Brendan Fraser speaks out on 'disappointing' Batgirl cancellation for first time

Brendan Fraser has spoken out about the ‘disappointing’ cancellation of his canned Batgirl movie, noting how fans had ‘really wanted’ to see the film come to life. 

Fraser, whose latest role sees him star in Darren Aronofsky’s new drama The Whale, was due to feature in the superhero flick as Firefly before it was scrapped by Warner Bros during post-production, after filming had wrapped. 

The movie will now never see the light of day, with Warner Bros confirming that it wouldn’t appear in cinemas or on streaming service HBO Max. 

“The decision to not release Batgirl reflects our leadership’s strategic shift as it relates to the DC universe and HBO Max,” a spokesperson said last month. 

“Leslie Grace is an incredibly talented actor and this decision is not a reflection of her performance. We are incredibly grateful to the filmmakers of Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt [which was also scrapped] and their respective casts and we hope to collaborate with everyone again in the near future." 

DC Films

In a new interview while promoting The Whale, Fraser admitted he felt ‘disappointed’ by the decision. 

He told Variety: “The fans really wanted to see this film made. Leslie Grace is a dynamo.

"The movie was shot and conceived for a smaller screen. In this age that we’ve come out of now between streaming service versus theatrical release, it wound up being the canary in the coal mine. 

“What did we learn from this? Work with trusted filmmakers, like Darren.” 

The directors of Batgirl, Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, were equally as gutted by the film's cancellation, having previously said on Instagram: “We are saddened and shocked by the news. We still can’t believe it. 

“As directors, it is critical that our work be shown to audiences, and while the film was far from finished, we wish that fans all over the world would have had the opportunity to see and embrace the final film themselves. Maybe one day they will insha’Allah."

The filmmakers went on to thank those who were involved in the cast, 'especially the great Leslie Grace, who portrayed Batgirl with so much passion, dedication and humanity'.

They added: “In any case, as huge fans of Batman since we were little kids, it was a privilege and an honour to have been a part of the DCEU, even if it was for a brief moment. Batgirl For Life.”

Thankfully, however, Fraser's film with ‘trusted’ Aronofsky is very much going ahead, with a theatrical release set for 9 December this year. 

A24

This will follow its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, where Fraser and co received a six-minute standing ovation for their work. 

The movie also received a five-minute standing ovation at Toronto International Film Festival, where Fraser scooped a TIFF Tribute Award for his turn as 600lb recluse Charlie. 

The Whale is due to be released in cinemas on 9 December. 

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