Batgirl | Leslie Grace Thanks Fans After Film Cancellation: “Blessed”
The actress adopted a positive tone and recalled the seven months of production of the film in Scotland.
A day after the cancellation of Batgirl by Warner Bros., the star of the movie produced for HBO Max, Leslie Grace, published a statement on Instagram. Opting for a positive tone, she fled criticism of the studio’s decision and opted to celebrate her colleagues’ work on the project, as well as thank the DC fans who have supported her throughout the work. See below.
“Dear family! In the wake of recent news about our film Batgirl, I am proud of the love, hard work and intention that all of our incredible cast and tireless crew put into this film over seven months in Scotland. I feel blessed to have worked between great and forged relationships that will last a lifetime, in the process. To every Batgirl fan: Thank you! For your love and for believing, allowing me to take on the cover and become, as Babs says, ‘my own heroine’. Batgirl forever,” wrote the actress.
According to sources at Deadline, the cancellation came because Warner’s new leadership after the Discovery merger rejected the previously established strategy of investing in major productions for HBO Max, the studio’s streaming service. Batgirl had a budget of $90 million, inflated from $70 million due to Covid-19 prevention costs.
Leslie Grace would play opposite Michael Keaton and J.K. Simmons in the film that would introduce the actress’ version of Barbara Gordon. Recently, it was reported that the film already had a possible sequel being discussed.
Batgirl was directed by the duo formed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah (Bad Boys For Life and Ms. Marvel), with a screenplay by Christina Hodson (Birds of Prey: Harley Quinn and Her Fantabulous Emancipation). To top it off, the film would feature Brendan Fraser as the villain.