Jena Malone
Actress Jena Malone, pictured here at the premiere of "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2" in Los Angeles on Nov. 16, 2015, was cut out of the theatrical version of "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice." Getty Images

With “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice” expected to showcase more DC Comics characters than any movie in the past, speculation about the introduction of one character’s involvement in the film has come to a bit of an end. Actress Jena Malone has reportedly been cut from the theatrical version of the film, even though many fans assumed she’d play a beloved character from the comic books.

According to Screen Crush, Warner Bros. has confirmed that Malone’s character, who is still shrouded in mystery, will not appear in the theatrical release of the film when it premieres on March 25. However, that doesn’t mean that her part in the DC Comics universe will be left entirely on the cutting-room floor. The outlet notes that she will be included in the Ultimate Edition on DVD and Blu-ray. Not only will the home version of the film be packed with bonus extras, but it will include an extended, R-rated cut of the film that will feature Malone’s mysterious role.

Given the studio’s decision to keep her part a secret, many comic book fans speculated that she could end up being the comic book character Barbara Gordon who, after a stint as Batgirl leaves her paralyzed, becomes the superhacker ally to the heroes, Oracle. However, speaking to Entertainment Weekly about the Ultimate Edition DVD/Blu-ray, director Zack Snyder finally addressed those rumors and others, while announcing Malone’s character coming to the R-rated cut.

“I think we should keep it private, but it’s nothing that’s been talked about,” he told the outlet. “She’s definitely not Robin or Batgirl. I’m happy to say that.”

While that puts a bit of cold water on what many fans were hoping for, it’s worth noting that the director specifically called out the Robin and Batgirl personas, not Barbara Gordon. As a result, Oracle could still be on the table. Then again, if the director really means that fans have gotten it wrong this entire time, it’s possible we’ll be treated to an entirely new twist when Malone’s character is finally revealed. The bad news here is that the reveal in question will be coming a lot later than March 25.

Whoever Malone ends up playing in the new film, odds are good that her role was more of a cameo than any kind of meaty plot-driving role. With the movie already clocking in at a whopping two-and-a-half hours, a lot of nonessentials had to go, and it seems whatever wink to the comic book readers Malone could have been planned for simply didn’t make the cut.

RELATED STORIES