New details have been released about joss whedon's "Batgirl" movie. Yesterday it was revealed that director Joss Whedon will be joining the DC Extended Universe. It is speculated that the movie will be heavily based on the New 52 interpretation of the Batgirl character. Based on this scoop, we know who will be wearing the Batgirl costume and which version of Barbara Gordon we will be seeing on the big screen.
According to EW, it will indeed be Barbara Gordon that will suit up as Batgirl. The events of the film will take place following the vicious attack that she received at the hands of the Joker.
The New 52 comic relaunch of Batgirl saw the hero return to crimefighting after being shot and crippled by the Joker. She was disabled for three years after being beaten by the Joker, as she was savagely attacked and put out of commission after only one year of wearing the Batgirl cowl.
'Batgirl' movie to be influenced by New 52 comics
It's unclear exactly how much of the New 52 Batgirl origin will be used, but it is safe to assume that Jared Leto will also appear in the film. The New 52 Batgirl comic was written by Gail Simone, and it featured a darker opening arc. This would fit nicely with the grim universe of the DCEU. However, with Whedon writing the script, fans can expect some of his signature humor and witty dialogue to make its way into the film.
Film could feature 'The Killing Joke' backstory
The New 52 relaunch of Batgirl drastically changed her backstory. Originally, Batgirl was left permanently disabled by the Joker and confined to a wheelchair. The 1988 graphic novel "The Killing Joke" saw Joker break into Barbara's apartment and paralyze her in an attempt to make Commissioner Jim Gordon go insane.
She honed her computer hacking and detective skills while she was confined to a wheelchair, and then she used her skills to help Batman as the Oracle. Fans may see some version of Barbara's Oracle persona in the movie, but it likely won't play a large part in the movie because she will ultimately recover from her injuries.