FILM & TV

New ‘Batgirl’ Movie Begins Filming

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It’s been years in the making, but it’s finally happening; the new Batgirl film has finally begun filming. Co-director Adil El Arbi posted a picture on Instagram revealing that the movie started filming.

Arbi wrote: “Day One of Batgirl!!! Al Hamdoulillah.” Bilall Fallah is serving as co-director alongside Arbi. The duo is best known for working on Bad Boys For Life and are crossing over the Marvel universe by directing the first two episodes for Disney+’s upcoming show Ms. Marvel. Birds of Prey and The Flash writer Christina Hodson wrote the script. Warner Bros and DC Films are also working on the film. Kristin Burr is producing the film. During an interview, Burr shared her excitement about the movie.

“With Batgirl, we hope to take the audience on a fun ride and see a different side of Gotham. Christina’s script is crackling with spirit. Adil and Bilall have an excited and joyous energy, which is infectious, making them the perfect filmmakers for this Batproject. And I’m just psyched I get to be part of the DC universe, which is super cool.”

Back in October, it was announced that The Mummy star Brendan Fraser had joined the cast as the pyromaniac villain, Garfield Lynns aka Firefly. Furthermore, it was confirmed that In the Heights actress, Leslie Grace snagged the role of the butt-kicking leading superhero, Batgirl/Barbara Gordon. J.K. Simmons will reprise his role as Commissioner James Gordon, commissioner of Gotham’s city police, and the father of Barbara Gordon. The rest of the cast remains unknown.  

While the plot is under wraps, the film will center around Batgirl/Barbara Gordon. Gordon is a librarian by day and a crime-fighting Batgirl by night. She caught the eye of Batman and the first Robin, Dick Grayson. From there, she would become a member of the Dark Knight. In addition to the Dark Knight, Gordon is the founder of The Birds of Prey. Batgirl first made her debut as Betty Kane, Kathy Kane/Batwoman’s niece, in 1961. It was January of 1967 when Gordon made her first appearance.

The movie doesn’t have a release date but is expected to air sometime in 2022 and be available on HBO Max. While fans wait for more details, DC films can be streamed on HBO Max.