Batgirl Rising
Joss Whedon is bringing Batgirl to the DCEU
by Phil Perich for the Legends of DC Blog
It was announced a few days ago that Joss Whedon will be directing an upcoming Batgirl solo movie as part of the DC Comics Extended Universe. One of the rumors is that the story will be based on Gail Simone’s run on the Batgirl comics during the New 52. While Batman V Superman and Suicide Squad have received mixed responses from reviewers and fans, I thinkthe recently announced Batgirl and Nightwing movies can help raise the image of the DCEU in the eyes of the public. Here’s a list of just some of the things I’d like to see in Whedon’s take on Batgirl.
Tested By Time
In Batman V Superman, we saw an older, experienced Batman who had been through many wars and maybe even lost a partner or two, as hinted at by the battered Robin costume in the Batcave. Since it seems like Batman and his allies have been around for a few years, it would make sense to explain why Batgirl hasn’t been seen in public for awhile. I’d like to see some flashbacks to the Killing Joke storyline where the Joker shoots and paralyzes Barbara Gordon. Later flashbacks could show Barbara then working behind the scenes as Oracle with the movie beginning in the present day with a newly healed Barbara Gordon returning to her role as Batgirl, right where Gail Simone’s New 52 run started.
Girl Power
Besides a vast technology background, a past as Oracle could provide Barbara with some allies, the Birds of Prey. Some quick appearances by Black Canary, Huntress and maybe even others who have operated as Batgirl like Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown could eventually make other appearances in the DCEU or even in their own movies.
Swept Off Her Feet
And if the DCEU wants a truly connected universe like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, not only can they link Batgirl to Batman or even villains like Harley Quinn and the Joker, but they can also portray a past or ongoing on again/off again romantic relationship with Dick Grayson. The romance can be shown to have begun with simple flirtation in the beginning of each one’s careers, but also show the two working close together when DIck graduates to the identity of NIghtwing. Not only would it be compelling storytelling and further interconnect the DCEU and spawn further, deeper storytelling. And honestly, I just want to see more Nightwing on the big screen, and I’ve always felt Barbara and Dick belonged together, as soulmates.
In my opinion, that’s just the start of what a Joss Whedon Batgirl movie could contain. What else would YOU like to see? Barbara’s psychotic brother James Gordon Jr.? Share YOUR thoughts with me!
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You can hear me and my friends discuss all things DC Comics on the Legends of DC (@LegendsOfDCPod), Before the Bat (@BeforetheBatPod) and Channel 52 podcasts (@channel52pod). I also write another blog, the True Believers Blog, on all things Marvel. You can find all of my podcasts and blogs and those of others at www.southgatemediagroup.com and all of my creative endeavors at www.philperich.wordpress.com.