Warner Bros. Debating Theatrical Release for ‘Batgirl’

Warner Bros. is reportedly considering a theatrical release for Batgirl, originally intended to be an exclusive for HBO Max. The film is one of the latest entries into the DCEU, which looks to undergo an overhaul with the recent merger of Warner Bros. and Discovery. This overhaul, stemming from a desire to compete with the MCU, may have something to do with this potential change in release plans. According to Movieweb, it may also be related to the movie theater business coming back to life as the pandemic dies down. Case and point, The Batman made $700 million globally before reaching HBO Max 45 days after its theatrical release.

Credit: Warner Bros. via Digital Spy

Is Batgirl’s Theatrical Release Due to Weakening Streaming Services?

ComingSoon references a piece by Matthew Belloni that explains another reason films like Blue Beetle and possibly Batgirl are getting theatrical releases. We all know CNN+recently ended as a spectacular failure, but who would have thought that Netflix would see a significant drop in subscribers? Belloni believes that movie theaters are becoming popular again, and Warner Bros. can’t afford to just go all-in on streaming services. Indeed, successful films like The Batman and Spider-Man: No Way Home have shown that moviegoers want to be back in theaters, and there’s money to be made with theatrical releases.

Will Warner Bros. Give Batgirl a Later Release Date?

Batgirl is set to be released on HBO Max in 2022. However, a theatrical release may prompt a date change due to Warner Bros. setting schedules with theaters. This would be the latest in a series of recent film delays, including movies such as The Flash and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.

If Warner Bros. gives Batgirl a theatrical release, are you going to go see it? Share your thoughts on The Nerd Stash Facebook page and @TheNerdStash on Twitter.