The new DC Universe envisioned by James Gun has the perfect opportunity to correct a big past mistake (while also not creating a plot hole).

SUMMARY

•  James Gunn has an opportunity to correct a major injustice by salvaging the canceled Batgirl movie in the new DCU.
•  Keeping Leslie Grace as Batgirl would not raise confusion or create plot holes, making it an easy decision for the DCU.
•  Including Batgirl in James Gunn’s upcoming projects like Batman: The Brave and the Bold would be a logical and exciting debut for the character in the DCU.

James Gunn has the perfect opportunity to correct a major injustice with his new DCU, and it wouldn’t require any recons or plot holes. Although saving the canceled Batgirl movie is likely beyond Gunn’s power, there’s still a way to salvage the decision from Warner Bros. and the major disappointment it generated. Thankfully, the rebooted DCU in the works from James Gunn and Peter Safran provides a new frontier with a prime solution.

Originally set to stream on HBO Max by the end of 2022, the $90 million Batgirl film was canceled and written off by Warner Bros. even though the film was nearly finished with production. This was reportedly part of a strategic financial decision that included other nearly completed projects as well. Set to star Brendan Fraser as Firefly and Michael Keaton returning as Batman, actress Leslie Grace had been cast as Barbara Gordon’s Batgirl. While the movie itself will likely never be released, perhaps Gunn can save Batgirl herself.

It’s Easy For The DCU To Keep Leslie Grace As Batgirl

Because the character never actually appeared in the DCEU, keeping Leslie Grace on as Batgirl wouldn’t raise confusion from audiences or risk any sort of plot holes. While this could mean a wholly brand-new Batgirl movie or series down the line in the upcoming DCU, it could even be simpler than that. For example, Grace’s Batgirl could easily make appearances in James Gunn’s upcoming projects with Batman: The Brave and the Bold making the most logical sense.

Set to feature a new version of Batman who’s working with his son Damian as a new Robin, there’s an implication that his past Robins such as Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, and Tim Drake will exist in this new universe as well. Likewise, one could also expect Batgirl to be a part of the Bat-Family and perhaps even the other Batgirls beyond Gordon such as Stephanie Brown and Cassandra Cain. As such, Brave and the Bold certainly makes the most sense for a possible Batgirl debut in the DCU.

Batgirl Should Be Part Of The DCU (Whoever Plays Her)

Keeping Leslie Grace as Batgirl would be a great way to correct Warner Bros’ past injustice. However, creating a space for the character in the new DCU is important as well, no matter who ends up playing her. Barbara Gordon is a critical part of Gotham’s crime-fighting network, both as Batgirl and as Oracle as Batman’s “girl-in-the-chair”. There would also be a lot of exciting dynamics to be had between Barbara and other members of the Bat-Family such as Dick Grayson’s Nightwing as well as the other Batgirls. That being said, going further and keeping Grace as Batgirl in the DCU would certainly generate some major hype and goodwill.