Joss Whedon feels heartbroken at having to exit the 'Batgirl' movie.

The 53-year-old filmmaker had originally been lined up to helm the DC film, but Joss - who has been criticised for his 'Justice League' reshoots - ultimately decided to walk away from the project, saying he had issues developing the right story.

Of his decision to walk away from the movie, Joss told Variety "I felt some of the elements might not work as well, and the story kind of just crumbled in my hands."

It's also been suggested that Joss' decision to quit the film was influenced by a scathing blog written by his ex-wife Kai Cole, who publicly slammed the director, saying he is a "hypocrite preaching feminist ideals".