DC Films and WarnerMedia continue to push forward beyond Zack Snyder’s era of the DCEU. The studio is already planning a slew of DC Comics projects and will even attempt to expand the Bat-family with a new incarnation of “Batgirl” played by “In The Heights” actress Leslie Grace. As you may have already heard, Michael Keaton is expected to reprise the Bruce Wayne/Batman role in the solo film currently filming in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Gotham-set pic is being made as an exclusive original film for HBO Max, and “Ms. Marvel” directing duo Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah are behind the camera. A first-look image (see below) has been shared on social media by Grace, showing her in the heroine’s costume and giving fans an idea of what she’ll look like in the streaming project.
J.K. Simmons returns as Barbara Gordon’s father, Police Commissioner Jim Gordon, after playing the role in “Justice League,” and Brendan Fraser is reportedly set as a villain in the superhero flick. The actor is neither a stranger to the genre as he recently portrayed Robotman on the DC series “Doom Patrol.”
Keaton’s Batman is assumed to be taking a mentor role in the film and the DC Universe in general. His appearance in “The Flash” and then “Batgirl” suggests he’ll be sticking around for much longer depending on the actor’s drive to continue participating in other movies where Batman is needed. This comes after repeated quotes from Ben Affleck saying he’s done with superhero and IP projects (“The Flash’ is expected to be his last turn as Batman).
HBO Max has yet to give an official drop date for “Batgirl” as filming is still underway.
Other DC Comics movies coming in the near future include Matt Reeves’ alternative universe “The Batman” with Robert Pattison, “Black Adam,” “Shazam!: Fury of The Gods,” “The Flash,” “Aquaman & The Lost Kingdom,” “Blue Beetle,” “Static Shock,” and “Wonder Woman 3.” More streaming movies could be announced down the line as the studio gears up to help boost subscriptions to HBO Max beyond 2021’s day-and-date release model.