Joss Whedon Bows Out Of 'Batgirl' Movie: 'I Really Didn't Have A Story'
Joss Whedon is bidding adieu from Batgirl, which he was set to direct and write, just after almost one year of joining the team.
The news came nearly one year from when he was announced in March 2017. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Whedon revealed that it took him months to finally realize that he could not write a story fitting for Batgirl. He went on to say that people in Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment were so supportive.
"I'm grateful to Geoff and Toby and everyone who was so welcoming when I arrived, and so understanding when I...uh, is there a sexier word for 'failed?'" Whedon blatantly said, pertaining to Geoff Johns, DC president, and Toby Emmerich, Warner Bros. Pictures Group president.
Whedon was supposed to bring to life the heroine in Gotham City, Batgirl, or Barbara Gordon. It can be noted that his content, had it been done, would sit alongside famous Wonder Woman as female superheroes in the scene.
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman, starred by Gal Gadot, had become a hit after its release in 2017. Whedon faced a series of backlash when a script he wrote for the Princess of Amazon leaked, and was dubbed as sexist, a far cry, many noted, from what fans had seen in the big screen.
Additionally, other sources said that aside from storyline issues, Whedon would have to face a lot of critics who are always on the lookout for errors, especially that he would be set to direct a movie with an all-important and feminist significance as Batgirl. Some noted that this was similar to Black Panther meeting critics if it was directed by a white director.
Meanwhile, sources said Whedon tried to figure out how to do Batgirl, but eventually failed in doing so. However, Whedon's past work should be taken into consideration. He had worked in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, starred by Sarah Michelle Gellar, which had become hit during its airing course.
In line with this, he also directed Dollhouse, starred by Eliza Dushku, and Firefly, starred by Summer Glau and Nathan Fillion. This means that he probably has an inkling on how to showcase female lead stars in female-focused contents.
Last year, Whedon took over Justice League when Zack Snyder, the supposed director, had to attend to a family emergency. Batgirl had also been much-awaited, especially with the works he helmed, including Avengers: Age of Ultron and The Avengers.
