Joss Whedon in talks to head up ‘Batgirl’ for DC
Back in March 2017, Variety reported that Joss Whedon was in early talks to write, direct, and produce a standalone Batgirl film inside the Warner Bros. DC slate. The attachment generated quick excitement because Whedon had already proven he could center a story on a sharp, capable heroine.
That enthusiasm was rooted in his earlier work. Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Dollhouse showcased female leads who carried their own moral codes and physical stakes, and the hope was that the same instincts could translate to Gotham.
Article opening paragraph on Variety report and Whedon attachment
The 2017 report framed the project as still in conversation rather than green-lit. Whedon left the film in February 2018 after creative differences over the story prevented forward movement. The exit ended any further development under his involvement.
What Happened to the Whedon Batgirl Project
Whedon was announced in March 2017. He stepped away the following February, citing an inability to land on a workable script. No replacement writer or director was named at the time, and the project effectively went quiet.
Batgirl’s Comic Book Legacy and Multiple Identities
The first Bat-Girl, Betty Kane, appeared in 1961 as a short-lived supporting character. Barbara Gordon took over the role in Detective Comics #359 in January 1967, establishing the version most readers recognize. Later iterations included Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown, each bringing distinct skill sets and backstories to the Batgirl mantle.
Article opening paragraph on Variety report and Whedon attachment
Because the original announcement came through trade reporting rather than an official studio slate placement, the timeline remained fluid from the start. The February 2018 exit clarified that Whedon would not continue, removing any assumption that the film was advancing under his name.
Joss Whedon’s Career After the Batgirl Talks
After leaving Batgirl, Whedon completed reshoots on Justice League and has not led another major feature or series since. He has stayed out of the Buffy reboot discussions and has not returned to DC projects.
The 2022 Batgirl Film and Its Cancellation
A separate Batgirl movie moved into production with directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah and Leslie Grace in the title role. After completing post-production, Warner Bros. Discovery shelved the finished film in August 2022 as part of broader cost-cutting measures. The project remains unreleased.
Batgirl comic existence since 1960
The character first surfaced as Betty Kane’s Bat-Girl in 1961. Barbara Gordon’s version arrived in January 1967 and quickly became the dominant interpretation in both comics and later media appearances.
Today the live-action Batgirl film remains on the shelf with no active development reported under current DC Studios leadership. The 2017 attachment and 2018 departure now sit as a brief chapter in a longer, still-unfinished history for the character on screen.
