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Nicolas Winding Refn Expresses Interest in Directing a Batgirl Film Amid DC Studios Current Slate
On the glittering red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival, Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn—best known for Drive and Neon Demon—took a moment to voice a dream that could reshape a familiar comic‑book hero. While his latest feature, Her Private Hell, played out of competition, Refn told reporters he would love to helm a Batgirl movie if the opportunity arose.
The remark followed a brief interview with Deadline in which Refn discussed the psychedelic tone of Her Private Hell and his unconventional storytelling approach. He noted that he was never taught a traditional three‑act structure and prefers to work “your way.” His enthusiasm for the Batgirl property is not the first time a filmmaker has expressed a desire to adapt the character.
Batgirl, introduced in 1961 and later popularized by Barbara Gordon, has appeared in comics, television, and film. A standalone film starring Leslie Grace was announced in 2021 but was canceled in August 2022, according to Variety. The cancellation left the character without a feature‑film presence in the current DC franchise.
James Gunn and Peter Safran, appointed co‑chairmen and co‑CEOs of DC Studios in late 2022, have overseen the reboot of the DC franchise, now called the DC Universe (DCU). The DCU includes the 2025 film Superman and the HBO Max series Peacemaker, among other projects. Gunn and Safran have not announced or hinted at a Batgirl film in the new DCU, according to a recent article on MSN.
Refn’s comment came amid a Cannes audience focused on Her Private Hell, a psychological thriller that follows a woman searching for her father as a strange mist engulfs their city. The film opened in theaters on July 24, 2026, and has been described as a “psychedelic female‑led film” by several outlets.
The director’s interest is notable because it could signal a stylistic shift for the character. Refn’s work is known for vivid color palettes, kinetic action sequences, and unconventional narratives. A Batgirl film under his direction could offer a fresh visual and thematic take on the Gotham‑city heroine.
The DCU’s current slate does not include a Batgirl project, and the studio has emphasized that it will not begin production on any project without a finished script. Gunn has stated that the studio’s focus is on storytelling needs rather than forcing projects to meet release dates.
While Refn’s comment has not yet translated into a production deal, it highlights the ongoing interest from filmmakers in expanding the DC universe beyond its current core titles. The Batgirl character remains a popular figure in the comics, and her storylines have been explored in various media, including the 2021–22 comic book miniseries Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.
Refn’s statement also underscores a broader trend of established filmmakers expressing interest in high‑profile comic‑book properties. Other directors have similarly voiced ambitions to adapt characters that have not yet been realized in film, though such interest does not guarantee a greenlight.
At present, the DCU’s next major releases remain Superman (2025) and the Peacemaker series, with no announced Batgirl project. Refn’s comment remains a point of interest for fans and industry observers, but no official development has been confirmed.
The Batgirl character continues to appear in comics and other media, and the DC franchise remains open to new projects. Whether Refn’s interest will lead to a production deal remains uncertain.
The director’s remarks were made during the Cannes Film Festival, a venue that has historically been a launching pad for high‑profile film projects. The festival’s focus on Her Private Hell and Refn’s comments about Batgirl may influence future discussions within the DC studio ecosystem.
In summary, Nicolas Winding Refn has publicly expressed a desire to direct a Batgirl film, but no official announcement or development has been made by DC Studios. The DCU continues to focus on its current slate, and the Batgirl character remains a potential future project pending further studio decisions.
The remark followed a brief interview with Deadline in which Refn discussed the psychedelic tone of Her Private Hell and his unconventional storytelling approach. He noted that he was never taught a traditional three‑act structure and prefers to work “your way.” His enthusiasm for the Batgirl property is not the first time a filmmaker has expressed a desire to adapt the character.
Batgirl, introduced in 1961 and later popularized by Barbara Gordon, has appeared in comics, television, and film. A standalone film starring Leslie Grace was announced in 2021 but was canceled in August 2022, according to Variety. The cancellation left the character without a feature‑film presence in the current DC franchise.
James Gunn and Peter Safran, appointed co‑chairmen and co‑CEOs of DC Studios in late 2022, have overseen the reboot of the DC franchise, now called the DC Universe (DCU). The DCU includes the 2025 film Superman and the HBO Max series Peacemaker, among other projects. Gunn and Safran have not announced or hinted at a Batgirl film in the new DCU, according to a recent article on MSN.
Refn’s comment came amid a Cannes audience focused on Her Private Hell, a psychological thriller that follows a woman searching for her father as a strange mist engulfs their city. The film opened in theaters on July 24, 2026, and has been described as a “psychedelic female‑led film” by several outlets.
The director’s interest is notable because it could signal a stylistic shift for the character. Refn’s work is known for vivid color palettes, kinetic action sequences, and unconventional narratives. A Batgirl film under his direction could offer a fresh visual and thematic take on the Gotham‑city heroine.
The DCU’s current slate does not include a Batgirl project, and the studio has emphasized that it will not begin production on any project without a finished script. Gunn has stated that the studio’s focus is on storytelling needs rather than forcing projects to meet release dates.
While Refn’s comment has not yet translated into a production deal, it highlights the ongoing interest from filmmakers in expanding the DC universe beyond its current core titles. The Batgirl character remains a popular figure in the comics, and her storylines have been explored in various media, including the 2021–22 comic book miniseries Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.
Refn’s statement also underscores a broader trend of established filmmakers expressing interest in high‑profile comic‑book properties. Other directors have similarly voiced ambitions to adapt characters that have not yet been realized in film, though such interest does not guarantee a greenlight.
At present, the DCU’s next major releases remain Superman (2025) and the Peacemaker series, with no announced Batgirl project. Refn’s comment remains a point of interest for fans and industry observers, but no official development has been confirmed.
The Batgirl character continues to appear in comics and other media, and the DC franchise remains open to new projects. Whether Refn’s interest will lead to a production deal remains uncertain.
The director’s remarks were made during the Cannes Film Festival, a venue that has historically been a launching pad for high‑profile film projects. The festival’s focus on Her Private Hell and Refn’s comments about Batgirl may influence future discussions within the DC studio ecosystem.
In summary, Nicolas Winding Refn has publicly expressed a desire to direct a Batgirl film, but no official announcement or development has been made by DC Studios. The DCU continues to focus on its current slate, and the Batgirl character remains a potential future project pending further studio decisions.
