Warner Bros., much like Disney, is betting big on superhero content for its streaming service. However, even though Marvel Studios and Disney are leaving the films in theaters and letting the TV series dominate the streaming platform, WB and DC Films are going a bit of a different route, with some big-name superhero films coming exclusively to HBO Max.
According to a new report from the Los Angeles Times, who spoke with Warner Bros. Pictures Group Chairman Toby Emmerich, revealed that highly anticipated films such as “Batgirl” and “Blue Beetle” are likely getting the HBO Max treatment as mid-budget features that will debut exclusively on the streaming platform.
There are a few different takeaways when you see this news. First, it’s a bit disappointing to learn that two films with a female lead and a Latinx lead, respectively, aren’t going to get the big theatrical release like the other DC superhero films. (Hell, even the animated “DC League of Super-Pets” is getting a theatrical release.) Second, it is nice that DC films is still willing to branch out from the likes of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman for feature films, allowing for smaller characters like Blue Beetle and Batgirl to get the spotlight. However, third, mid-budget is a scary word when it comes to superhero movies, as we’ve seen some DC superheroes on CW get hurt by smaller budgets, and it would be a shame to think “Blue Beetle” and “Batgirl” could have a handicap even before the cameras roll.
READ MORE: ‘Blue Beetle’: Angel Manuel Soto Hired To Direct The DC Superhero Film For WB
For those unaware of the two characters, Batgirl, as the name implies, is a secondary character in the extended Batman universe. While many young women have been Batgirl over the decades, the best-known version of the character is Barbara Gordon, the daughter of Commissioner James Gordon. If WB sticks with Barbara Gordon for the film, it’s unclear if it will exist in the same universe as the upcoming “The Batman,” where Jeffrey Wright plays James Gordon. The film is set to be directed by “Bad Boys for Life” filmmakers, Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah.
We do know which version of Blue Beetle we’re getting, however. For the film, which is set to be directed by Angel Manuel Soto, the story will focus on Jamie Reyes, a young Latinx man that comes into possession of a magical item that grants him the ability to use a suit of armor that looks like, well, a big blue beetle.
Release dates are unknown, but it would appear that development is moving ahead on both “Batgirl” and “Blue Beetle,” and we know HBO Max is in serious need of superhero content for the streaming service. So, perhaps these will come sooner than we think.