Leslie Grace, who played the titular role in the canceled Batgirl movie, reveals what would have been her character’s final costume. Originally set for a 2022 release either in theaters or via HBO Max, Batgirl was scrapped shortly after reaching the post-production phase. While rumored to be partially due to poor test screenings, the primary reason for Warner Bros. Discovery’s cancellation decision was reported to be cost-cutting measures, with the film being written off as a tax break.Grace took to Instagram to share a glimpse at what would have been Batgirl’s final costume from the movie. In a seconds-long bit of footage, Grace can be seen in a Batgirl costume that is markedly different to the first Batgirl costume Grace revealed back in January 2022. Whereas the former costume consists of a more wrinkled, leathery material and front zipper, the new suit is a sturdier body armor with a built-in cape. Check out an image of Grace's final Batgirl suit (via @BatgirlFilm) below:
Why The Batgirl Movie Deserves To Be Resurrected
Live-action renditions of Batgirl have existed on television since 1968, starting with Yvonne Craig’s Barbara Gordon/Batgirl in the Batman series. However, Batgirl has never made an appearance in any superhero film, even as a supporting character. The daughter of Commissioner Gordon — an essential character to the Batman franchise — adding Barbara to the canon makes for compelling story possibilities. In addition, the heroine can further expand and advance the DCEU. Margot Robbie and Grace both previously expressed interest in a Harley Quinn and Batgirl crossover, which would be a milestone for a franchise still sorely lacking in diverse superheroes and female representation overall.
A stacked cast and crew were involved in Batgirl’s production, making the cancelation all the more a shame. A versatile singer and actress, Grace’s take on Batgirl was highly anticipated. Additionally, Brendan Fraser’s turn as the villain Firefly will be missed, especially after the actor shared details about the character’s backstory as a veteran who in desperation shifts to a life of crime. Michael Keaton was also set to return as Batman, his first appearance since 1992’s Batman Returns — though he will also star in the role for the upcoming The Flash. Finally, directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah would have brought a fresh and experienced lens to the film, having previously helped direct and produce Disney+’s Ms. Marvel. With the star power and talent involved, the Batgirl movie held so much potential — audiences would be delighted to see either a completed final product or another adaptation where the cast and crew reprise their efforts.
Arbi and Fallah have been in talks to direct other future DCEU projects, and recently disclosed that a meeting with DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran is in the books. Given that Gunn and Safran haven’t yet shared what the plan for the character is, there's hope that a revival of Batgirl will be discussed. With fans more receptive to the upgraded costume that Grace revealed after the first version was widely panned, it would also be a waste to not somehow showcase the new and improved Batgirl suit.
Source: Leslie Grace/Instagram