The DCEU is still in its infancy, taking its time to introduce all the characters familiar to DC Comics fans. One such character is Batgirl, a fan favorite who's faced heart-wrenching tragedy and still got back up to protect Gotham City. It's completely unknown what the current plan is for Barbara Gordon or where she'll be introduced, but one indie filmmaker has already thrown his hat into the ring for giving her a starring role in her own film. Nicolas Winding Refn, the director of this summer's Neon Demon, would love to direct a Batgirl movie.
You may recognize Refn's name best from his gritty and violent indie films. Some of his work includes films like Bronson, Only God Forgives, and Drive. He's not exactly the first guy you'd expect to want to direct a Batgirl movie, but coming out of his recent female-centric Neon Demon, the director is feeling some girl power. While speaking with Business Insider, Refn was asked if he'd ever like to direct a superhero movie and after trying to remember what heroes are left, he put Batgirl at the top of his list.
You know the one I want to do? I want to make Batgirl. Let's get Warner working on it.
Refn has never directed a big-budget Hollywood movie before, but it seemed like something he wanted to do at least once. There's a lot more creative freedom on indie films for a director to do what they wish than there is on a blockbuster where millions of dollars are on the line. Still, Refn said he thinks it would be fun to experience all the "insanity" and "people running around with cell phones" that must occur on a major Hollywood film set. Interestingly enough, Refn has wanted to make a superhero film for awhile now. Back in 2011, he said he'd like to direct a Wonder Woman movie. Patty Jenkins is handling that project, but Refn might get his chance when a sequel comes around.
As far as Batgirl is concerned, I'm not sure if DC Films would want to put the guy who directed I'm the Angel of Death: Pusher III in the reins of a blockbuster. However, he's certainly a talented guy (Drive is pretty awesome), and he would give the film a unique feel. The DCEU is supposed to be filmmaker-driven after all and Refn fits that mantra.
It's unclear where Barabara Gordon fits in this new DCEU. We still don't know much about even Batman's history and what Robin's he's worked with. Plus, Batgirl's most famous storyline is getting crippled by The Joker and becoming the cyber vigilante Oracle. Will the DCEU have Barbara already in a wheelchair or has she not met that particular fate? They could even go the New 52 route and have her recover from her injuries and take up the mantle of Batgirl again. There's a rumor that they're working on a Harley Quinn movie that would be a team-up between DC female characters, including Batgirl, so her filmic fate is kinda all over the place right now.
A Nicolas Winding Refn-helmed Batgirl movie would definitely be an interesting thing to see, but only time will tell if Warner Bros. even wants a Batgirl movie. Make sure to check back in with CinemaBlend and we'll update you on all things Batgirl whenever we can.
