Michael Omoruan
Warner Brothers have canceled further development of Batgirl. The news comes after pouring close to $100 million into the project and over seven months into the production of the anticipated comic book film.
In July 2021, Leslie Grace was announced to play the lead role of Batgirl. This would have made her the first actress of Afro-Latina descent to don the cowl.
Many other big names joined the film’s cast, including JK Simmons returning as Commissioner Jim Gordon. Michael Keaton was also billed to return as Batman after 30 years, and Brendan Fraser as the supervillain, Firefly.
The film was scheduled to be released on HBO Max in December 2022.
However, according to a report by Collider, the response from early test screenings made Warner Brothers wary that the film might be a financial flop.
The famed singer/songwriter took to Instagram to praise her fellow cast and crew members on Instagram.
“Querida familia! On the heels of the recent news about our movie “Batgirl,” I am proud of the love, hard work and intention all of our incredible cast and tireless crew put into this film over 7 months in Scotland.”
Had the company stuck to its guns, the film could have been well-received.
Black and Latinx audience members would’ve appreciated the diversity and inclusion while watching Grace’s portrayal of DC Films’ first Latinx superhero on screen.
Latinx audiences may still have a hero to look forward to.
While there has been no official word of any cancellation, the live-action “Blue Beetle” film starring George Lopez and Xolo Maridueña from Netflix’s Cobra Kai is still scheduled for an August 2023 release date.
Leslie Congas With Meek
Talk about a throwback!
In early 2021, three-time Latin Grammy Award nominee, Leslie Congas featured with Meek Mill on a modern remake of Conga, Gloria Estefan’s 1985 smash hit.
The music video, made in promotion with the rum brand Bacardi, features Grace dancing through a colorful Caribbean city with the Philly-based rapper and some celebrity cameos to look out for.
