but Whedon left the project in February 2018, saying he "really didn't have a story." The filmmaker later claimed he actually did have an idea, but it didn't fit into the wider DC Extended Universe.
Despite having a screenwriter attached, the movie was left in an unclear stage of development for several years, until Warner Bros. announced in May 2021 that it was officially moving forward as an exclusive release on its HBO Max streaming platform. Since then, cast and crew announcements have begun to roll out for the film. Here's what we know so far about the Batgirl movie's plot, release date and trailer.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Updated Dec. 23, 2021, to include confirmation of Michael Keaton's return as Batman.
What Is the Batgirl Movie's Story?
When describing Batgirl, producer Kristin Burr said that the film will "take the audience on a fun ride and see a different side of Gotham." It has been confirmed that the movie will follow Barbara Gordon, who was the first of many people to take up the mantle of Batgirl in the comic books. When Joss Whedon was still in talks to direct the film, he claimed that Barbara's characterization would be inspired by her incarnation in DC's New 52 reboot, which was penned by acclaimed writer Gail Simone. It is unknown whether that statement still holds true now that Whedon is no longer attached.
So far, the only confirmed characters for the movie are Barbara herself and her father, Gotham City Police Commissioner James Gordon. As for the villain, some reports have claimed that the serial arsonist and Batman villain Firefly will serve as one of the film's antagonists. Considering Firefly's frequent association with fellow Batman villain Killer Moth, who was the first villain Batgirl ever fought in the comic book source material, this may mean that Killer Moth will also be making an appearance in the Batgirl film.
At the 2021 DC FanDome event, it was revealed that an incarnation of Batman will be appearing in the film. A piece of concept art was also shown off that revealed that Barbara will have her signature red hair, as well as a full cowl instead of just a domino mask. When the beginning of filming was announced on November 30, 2021, co-director Adil El Arbi posted an Instagram picture suggesting that Barbara Gordon will be a full-fledged police officer, as well as hinting that the film will take place during Christmastime.
Who's in the Batgirl Movie Cast and Crew?
Following a long casting search, actor Leslie Grace, who is best known for her performance in the 2021 film In the Heights as well as her successful music career, has been cast as Barbara Gordon. In addition, J.K. Simmons will be reprising his role of Commissioner James Gordon, making Batgirl his third appearance as the character following his appearances in Justice League and Zack Snyder's Justice League. Simmons' inclusion seems to indicate that the film will exist in the DC Extended Universe's shared continuity. Despite this, it has been confirmed that Ben Affleck will not return as Batman, with Michael Keaton having instead been confirmed to reprise his role as the Caped Crusader.
Other cast members of Batgirl include Brendan Fraser, who will be playing the film's main antagonist, along with Bad Boys For Life star Jacob Scipio.
Batgirl will be directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, the directors of 2020's Bad Boys for Life. The two were described by producer Burr, as having "an excited and joyous energy which is infectious." The script was written by Christina Hodson, who also penned Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) and The Flash for DC. Loki composer Natalie Holt will be scoring the film, while Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness cinematographer John Mathieson will serve as the film's director of photography.
Batgirl will be releasing exclusively on HBO Max sometime in 2022. An exact release date has not yet been announced. This article will be updated to include the date when it is revealed. There is no trailer for Batgirl at this time.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.