Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD/LOS ANGELES: Despite the fact that audiences won’t see “Batgirl”, titular star Leslie Grace says she is cautiously optimistic about the character’s future and proud of the movie.
Last summer, when the news broke, the DC comic book film for HBO Max was being indefinitely shelved, shocking industry insiders and moviegoers alike.
In a new interview with Variety published, Grace said she is aware of the development, like others, from reading it in the media. (CNN and DC are all part of the same parent company, HBO, Discovery, MaxWarner Bros.)
Grace said, “It was like deflating a balloon. “I was taking it all in, but also so sure of the magic that happened, in my experience and what I saw in my cast, our team.”
She said, “I just leaned on the beauty of the idea that I got to have this experience in my life. “Even though I would have loved to share that with the rest of the world, nothing can take that experience away from us.”
Grace said that she and her team continue discussing the property’s plans.
She said, “we were so excited about all our ideas because you can see long-term potential in the story we are beginning to build,”.
Grace, who identifies as Afro-Latina, also expressed her desire for fans hoping to see her iteration of the superheroine not to be discouraged.
“Just keep going no matter the obstacle,” she said. “If you have a passion for something, don’t let anything that stands in your way tell you that you aren’t worthy, capable, or have the potential to fulfill what you know you’re capable of doing.”
‘Batgirl’ reflects leadership’s strategic shift
The previous August, a Warner Bros. spokesperson told CNN that “the decision not to release ‘Batgirl’ reflects our leadership’s strategic shift as it relates to the DC universe and HBO Max.”
“Batgirl,” which had completed production and a rough cut shown in test screenings, was also to have starred Michael Keaton as Batman, J.K. Simmons, and Brendan Fraser.
And while Grace acknowledged that the shoot had its fair share of hurdles, she insisted that “the film that I got to see – the scenes that were there – was incredible. There was potential for a good film.”
CNN has contacted Grace’s team and Warner Bros. Films for comment.
The announcement of “Batgirl’s” fate came shortly after WarnerMedia’s merger with Discovery Inc. last April, amid Warner Bros. Discovery’s efforts to cut costs.
