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It has been claimed that Halle Berry has starred in a film that Netflix will no longer release.
While the streaming service typically removes completed titles from its library, it has now decided to completely “cancel” the release of a film that Berry has completed work on.
The Monster's Ball actor initially completed sci-fi drama The Mothership in 2021 – but the film's release has reportedly been “postponed” indefinitely after multiple delays that delayed the project for years .
Berry's film, which was featured in the streamer's trailer recapping 2024's big film releases, was delayed several times due to post-production requirements. It is now reported that The Mothership will remain on the shelf, similar to Warner Bros.' Batgirl.
News of the film's cancellation was first reported by newsletter The InSneider, which claimed the decision was due to the fact that the child actors had grown up too much for some “significant” reshoots to work.
“The Mothership” was written and directed by Matthew Charman, who was nominated for an Oscar in 2016 for his screenplay for “Bridge of Spies.” In it, Berry played a single mother who discovers an alien object on her farm, which she learns is linked to her husband's disappearance a year ago.
Molly Parker, John Ortiz, Omari Hardwick and Paul Guilefoyle were also in the film.
The Independent has contacted Netflix for comment.
Netflix users are surprised that the streaming service is the latest distributor to completely cancel a film following controversies surrounding “Batgirl” and most recently “Coyote vs. Acme,” whose releases were postponed indefinitely despite being completed.
While “Coyote vs. Acme” may yet see the light of day due to interest from other studios, “Batgirl,” which cost the studio $90 million, will remain on the shelf.
(Getty Images for Fast Company)
Leslie Grace, who starred as Barbara Gordon, and the film's directors, Bad Boys for Life's Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, expressed their shock at the news in respective statements.
There have been several rumors surrounding Warner Bros' decision. A spokesperson said at the time: “The decision not to release Batgirl reflects the strategic shift in our leadership regarding the DC Universe and HBO Max.”
However, Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav later went on to say, “We won't release a movie until it's ready.” We won't release a movie to make a quarter, and we won't release a movie if we don't believe in.”