Following the cancellation of “Batgirl,” the internet went wild, causing outrage and concern among DC Universe fans.
But the news also spawned memes and jokes about Warner Bros.’ lack of commitment. Discovery with its adaptations in comics.
And even “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” star Simu Liu took the opportunity to poke fun at the studio.
On his Twitter profile, he joked about the situation, writing:
“I regret to inform you that Disney has decided to scrap the ‘Shang-Chi’ Christmas special due to quality control issues. I had already filmed everything. I even designed a Ta Lo all ginger. Rest in Peace ‘Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Golden Rings’.”
Check:
Have fun watching:
I am sorry to inform you that Disney has decided to remove the Shang-Chi Holiday Special due to quality control issues. I had already filmed everything. I even designed an all-Gingerbread Ta Lo. RIP Shang Chi and the legend of TEEEN GOLDEN RIIIIINGS
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) August 5, 2022
According to GQ, it was reported that “Batgirl” didn’t happen because its smaller scale and budget don’t fit the plans for future DC Comics movies, which will be set as major events.
And that means other low-cost projects in development by the studio may be frozen and therefore canceled.
That’s because Warner Bros. is going through a period of change and twists and turns behind the scenes due to the merger with Discovery.
In fact, several high-profile executives left WarnerMedia due to the brand merger, including President Jason Kilar and HBO Max Chief Content Officer Andy Forssell.
Kilar’s departure reflects the executives’ intolerance of ill-conceived ideas, as Kilar himself admitted that it was a bad strategy to release major productions in theaters and HBO Max at the same time, such as “Godzilla vs. and “The Suicide Squad”. .
David Zaslav, the current CEO of Warner Bros., is already planning to end HBO MAX and create a new streaming platform.
But until then, Warner is already removing several titles from the HBO Max catalog and will not continue with its initial projects.
Apparently, the studio’s current content strategy doesn’t involve spending large sums on direct streaming resources, as was the case with “Batgirl,” which cost $90 million.
Given recent reports of business decisions from Warner Bros. Discovery, with the company apparently looking to cut $3 billion from its budget, would explain the unprecedented cancellations.
The studio has already cut scripted programming on the TNT and TBS cable networks in the United States, going so far as to cancel series hours before the season premiere.
Still, the decision to cancel high-profile movies in the process — including a long-awaited DC Universe adaptation — is still SHOCKING.
In addition to Leslie Grace, the cast would also include Brendan Fraser (Firefly), Michael Keaton (Batman), JK Simmons (James Gordon), Jacob Scipio (Anthony Bressi), Ivory Aquino (Alysia Yeoh), Rebecca Front, Corey Johnson and Ethan Kai.
Christina Hodson wrote the screenplay, while Adil El Arbi and Billal Fallah (“Bad Boys For Life”) were in charge of directing.