Joss Whedon Leaves Batgirl, Allowing Us All to Sigh With Relief

I have had qualms about Joss Whedon writing and directing a Batgirl movie long before his alleged indiscretions and misuse of his entertainment industry clout became public. I’m sure many of us have. Now, it seems that this is no longer a concern. Joss Whedon has officially bowed out of Batgirl.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Whedon said, “Batgirl is such an exciting project, and Warners/DC such collaborative and supportive partners, that it took me months to realize I really didn’t have a story. I’m grateful to Geoff [Johns, president of DC] and Toby [Emmerich, president of WB Picture Group] and everyone who was so welcoming when I arrived, and so understanding when I…uh, is there a sexier word for ‘failed?'”

So, Whedon is leaving because he “didn’t have a story?” You’d think that one wouldn’t take a job without at least some idea of what you want to do with it. Especially with a character like Batgirl. She’s had several incarnations and origin stories…which was Whedon first drawn to? Then again, as a writer myself, I understand that sometimes you start something only to have the floor fall out from under you and you realize that you just wrote yourself into a corner and don’t have anything. That’s a scary feeling, and it takes some bravery to admit that you actually don’t have anything. Especially when you’re someone, like Whedon, of whom people tend to expect a great deal.

That said, a large part of me hopes that part of his stepping aside has to do with the moment we’re in. Acknowledging that, with all the best intentions, he’s just not the right person, right now, to take on a Batgirl story. Joss Whedon has always been problematic, but he has been, for all his mistakes, someone who at least gives the appearance of trying.

Like Mal on Firefly, maybe he’s not a great man. He might not even be a good man. But he’s alright.

My hope is that he’s stepping aside, knowing that it’s for the best. Knowing that whether he had a story or not, this is the best decision for a character like Batgirl. Whedon is free to create any original stories he wants, but when it comes to the few iconic female characters that exist? Why don’t we let some female creators get their hands on them, huh?

By the way, DC and Warner Bros. I’ve already come up with a starter list of replacements you should consider. This is a huge opportunity. Don’t squander it.

(via io9, image: DC Comics)

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