Variety is reporting that Joss Whedon is nearing a deal to produce, write and direct the untitled Batgirl film for Warner Bros.

Batgirl is one of the most well known and popular superheroines for comic book readers and mainstream audiences, and her story is integral in the Batman universe. This will be second feature from Warner Bros to star a superheroine in her own film, and it will be the first for Whedon. Whedon has a track record for strong female characters, and has long wanted to direct a solo female superhero story.

This could be both a blessing and curse for the DCEU. This will be a superheroine story directed by a man, and that will raise a few concerns. Patty Jenkins is helming the Wonder Woman film, and this may appear to be a step backwards in terms of including more women directors in blockbuster filmmaking. However, this is Joss Whedon, someone who has proven capable of creating complicated, strong, and iconic female characters. Blessing and curse.

It is not known how the project will fit in the DCEU, but this is certainly a big win for the cinematic universe. Whedon is a professed comic book nerd and has a the passion and motivation to tell stories featuring strong women.

This film would also set a up a mini Batman universe. Nightwing is currently in the works. Batman

Source: Variety.