Even after its cancelation and having a funeral screening, Batgirl doesn’t seem to want to go away, or the people are just not ready for the film to go away just like that. The cancelation of the film has received a mixed reaction. Some say it’s reasonable whereas others even called DC racist. Cobra Kai actor, Xolo Mariduena, who is cast to play Blue Beetle in WB’s upcoming film shared his thoughts on the cancelation.
Ever since the merger of WB and Discovery, which is now known as Warner Bros Discovery or WBD, the studio has gone through multiple changes. From canceling movies and shows to setting up a whole new 10-year plan for its superhero universe, all this happened after this merger. The merged streaming service of HBO Max and Discovery+ will debut in the summer of 2023.
Read More: Blue Beetle: Cobra Kai Star Xolo Maridueña’s First Look As Jaime Reyes Puts MCU to Shame
WBD canceled The Batgirl
Batgirl is the origin story of Barbara Gordan as Batgirl. The film had Leslie Grace in the lead along with J. K. Simmons, Jacob Scipio, Brendan Fraser, and Michael Keaton.
Production for the Batgirl was almost completed and it was set to release on HBO Max. But according to the studio’s new strategy, they are not planning on releasing any movies on its streaming platform but are planning on having a theatre release for all of its upcoming films.
Batgirl, which was made for an OTT release, was not appropriate for a theatrical release. So the studio decided to trash the project and use it as a tax write-off. Other than that, the CEO of WBD has shared his thoughts on the movie by saying it was not good enough to still keep it up for the release. Not just the CEO, but many people who joined in the funeral screening of the film thought the same and agreed with his decision.
Xolo Mariduena’s Thoughts on the Cancelation of Batgirl
During his recent interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Xolo Mariduena, who will be bringing Jaime Reyes, aka Blue Beetle, on-screen talked about the studio’s decision to cancel the film.
He said everything that has to be said is already said by the people involved, including creators and actress Leslie Grace.
He said, “It obviously feels very close, right? Warner Brothers and Beetle. But I think everything that has to be said on the topic has been spoken from [those involved].”
At the time of the merger, Batgirl was not the only film. Under the cancelation radar of the WBD. Blue Beetle and Black Canary were also almost canceled, but the studio decided to keep them in and continue with their theatrical release.
Xolo Mariduena Talks About How Blue Beetle is Different From Other Superheroes
Upon being asked about playing Blue Beetle and getting the role without even auditioning, Xolo Mariduena responded with, “Oh my gosh, how do they know? I haven’t even read a word of the script! How can they be so sure?”
Xolo Mariduena said that it was all like imposter syndrome in the beginning. Talking about the superhero, Blue Beetle, he said that the film or the character is not supposed to make him a big star but has a positive light on Latino characters.
He said, “Hey, these stories about Latinos don’t have to just be about narcos or crossing the border or being a gang member. “
Xolo Mariduena also talked about Blue Beetle carefully, trying not to give any spoilers. He said that everything he is saying is from the comics. Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle has been passed on the torch by other Blue Beetles.
He said there are multiple iterations of the Blue Beetle, and his character is a kid from Texas who stumbles upon the powers of the Blue Beetle. He also said that Blue Beetle’s family aspect is the one that makes it different from the other superhero movies.
Will Batgirl Return to the DCEU
Even though WBD has not made any announcements regarding Batgirl’s return to the DCEU, there are possibilities that Batgirl may have cameos in the upcoming films in the DCEU.
According to the reports, Batgirl was expected to appear in the 2020 film, Birds of Prey, for the first time. But it was canceled and a solo film was planned for the Batgirl.
Considering it, there can be a possibility that Batgirl gets a feature in Blue Beetle or any other DCEU films. It would be great for everyone who wanted to see Leslie Grace as the Batgirl.
However, nothing is confirmed yet, and all we can do is wait and hope for the best.
The release date for Xolo Mariduena starring Blue Beetle is not out yet. However, the actor is busy with the new season of Cobra Kai, which will release on September 9, 2022, on Netflix.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
