Why a Batgirl movie by Joss Whedon is just what DC needs
Creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly could rescue DC from its gloomy slump
Did you feel that? The Earth just shifted in the DC Universe.
Joss Whedon, the director and writer of Marvel blockbusters The Avengers and Avengers: Age of Ultron, is close to making the jump to rival DC as the writer, director and producer of a stand-alone Batgirl film.
This is huge news in the world of Spandex-clad cinema. Whedon was, in many respects, the showrunner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He was not only the mind behind the two Avengers slugfests, but created TV's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Well, you can't win 'em all.)
More important, he helped cement what's now the tone of Marvel movies: an extension of Whedon's distinct combo of comedy and character development that made his previous TV shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly fan favourites.
For fans of DC heroes who have been frustrated with seeing Superman and Batman slog their way through the grim, colour-drained cinematic vision of director Zack Snyder, Whedon is what they've been waiting for.
Strong characters, who happen to be female
Although Whedon has a legion of followers, I'm sure many would have hoped a female director could have stepped behind the camera to follow the lead of Patty Jenkins, who is helming the upcoming Wonder Woman.
But if ever there was a dude who could write for women, it's Whedon.
It's not that he creates "strong female characters." From Buffy Summers to Firefly's Zoe, Whedon's demonstrated a knack for writing strong characters, who happen to be female.
Just imagine his take on Batgirl, a.k.a. Barbara Gordon, the book-smart crime-fighter (and daughter of Police Commissioner James Gordon) who takes down the bad guys while dealing with a growling caped crusader. It's perfect.
Whedon's own superpower is putting the human into heroes.
True fangirls and fanboys will know this isn't Whedon's first kick at the DC Universe.
Back in the early 2000s, he took a crack at developing a Wonder Woman script, which ultimately floundered in development.
To be honest, I'm surprised Whedon has been seduced back to the realm of superheroes.
In 2012, when he was in Toronto promoting his Shakespeare adaptation Much Ado About Nothing, he bemoaned the death of the "middle movie" and talked about how blockbusters were pushing out smaller features.
Still, Whedon's own super power is putting the human into heroes and his Batgirl should bring some POW! back to DC.
Fingers crossed they'll use the new costume.
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