Joss Whedon is no longer directing Batgirl and regardless of whether or not the explanation for his departure is accurate, some new details have surfaced in regards to his plans for the movie revolving around Barbara Gordon. According to Variety, Whedon was looking to adapt "The Million Dollar Debut of Batgirl!" That story was the title of Detective Comics Vol. 1 #359, the debut of Batgirl in the comics.
The issue revolved around the youngster suiting up for the first time and aiding Batman and Robin as they took down Killer-Moth and his Moth-Men. Regardless of whether or not he would have been the big bad, Whedon was clearly planning to tell the character's origin story and the first time she suited up as the hero. That would have presumably meant appearances from Batman and Jim Gordon.
Most fans assumed that the movie would pick up with an older Barbara after she's recovered from being shot by The Joker but Whedon was clearly envisioning a younger take on the character which would have served as an introduction. No matter where the project goes from here, it's going to be interesting seeing how she's brought to the big screen and which iteration of Batgirl we get.