Joss Whedon is stepping away from writing and directing a “Batgirl” project for DC Entertainment and Warner Bros.

At a moment when inclusion and representation within the world of superhero adaptations are proving to be of increasing importance to studios and audiences alike, the first stand-alone film for the enduringly popular Batgirl character would seem a priority item.

Last year, DC and Warner Bros.’ “Wonder Woman” earned more than $821 million at the worldwide box office. Marvel and Disney have their “Captain Marvel,” starring Brie Larson, in the works.

Whedon was first announced as being attached to the “Batgirl” project in March, entering the DC universe after having directed Marvel’s “The Avengers” and “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” Then in May of last year, Whedon stepped in to complete Warner/DC’s “Justice League” after director Zack Snyder left the project for family reasons.

In a statement first published Thursday by The Hollywood Reporter, Whedon said he was “grateful” to DC President Geoff Johns and Warner Bros. Picture Group President Toby Emmerich and said, “?‘Batgirl’ is such an exciting project, and Warners/DC such collaborative and supportive partners, that it took me months to realize I really didn’t have a story.”

— Los Angeles Times