Following a recent shakeup to the DC extended universe timetable, the next DC film in the works seems to be 'Birds of Prey'. Deadline has reported that Cathy Yan is set to direct the upcoming production making it the second DC film to be lead by a female director following Patty Jenkins' 'Wonder Woman'. 'Birds of Prey' will be the first superhero film directed by an asian woman.
The film, dubbed 'Birds of Prey', is still without an official title, although it's set to focus on Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) and a group of other female characters based on the series of comics of the same name. Robbie has reportedly insisted that the film be directed by a female.
Although in the comics, Harley Quinn is joined by Batgirl, Black Canary and Huntress, it's not clear whether those characters will make it into the film adaptation. Christina Hodson, who's recently been hired to write the screenplay for DC's 'Batgirl', is taking up the same role for this untitled production.
Whilst 'Suicide Squad' may have divided the public, it's clear the majority were pleased with Robbie's performance as Harley Quinn, for, DC nor Warner would be going ahead with their plans for more films, were it not the case. 'Birds of Prey' is one of five projects that the two aforementioned companies have in the works, supposing that Harley Quinn will have her own film amongst the mix. The upcoming productions we know about include 'Harley Quinn vs The Joker', 'Gotham City Sirens', that will also star Catwoman and Poison Ivy, and 'Suicide Squad 2'.
The 'Suicide Squad 2' delay
As plans for 'Birds of Prey' solidify, it's clear DC aren't done with the schedule changes yet: the 'Suicide Squad' sequel has been pushed back in terms of both filming and release.
As for SUICIDE SQUAD 2, clearly moving out of 2018 shoot. The move to go with BOP not only had a lot to do with Hodson's script but also the idea of doing with BATGIRL what Marvel did with Black Panther in CIVIL WAR by introducing them into universe before giving them own film
? Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) April 17, 2018
Comicbook reported that the delay was likely down to screenplay writer, Hodson's workload and DC's desire to introduce Batgirl to their extended universe before her standalone film.
This isn't the first time that the Gavin O'Connor directed film has suffered a delay. The production has already been pushed back a few times due to scheduling issues regarding the availability of actors and that's meant that instead of a 2018 release, we're more likely to see 'Suicide Squad 2' in 2019. Despite all of their plans, Warner are yet to reveal which of the upcoming films is to premiere first.
