As the fallout continues from the Batgirl cancelation, director Adil El Arbi has shared a new behind-the-scenes photo featuring Leslie Grace and Michael Keaton.
Adil El Arbi shared the photo via his Instagram stories without any text merely showing him with Leslie Grace as Barbara Gordon/Batgirl and Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman.
He also shared a message that was sent to him and his directing partner Bilall Fallah from Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige in the wake of their film's cancelation.
My friends I had to reach out and let you know we are all thinking about you both. Because of the wonderful news about the wedding (congrats!) and the disappointing news about Batgirl. Very proud of you guys for all the amazing work you do and particularly Ms Marvel of course! Can't wait to see what is next for you. Hope to see you soon.
Since the posting of the original information, Variety has learned that this appears to have been done for a tax write-off. According to sources speaking with the outlet, it was deemed too expensive to expand the scope of the film to make it ready for a wide theater release – it was originally envisioned as being made directly for HBO Max – and to also spend $30 to $50 million to market it domestically. By the time was all said and done, the cost would have doubled to closer to $180 million for a global rollout when combined with the budget.
Not releasing the film in any fashion will allow the studio to take a tax write-down by counting the budget of the film as a total loss. In addition to Batgirl, the same fate was dealt to the animated Scoob! sequel, Scoob! Holiday Haunt.
Sources within Warner Bros. Discovery or saying that the cancellation of Batgirl was not reflective of the quality of the film, but merely a financial decision. The studio hopes to work with the directors again, as well as Grace.
