Joss Whedon Booted Off Batgirl & Who Could Replace Him

Great news everybody! Joss Whedon has been booted off Batgirl and by the look of things the DC Universe all together!

The filmmaker revealed to The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday (22nd February) that he couldn’t think of a story even though he basically had a year “working” on the project.

IMAGE VIA GETTY IMAGES/ BRIAN ACH

In the statement, Whedon said “Batgirl is such an exciting project, and Warners/DC are such collaborative and supportive partners, that it took me months to realise I really didn’t have a story.

“I’m grateful to Geoff [Johns] and Toby [Emmerich] and everyone who was welcoming when I arrived, and so understanding when I.. un, is there a sexier word for ‘failed’?” he added.

IMAGE. VIA DC COMICS

Let’s not beat around the bush, Joss Whedon was fired and the reign of new DC Films President Walter Hamada begins.

Though it comes to a lesser surprise as SuperBroMovies posted late last year that he was leaving.

On behalf of Warner Bros, we have been asked to delete the article on Joss Whedon no longer directing Batgirl, out of respect for the industry and company we will be.

They are preparing to put out an official statement as well. pic.twitter.com/OS4NhcXHOq

— SuperBroMovies (@SuperBroMovies) 22 November 2017

Because the "I realised I didn’t have a story" angle is BS because I’m sure (like plenty of people) DC Comics writer Gail Simone, who has written Batgirl comics in the past, and Hope Larson, who also written Batgirl, have plenty of stories. You even use The Killing Joke as a base since it’s the most famous Barbara Gordon storyline.

Yo, Hollywood, I have Batgirl stories. https://t.co/bFaRk4LmxX

— Hope Larson (@hopelarson) 22 February 2018

I have a million thoughts on how to do a great Batgirl script.

The rest of this is still a bit of a shock and I don’t yet have many opinions about the Hollywood part of this yet.

— GAIL SIMONE (@GailSimone) 23 February 2018

I think they deserve the chance to pitch their story and even if they don’t get the chance to write the screenplay and it goes to another female writer like Geneva Robertson-Dworet, who’s becoming the queen of nerdom with scripts for the new Tomb Raider, Marvel Studios’ Captain Marvel and most recently another Marvel property but with Sony’s Silver & Black.

There’s also a real likelihood of the Avengers director was never actually attached to Batgirl and it was just a cover-up for him to replace Zack Snyder with directing duties for Justice League.

IMAGE VIA CLAY ENOS/ ZACK SNYDER

Which now looking back he failed BIG but I don’t think this was the only reason why he was failed as the open letter by his ex-wife would’ve played a big part as well. This was the main reason why fans didn’t want him due to his multiple affairs with actresses and crew.

Now moving forward of who should helm Batgirl with Variety stating WB are seeking a female director.

If I was Hamada, I’d go for the big gun in the form of Ava DuVernay, who’s already a big in demand name’s in Hollywood will be even bigger once A Wrinkle In Time comes out.

IMAGE VIA DISNEY

Another hot name right now is Greta Gerwig and it’s a smart idea for Warners to make a splash by bringing in the Oscar-nominated writer-director. This also seems to be Twitter’s choice by reteaming with her Lady Bird leading star Saoirse Ronan as Gordon/Batgirl.

So what are the odds on Warner Bros. taking a meeting with Greta Gerwig to direct Batgirl with Saoirse Ronan starring? #LadyBat

— Jim Vejvoda (@JimVejvoda) 22 February 2018

Have they called Greta Gerwig yet? #Batgirl https://t.co/MHZuxEs7vI

— Sean Gerber (@MrSeanGerber) 22 February 2018

Looking throughout different lists, Karyn Kusama’s name has been used multiple times thanks to her work from Girlfight to Jennifer’s Body and she received rave reviews from her last film, The Invitation.

Finally, the two other names would be Angela Robinson, who wonderfully directed Professor Marston and the Wonder Women but I think she might be better suited to Gotham City Sirens or Birds of Prey. Then you have Kung Fu Panda’s Jennifer Yuh Nelson who was runner-up to Michelle MacLaren to helm Cowboy Ninja Viking.