Batgirl, the feature film adaptation of the DC Comics character, has been unexpectedly cancelled by Warner Bros, despite filming having been completed across Glasgow. The title will not premiere on any platform.
Hollywood stars Michael Keaton, Brendan Fraser, JK Simmons and Leslie Grace spent months completing scenes at locations including George Square, Botanic Gardens, Trongate, Ingram Street and the Merchant City.
Batgirl was to be the latest addition to the DC Extended Universe and was filmed entirely in Glasgow after the city council agreed to incentivise the production with a £150,000 grant.
Film industry publication Variety reports the decision ”comes as a shock, as studios almost never shelve productions outright, preferring to get at least some return on their investment.
“It also comes as Warner Bros. is still contending with what to do about “The Flash,” a DC adaptation created — and budgeted — specifically for theatrical release in 2023.” Scenes for The Flash were also filmed in Glasgow.
The Hollywood Reporter stated that the budget for Batgirl had reached $90 million, £74.1 million, due in part to costs relating to it being shot during the Covid-19 pandemic. It will rank as one of the most expensive cancelled film productions ever.
The best chance of Gotham returning to Glasgow may be filming for the sequel to Matt Reeves The Batman.
The film-maker told the BBC ”One of the things that was really important, I wanted this to feel like a Gothic American city, but one that you’d never been to,” the director said.
“And so the way to do that was to choose beautiful Gothic architecture and so we went to Glasgow and honestly it was so beautiful, I wish we could’ve filmed there more.
“I really think it’s a very special Gotham, I mean what a special place.”
Asked if Glasgow should expect The Batman to return for more filming, he said: “Get ready yes, it could very well be that we’ll be coming back to your neighbourhood soon.”
