"Management Strategy Changed"... Why the 90 Billion Won Invested Movie 'Batgirl' Is Not Being Released

Warner's Side: "Not Due to Actor's Acting"

American media conglomerate Warner Bros. Discovery has canceled the release of the movie 'Batgirl.'
Photo by Adil El Arbi, director of the movie 'Batgirl,' Instagram capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] American media giant Warner Bros. Discovery (hereafter Warner) has canceled the release of the movie 'Batgirl,' which had over 90 billion won invested in it.

According to foreign media including the UK BBC and the New York Post on the 3rd (local time), this film, with a budget of 70 million dollars (approximately 91.8 billion won), was nearly completed and was scheduled to be released this December on the online streaming service (OTT) platform HBO Max and in theaters, but the related plans have been scrapped.

According to the media, Warner is reportedly not planning to release Batgirl in theaters, on OTT, or by any other means.

This decision is said to be due to the negative reactions from a private screening of Batgirl held last month. The New York Post explained, "The audience's response at the screening was so poor that the production company decided early on to step away for the future of the brand."

On the other hand, Warner stated that the cancellation of Batgirl's release was due to a change in management strategy. A Warner spokesperson said, "The decision not to release Batgirl reflects strategic changes in leadership related to the DC Universe and HBO Max," adding, "(Leslie Grace, who plays Batgirl) is a very talented actress, and this decision is not a reflection of her performance."

Meanwhile, Batgirl is a female superhero appearing in DC Comics' Batman series, and this film focused on the story of the first Batgirl, Barbara Gordon. Grace (27), a Latin singer and actress who played Barbara Gordon, posted on her social media regarding the cancellation news, "It was an unforgettable experience of a lifetime, and I was honored to portray this character through this opportunity," and expressed, "Thank you to all Batgirl fans for your love and faith."