I had planned to stop writing about the DCEU for a while. My Monday Musings have all involved this franschise and I wanted to talk about something a little more personal. However the news that Joss Whedon was going to write and direct a stand alone Batgirl movie changed all that. Over the weekend, I had seen several articles about the Batgirl movie, arguments for and against Joss Whedon directing. Ideas for possible storylines and dream casting ideas. So here we are again, another Monday and another Musing about the DCEU.

Everyone is assuming the Batgirl movie will be about Barbara Gordon, most people associate her with Batgirl. I am guessing this is correct as it might be confusing for audiences to suddenly introduce Cassandra Cain or Stephanie Brown as Batgirl. Unlike Wonder Woman, there have been several live action versions of Batgirl onscreen. Most iconic is Yvonne Craig’s version from the 1960’s TV programme. Then the awful version from the 1997 Batman and Robin movie. Finally, a post Killing Joke version of Barbara Gordon in the short-lived Birds of Prey TV programme.

If I had to pick a dream writer/director for a Batgirl movie, Joss Whedon would be high on my list. He has created some of my favourite TV programmes, he creates interesting characters, as well as included numerous strong women. His filmography is extremely varied, vampire shows, a space western, a musical series and a Shakespeare adaption. He has written comics for Marvel and directed two films for the MCU. Joss Whedon can do Batgirl justice.

Joss Whedon is so much more than just the director of The Avengers films but it is hard not to mention them when talking about him. The first Avengers film, helped create the MCU as one entity, elevating these films into some different. For me the highlight of these films was his interpretation of Black Widow. Whilst, Black Widow first appeared in Iron Man 2, it was in The Avengers that her character became more interesting. There has been criticism of her storyline in Age of Ultron, but for me she still a fascinating character.

What I would like to see?

Originally, I had hoped Barbara Gordon would be introduced into the Arrowverse. As I mentioned before I like the DC television programmes, I would have liked to see a Batgirl programme added to this franchise. Arrow has already introduced Black Canary and Huntress. I imagined taking these characters and adding them to a Batgirl and Birds of Prey TV Show. But a feature film, would be incredible.

As for the storyline, it is unclear where in Batman’s timeline the DCEU is taking place, yes he appears to be an older version of Bruce Wayne. In Suicide Squad they hinted that the Joker had killed a Robin (assuming Jason Todd). So I am guessing around three years into Batman’s career, around the time of Killing Joke. Of course, the Batgirl film could be set out of the timeline and be an origins story.

If they are adapting an existing storyline from the comics, I would like to see Year One, up until to Killing Joke. I hated the animated version of Killing Joke, but I still believe it is one of the best Batman storylines and I would like to see it a decent adaption. Whilst leaving the heroine paralysed might not be an ideal ending. The end of Batman vs Superman shows the DCEU aren’t affraid to take risks.

Another option could be the new 52 storyline of The Darkest Reflection. A post Killing Joke version of Batgirl, still traumatized by her attack, but trying to find her place back in the Bat-family. This could be darker, more like the Jessica Jones TV show, making the character more interesting than the comical version of Batgirl from the previous Batman movie franchise.

What do you think about the news of Joss Whedon directing the Batgirl movie? What storyline would you like to see in the film? Do you have any ideas who should play Batgirl?

Recommended Reading

Is Joss Whedon the Right Choice (CBR article)
Is Joss Whedon the Wrong Choice (CBR article)
Fan Cast for Batgirl (Nerdist News)
Batgirl: Year One
Batgirl: The Darkest Reflection TP (The New 52)

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