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In 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery announced the cancelation ofBatgirl’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 tentpoleBatgirlhad 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 onThe 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’sThe Mothership: What Could Be The Reason?
The InSneiderreports that Netflix has scrapped plans to releaseHalle 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.Batgirlmerely 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 (viaCBR), there were plans for“significant reshoots”onThe 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 07, 2025.
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 ToThe Mothership‘s Cancelation While Drawing Parallels WithBatgirl
Many users on X have reacted to the news of Netflix scrappingThe Mothershipby 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 shelvedBatgirlfilm, helmed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah.
Following are some of the claims netizens have made, compelled to blame CEO and PresidentDavid Zaslavand Warner Bros. Discovery for setting an alleged“trend.”
WB set a bad example
— 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕠 〰️ (@MANOMAGlC)June 08, 2025
Ok? So random, is Netflix Warner Bros Discovery now?
— Chainsaw Reacts (@ChainsawReacts)July 17, 2025
this makes no sense other than a tax write offpic.twitter.com/faboYMiow1
— ras ali | رأس علي (@rasalistair)August 14, 2025
Related:David Zaslav Attracts Mockery From DC Fans After Claiming Axing Batgirl Took “Courage”
The ‘Batgirl’ Of Netflix
— 𝙸𝚝𝚜𝚁𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚖𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚜⊃∪∩⪽🏳️⚧️ (@ItsRandomWordss)July 31, 2025
Netflix pulling a MAX… after raising our damn subscription prices
— NOIVAS. (@NOIVASwright)June 25, 2025
David Zaslav will not see heaven for the trend he started
— AMC_Vagrant (@amc_vagrant)June 17, 2025
Previously,Batgirlwas 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 offBatgirlunder 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.
Debdipta Bhattacharya
Articles Published :659
Debdipta Bhattacharya is a content writer at FandomWire, where she has written more than 500 articles on various topics of interest. She possesses a sincere passion for popular culture, anime, film production, and the evolving world of YouTube and streaming culture which has allowed her to be a devoted and well-informed writer. Debdipta holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication. She has honed her skills and expertise in content writing with over two years of experience and strives to learn and grow daily.
