The theatrical cut of Justice League, released in 2017, clocked in at 120 minutes, or exactly two hours. However, this is only part of the story, as the film’s journey to the screen was marred by production difficulties, ultimately leading to the existence of an alternate, director’s cut known as Zack Snyder’s Justice League.
The Theatrical Cut: A Compromised Vision
The Shorter Runtime
The theatrical cut of Justice League, often referred to as the “Whedon Cut” due to Joss Whedon’s extensive reshoots and alterations following Zack Snyder’s departure, was intentionally shortened to meet a perceived need for a more commercially viable runtime. Studio executives reportedly mandated a two-hour limit, resulting in significant cuts to Snyder’s original vision. This decision was driven by the belief that shorter movies tended to perform better at the box office, particularly with younger audiences.
Consequences of Compression
The compressed runtime resulted in a film that many considered choppy, disjointed, and lacking in character development. Subplots were truncated, character motivations became muddled, and the overall narrative suffered. This ultimately contributed to the film’s critical and commercial disappointment, fueling the demand for the release of the original vision.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League: Restoring the Vision
A Four-Hour Epic
Zack Snyder’s Justice League, released on HBO Max in 2021, boasts a vastly longer runtime of 242 minutes, or just over four hours. This extended length allowed Snyder to fully realize his vision for the film, restoring deleted scenes, expanding character arcs, and providing a more coherent and emotionally resonant narrative.
The Director’s Intended Cut
This version of the film represents Snyder’s complete artistic vision, free from studio interference and the constraints of a mandated runtime. It includes significant character development for heroes like Cyborg and the Flash, delves deeper into the backstory of Steppenwolf, and provides a more substantial role for Darkseid, the ultimate villain looming over the DCEU.
The Impact of Length
While some initially balked at the film’s considerable length, many viewers found it necessary to fully appreciate the story and characters. The extended runtime allowed for a more deliberate pace, allowing the emotional weight of the narrative to resonate more deeply.
Comparison: A World of Difference
The difference in runtime between the two versions of Justice League highlights the significant creative control relinquished by Zack Snyder in the theatrical cut. The two-hour runtime mandated by the studio fundamentally altered the film’s structure, pacing, and overall impact, leading to a vastly different cinematic experience compared to the four-hour director’s cut. The longer version is generally regarded as a superior film, due to its more complete and coherent storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Why was the Justice League movie cut down to two hours?
Studio executives reportedly believed that a shorter film would perform better at the box office, particularly with younger audiences. The two-hour mandate was a strategic decision aimed at maximizing commercial appeal, even if it meant sacrificing artistic integrity and narrative depth.
FAQ 2: Did Joss Whedon add new scenes during the reshoots?
Yes, Joss Whedon added numerous scenes during the reshoots. These scenes often clashed stylistically with Snyder’s established visual aesthetic and tone, further contributing to the perception that the theatrical cut was tonally inconsistent. Many of the Whedon additions were lighthearted and comedic in nature, contrasting sharply with the darker, more operatic style of Snyder’s original vision.
FAQ 3: Are there any extended or deleted scenes from the theatrical cut that are available?
While some deleted scenes were released as promotional material or included in home video releases, they represent only a small fraction of the content removed to achieve the two-hour runtime. These snippets offered tantalizing glimpses of Snyder’s original vision, further fueling the demand for a director’s cut.
FAQ 4: Does Zack Snyder’s Justice League have an extended ending?
Yes, Zack Snyder’s Justice League features a significantly extended ending that sets up potential future storylines and introduces key characters like Martian Manhunter. This ending provides closure to some plot threads while simultaneously opening up new possibilities for the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).
FAQ 5: Was the four-hour runtime of Zack Snyder’s Justice League a problem for viewers?
While some viewers initially expressed concerns about the film’s length, many found it necessary to fully appreciate the story and characters. The deliberate pacing and expanded character development allowed for a more immersive and emotionally resonant experience. The positive reception generally outweighed concerns about the four-hour commitment.
FAQ 6: How did the different runtimes affect the characters’ development?
The shorter runtime of the theatrical cut severely hampered character development, particularly for Cyborg and the Flash. Zack Snyder’s Justice League dedicates significant screen time to exploring their backstories, motivations, and struggles, resulting in more fully realized and relatable characters.
FAQ 7: What significant plot points were removed from the theatrical cut?
Numerous significant plot points were removed or significantly altered in the theatrical cut. These included key aspects of Steppenwolf’s backstory, the Mother Boxes’ origins, and the Knightmare sequence hinting at a potential future dystopian timeline. Zack Snyder’s Justice League restores these elements, providing a more complete and coherent narrative.
FAQ 8: Is there a black and white version of Zack Snyder’s Justice League available?
Yes, Zack Snyder released a black and white version of his cut of the movie, titled “Justice is Gray”. He stated that this monochromatic version was how he originally envisioned the film, and it offers a different aesthetic experience for viewers.
FAQ 9: How much of the theatrical cut was actually directed by Zack Snyder?
The exact percentage is difficult to quantify, but it is widely accepted that Zack Snyder directed a significant portion of the initial filming. However, the extensive reshoots and alterations overseen by Joss Whedon drastically changed the final product, resulting in a film that deviated substantially from Snyder’s original vision.
FAQ 10: Will there be a director’s cut of any other DC movies?
That is entirely up to Warner Bros. Discovery and their current creative direction with DC Films. There is no official confirmation or announcement concerning future DC movies receiving similar treatment to Justice League.
FAQ 11: Is the theatrical Justice League movie considered canon?
This is a complex question with no definitive answer. While it remains the official version released in theaters, the existence and popularity of Zack Snyder’s Justice League have muddied the waters. Many fans consider the latter to be the true version of the story, effectively de-canonizing the theatrical cut.
FAQ 12: Where can I watch both versions of Justice League?
Zack Snyder’s Justice League is exclusively available on HBO Max (now Max). The theatrical version is available on various streaming platforms, including HBO Max, and for purchase or rental on digital storefronts like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and iTunes.