Do DC Fans Care About the Batgirl Movie Cancelled?
Recently, the Batgirl movie has been cancelled, drawing significant attention and discussion among DC fans. While the cancellation might seem like a blip to some, there’s more to it than just another studio decision. Let’s delve into the background and rationale behind the cancellation and its impact on the DC Universe.
Context and Background
The decision to cancel the Batgirl movie is closely tied to the era of changes within Warner Bros. (WB) and the broader DC Extended Universe (DCEU). This era saw several key figures, including Walter Hamada, Tobey Emmerich, and Ana Sànorf, take on significant roles. Their approach and decisions have been scrutinized and impactful on the franchise.
The Snyderverse and Its Success
Before the arrival of these new executives, the DCEU was largely managed by familiar faces such as Debrah Snyder and Christopher Nolan. The Snyderverse, comprised of films directed by Zack Snyder and produced by Deborah Snyder, has been a topic of intense discussion. These films not only met but often exceeded the profitability of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Financial Performance
To illustrate this point, let's compare the financial performance of both universes:
The first 27 MCU movies had a budget of approximately $5.5 billion, resulting in profits of $25.4 billion, giving a money return of 4.6 times. On the other hand, the Snyderverse movies (excluding those whose numbers are unknown, such as BVS, Aquaman, and others) had a budget of around $800 million, which resulted in profits of nearly $4.2 billion, giving a money return of 5.25 times.These figures highlight the immense financial success of the Snyderverse, raising questions about the strategic direction of the DCEU during the period managed by the new executives.
Impact of Snyder Cut
Additionally, the Snyder Cut of Justice League, despite its widespread popularity, didn’t include box office figures due to its release well after the initial run. However, it was reported that the Snyder Cut reportedly made more money than Marvel’s most successful movie, Endgame. This further supports the idea that the Snyderverse was a highly profitable and well-received series of films.
The Plan and Its Execution
When the new executives, including Walter Hamada, Tobey Emmerich, and Ana Sànorf, arrived, their plan involved dismantling the Snyderverse and reimagining the DC Universe. Their vision for Batman and Superman included aligning with the 10-year plan and an interconnected universe planned by Christopher Nolan and Alan Horn.
Critical Decision-Making
The cancellation of the Batgirl movie aligns with this new direction. The idea of an 80-year-old Batman, older than Commissioner Gordon, was deemed ridiculous by fans and critics alike. Additionally, the storyline was criticized as being incredibly weak, leading to a decision to cancel the film and reshoot the Flash movie to include the presence of Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill.
DC Fans and Their Perspectives
DC fans were vocal and critical of the new executives, viewing them as a threat to the beloved elements of the DC Universe. The new plan, with David Zaslav at the helm, has brought a sense of renewed optimism to the fans, who believe that individuals like Alan Horn, a long-time collaborator of Zack Snyder, can help save the franchise.
Conclusion
The cancellation of the Batgirl movie was a critical decision driven by the strategic direction of Warner Bros. and their vision for the future of the DC Universe. While it may have disappointed some fans, it reflects a shift in focus that aligns with the established 10-year plan and the collaborative efforts of key figures within the DC ecosystem.