The fallout from the Batgirl cancelation continues to pile up with the latest news saying DC Films President Walter Hamada nearly quit over the decision.
According to a new revelation from The Hollywood Reporter, Hamada was informed of the decision to cancel Batgirl while at a test screening of Black Adam by Warner Bros. Pictures Group co-chairpersons and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy. Reportedly, Hamada was told that under Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav’s new strategy, the $90 million dollar film wasn’t strong enough for a theatrical release and was too expensive for a streaming release.
A source speaking with The Hollywood Reporter said that Hamada was upset that he wasn’t consulted about the decision and that he was concerned for the cast and crew of the film.
It has also been revealed that none of the cast, crew, or representatives were informed of the decision prior to the news breaking in the New York Post on Aug. 2.
Since the decision was revealed, Hamda has said he is ready to leave his position and has consulted with attorneys. He is said to have now paused that process to keep the situation from becoming adversarial, and that he will remain in his post at least through the release of Black Adam on Oct. 21.
UPDATE: According to a new report from The Wrap citing sources, De Luca and Abdy want Hamada to stay in his position.
Hamada was appointed as the President of DC Films in Jan. 2018. During his time in the role, he has overseen the release of films such as Joker, Shazam!, Birds of Prey, and more.
