Joss Whedon has joined the growing number of directors that have exited DCU projects during the development process.
HollywoodReporter has learned that writer-director Joss Whedon has left the Batgirl film, due to issues over the last couple of months trying to get a story together and coming up blank.
They even landed an official statement from Whedon.
“Batgirl is such an exciting project, and Warners/DC such collaborative and supportive partners, that it took me months to realize I really didn’t have a story,” Whedon told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement. Referring to DC president Geoff Johns and Warner Bros. Picture Group president Toby Emmerich, Whedon added, “I’m grateful to Geoff and Toby and everyone who was so welcoming when I arrived, and so understanding when I…uh, is there a sexier word for ‘failed?'”
SuperBroMovies originally mentioned Whedon’s exit back in November but outlets shot the rumor down citing multiple studio sources. It remains to be seen when Joss was ultimately shown the door/parted ways.
Whedon had always been an odd pick after the massive success of Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman and the opportunity to hire another female director for the DCU which has been dominated by male writers and directors.
Fandom has also placed a lot of the blame for Justice League‘s extremely underwhelming box office on the shoulders of Joss’ overhaul after Zack Snyder’s own exit.
There is now talk that the studio will be now seeking female filmmakers to replace Whedon via TrackingBoard.
Should the project movie move forward, Warner Bros. and new DC chief Walter Hamada plan to hire a female filmmaker for Batgirl, who has never had her own movie despite the character’s popularity.
Production and release dates are up in the air, as the project is now without a script or director.
SOURCE: THR