The Batgirl film was shelved by CEO David Zaslav in its post-production stages after the Warner Bros merger with Discovery, which was disappointing to fans worldwide who were ready to see Batgirl on the big screen. However, Leslie Grace offers a bittersweet glimpse of what the final Batgirl costume would have looked like in the film, as previously shared images of the suit were considered a prototype.Despite Warner's statement regarding the Batgirl cancelation that it would only release films the studio believed in, expressing that Batgirl was not of that same quality, it was later reported that the motivation for the cancelation was so Warner Bros could save money by taking a tax write-off. Fans were previously hopeful that the Discovery merger would bring much needed leadership to DC Studios, but did not anticipate that it would be at the expense of films that were already in their final stages. This news was not only heartbreaking to some fans, the directors, and cast and crew, but was also shocking to the film industry, as it could set a precarious precedent between the directors and studios relative to audience expectations. Even so, Leslie Grace expressed having learned from the experience and takes those lessons into 2023, but not before giving fans a glimpse of what the final Batgirl suit would have been.Leslie Grace shared a video on Instagram of captured memories from 2022, some of which consisted of behind the scene looks from the Batgirl production. One moment that appeared in the video was Leslie Grace in full Batgirl attire. The new suit is accurate to the comics and the latest video games, while also paying homage to the 66 Batman series in its vibrant shade of purple.
The suit is sleek and modern, with a cape that attaches underneath the plates, somewhat similar to Pattinson’s batsuit. It is important to note that the footage of the suit was taken off set, and that it would have looked much better on film and under correct lighting. Unfortunately, fans may never know what the film could have been, but BTS teased a grounded Batgirl film with practical effects, starring an exciting cast that included Brendan Fraser, Michael Keaton, and J.K Simmons.
It is unknown how Keaton’s Batman would have replaced Ben Affleck’s Batman in Batgirl, but the film was supposed to take place after The Flash, so it could be that the prior regime at WB, which included Walter Hamada, had plans to somehow replace the actors in that storyline. Those plans have most likely been scrapped since the current DCU is on a different path, but The Flash film may still be used to explain the studio's new trajectory. The Batgirl directors seemed hopeful in the film possibly releasing one day, but as of now Batgirl joins David Ayer's Suicide Squad in the fan's campaign against WBD's interference with artistic integrity and the release of director driven films.
Source: Leslie Grace|Instagram