Director Joss Whedon has departed the DC Batgirl movie. Whedon was set to write and direct the film for Warner Brothers. The director signed onto the project before it came to light that he would help Zack Snyder out with Justice League, after the director had to leave in the wake of his daughters’ death. Whedon made a statement about why he departed the film, but could there be another deeper reason that the director stepped down?
Batgirl will be a part of the larger DC Extended Universe, although the film may be in jeopardy after Justice League received dismal reviews. There are rumors of a big shake-up at Warner Brothers, and the entire future of the DCEU is up in the air. Whedon worked on Batgirl for the better part of a year, but tells The Hollywood Reporter:
“Batgirl is such an exciting project, and Warners/DC such collaborative and supportive partners, that it took me months to realize I really didn’t have a story. I’m grateful to Geoff and Toby and everyone who was so welcoming when I arrived, and so understanding when I… uh, is there a sexier word for ‘failed’?”
It is sad to see Whedon depart the film, but after what Patty Jenkins did with Wonder Woman, could DC and Warner Brothers tap another female director to handle a story with a strong feminist narrative such as Batgirl? Whedon has recently come under fire for his portrayal of female characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the rest of his portfolio. According to The Hollywood Reporter:
Industry sources add that even as Whedon faced story issues, in today’s cultural entertainment environment, a male filmmaker may have faced greater public scrutiny if he were to have tackled a movie with such feminist importance such as Batgirl or Wonder Woman, much like a white filmmaker would have seen backlash if they were to take on the Black Panther movie.
This may be a safe move for Whedon. It is smart to stand with Warner Brothers as the DCEU tries to find its footing. Whedon also has caught flack for his marital situation.
A small report at Batman News indicates that the next DC film, Aquaman, is being tested (unfinished) and audiences are loving the pacing and action in the film. The film is still far from complete. The report states that, “So far two different sources told me they loved #Aquaman! There’s tons of action but it’s a very emotional movie as well.” This is good news for DC and Warner Brothers. They shot a dud with Justice League and need to produce another hit like Wonder Woman soon.
Aquaman opens in theaters at the end of 2018.
