Screenings of axed movie Batgirl to be shown in secret before film binned by Warner Bros

The previously axed Batgirl movie is reportedly being shown to a select few “in secret” before it is locked away by Warner Bros.

The DC film, which was shot entirely in Glasgow, starred Michael Keaton, Brendan Fraser, JK Simmons and Leslie Grace, however poorly received screen tests at the beginning of the month saw the movie shelved, sparking outrage across the industry and city.

While the £57.6m film will not be released on HBO Max or in cinemas, cast and crew who worked on the movie alongside representatives and executives will be able to see one of the “funeral screenings” which will be held before footage is put under lock and key, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Ivory Acquino, an actress who was set to play Batgirl’s best friend and roommate, penned an open letter to Warner Bros CEO David Zaslav on Twitter following the initial reports asking him to reconsider releasing the film.

Within her thread, she referenced the reactions from industry and fans across the world following news that Batgirl had been shelved.

A letter to #DavidZaslav @WBD

Dear Mr. Zaslav,

I just read an article @THR about supposed ‘funeral screenings’ of #Batgirl and the possibility afterwards that the film footage would be destroyed.. if this is the case, as one of many who poured our hearts into the making of this
— Ivory Aquino (@MsIvoryAquino) August 25, 2022

She wrote: “If a month ago, there wasn’t a marketing budget for Batgirl, I’d venture to say that that has been taken care of by the turn of events these past few weeks.

“We’ve been fortunate to have such amazing supporters since the beginning, from Glasgow where we filmed and from all over the world.

“Now, more people know about our labor of love and are eager to see the movie. I do hope you get to read this letter. Consider releasing Batgirl. She’s always been an underdog and has nowhere to go but up.”