By The Nerdling

I hate to say it, but DC and Warner Bros have not earned my trust just yet. Which sucks because my love of DC comic heroes dominated my childhood more so than Marvel. Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Shazam! took big steps forward in bringing the DCEU back from the brink. Joker is currently receiving rave reviews and building some serious hype with words like “Oscar Caliber” being thrown around. But the disappointments felt after Man of Steel, Batman v Superman, Suicide Squad, and Justice League continue to linger with me. And while I want so much to be excited for Birds of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), I just can’t help but feel anxious about it.

I’m not worried about the reshoots which happened earlier this month. Reshoots are standard, especially for a big-budget film. I’m not even concerned over Chad Stahelski (known for his work on the John Wick movies) stepping in as the second unit director for the reshoots. Cathy Yan doesn’t have the experience in directing action sequences on this level. Some help from an expert is necessary. Stahelski is a perfect choice since he will help to enhance her vision, not take it over.

The reason why I feel concern over the upcoming female superhero team-up movie is the lack of marketing behind it. One could argue Warner Bros is pushing for Joker to be front and center and they do not want another film to distract from its possible triumph. The film examining the non-comic book origins of the most famous Batman villain is a massive risk (one which looks like it might actually pay off). I would argue Birds of Prey is a bigger risk for the studio and some attention needs to be paid.

The only well-known character in the upcoming Birds of Prey is Harley Quinn (with Margot Robbie reprising her role from Suicide Squad). The film also includes heroines Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell) and Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), who are familiar characters to fans of The CW’s Arrow. To the general film going crowd, they are not known names. Robbie is a bankable star and Quinn is recognizable, but is it enough to generate hype?

Marketing is needed in order for Birds of Prey to be a success. Especially since the movie may be going for an R rating. And so far, Warner Bros has a tiny teaser which airs exclusively before screenings of It: Chapter 2.

The only looks we have seen of the film before the teaser was some leaked online images as well as a quickie video announcing the start of filming, in which again, you see very little of anything other than Quinn. Little to no online chatter. The hype is non-existent.

We are talking about a female-led, R rated superhero movie which is due to release in less than five months (February 7, 2020) and all I’m hearing are crickets.

I’m hoping the lack of marketing is due to Joker and come October when the film hits theaters, there will be promotions galore for Birds of Prey. But as of right now, I’m a little worried about the fate of Harley Quinn, Huntress, and Black Canary.

The Nerdling was born in the majestic land known as Texas and currently resides there after several years of journeying through Middle Earth in a failed attempt to steal the one Ring from that annoying hobbit, serving the Galactic Empire for a time, and then a short stint as a crew member on the Serenity. Since moving back to her homeland, Nerdling flirted with a hero reputation. Saving children from the dangers of adoring domineering, sparkly vampires (champions with souls are the only vampires worth loving) and teaching normals the value of nerdom, all while rooting for her beloved Dallas Stars. Then came the Sokovia Accords and her short spell of saving others came to an end. With Darth Vader’s reputation rightfully returning to badass status, Nerdling is making her way back to the Empire. They do have cookies, you know. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram.