In 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery announced the cancelation of Batgirl’s release. The cause behind this was attributed to several reasons, including cost-cutting strategies, poor test-screening reception, and the reported use of the shelved movie as a tax write-down to recoup the lost costs. Now, reports of Netflix scrapping the release plans for Halle Berry’s sci-fi film, ‘The Mothership,’ have reaped similar conjecture from online users.
Related: From Batgirl to Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel 2, 25 DCEU Projects That Were Canceled or Abandoned
Amid WB Discovery’s restructuring efforts under a new regime, multiple initiatives besides the unreleased big-budget tentpole Batgirl had been axed. Several HBO Max original movies were also discreetly pulled from the platform and its slate of intended releases. The strategy to cut costs, therefore, revolved around content write-offs. Many believed the Leslie Grace-starrer’s shelving set a precedent that caused ripples across the industry.
Following Netflix’s decision to pull the plug on The Mothership, comparisons between the two scenarios have been made, with many online users accusing WB Discovery CEO David Zaslav of initiating a “trend.”
Has the Halle Berry sci-fi flick fallen prey to a tax write-off strategy, or is there another reason besides what the internet is being led to believe?
Netflix Has Reportedly Scrapped Halle Berry’s The Mothership: What Could Be The Reason?
The InSneider reports that Netflix has scrapped plans to release Halle Berry‘s sci-fi picture “The Mothership.” While not the first studio to shelve a project scheduled for release, the decision to do so has almost become intrinsic to Hollywood.
The most common occurrence behind axing a project in recent times has been characterized by content write-offs—that became closely associated with Warner Bros. Discovery in 2022 following the cancelation of several projects in various stages of production. Batgirl merely proved the tip of the iceberg for the entertainment conglomerate. Naturally, with the news of Netflix canceling Berry’s sci-fi endeavor, many netizens were quick to conclude that this, too, was indicative of a tax write-off strategy.
Related: David Zaslav Defends Canceling Batgirl Based on Bad Content Than Tax Write-Off
With reports scarce, it can’t be confirmed if a tax break scenario is the root cause. The explanations provided thus far indicate a different reality. Per Jeff Sneider (via CBR), there were plans for “significant reshoots” on The Mothership. These were deemed costly. It was also unfeasible since the young actors featured in the movie in central roles have grown significantly since the conclusion of principal photography on August 9, 2021.
However, the primary reasoning hasn’t been attributed to the expense of the reshoots. Prolonged post-production delays reportedly contributed to the axing.
Whether other behind-the-scenes developments occurred to prompt Netflix’s decision cannot be discerned yet. Many continue to ponder about the potential write-off.
Netizens React To The Mothership‘s Cancelation While Drawing Parallels With Batgirl
Many users on X have reacted to the news of Netflix scrapping The Mothership by wondering what could’ve been the cause behind the sudden development. Previously, the Halle Berry starrer was slated for a 2023 release. It was subsequently pushed to 2024. With its axing, people have drawn a parallel between the sci-fi initiative and the shelved Batgirl film, helmed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah.
Following are some of the claims netizens have made, compelled to blame CEO and President David Zaslav and Warner Bros. Discovery for setting an alleged “trend.”
WB set a bad example
— 𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕠 〰️ (@MANOMAGlC) January 24, 2024
Ok? So random, is Netflix Warner Bros Discovery now?
— Chainsaw Reacts (@ChainsawReacts) January 24, 2024
this makes no sense other than a tax write off pic.twitter.com/faboYMiow1
— ras ali (@rasalistair) January 24, 2024
Related: David Zaslav Attracts Mockery From DC Fans After Claiming Axing Batgirl Took “Courage”
The ‘Batgirl’ Of Netflix
— 𝙸𝚝𝚜𝚁𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚖𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚜🏳️⚧️🧩 (@ItsRandomWordss) January 24, 2024
Netflix pulling a MAX… after raising our damn subscription prices
— NOIVAS. (@noivaswright) January 24, 2024
David Zaslav will not see heaven for the trend he started
— AMC_Vagrant (@amc_vagrant) January 24, 2024
Previously, Batgirl was intended to be a part of the DCEU. It starred talents like Leslie Grace (in the titular role), J. K. Simmons, Jacob Scipio, Brendan Fraser, and Michael Keaton. The initial report linked the cancellation of the unreleased project to WBD CEO David Zaslav’s desire to concentrate on big theatrical releases.
Negative test screening results were also believed to be a contributing factor behind the unexpected decision. Subsequent reports indicated that the conglomerate writing off Batgirl under a tax break strategy suggested a financially feasible method of recovering its expenses.
On the other hand, The Mothership, written and directed by Matthew Charman, starred Halle Berry, Molly Parker, Omari Hardwick, and others. It was slated for a release on Netflix this year before its cancelation.
