The answer, surprisingly complex, is that there are three major theatrical and streaming releases officially considered Justice League movies. These are Justice League (2017), Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021), and Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part One (2024), although the latter is animated. The story behind this seemingly simple number, however, involves directorial changes, fan campaigns, and differing visions for the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), warranting a deeper exploration.
The Evolution of the Justice League on Film
The Justice League, DC Comics’ premier superhero team, has been a staple of comic books, animated series, and video games for decades. Bringing them to the big screen, however, proved a more challenging task than many anticipated. This section will dissect the journey from initial concepts to the final, complex cinematic reality.
Early Attempts and False Starts
Before 2017, several attempts were made to bring the Justice League to life. One notable project, Justice League: Mortal, was slated for a 2009 release, featuring a cast including Armie Hammer as Batman and Megan Gale as Wonder Woman. However, the project ultimately fell apart due to script issues, budget constraints, and the 2007-2008 Writers Guild of America strike. These early setbacks highlight the difficulties in adapting such a large and complex team to film.
Justice League (2017): A Troubled Production
The first official Justice League film arrived in 2017, directed by Zack Snyder. However, during post-production, Snyder stepped down due to a family tragedy. Joss Whedon, known for his work on Marvel’s Avengers, was brought in to complete the film. This resulted in a drastically different final product, one that received largely negative reviews from critics and fans alike. The theatrical cut of Justice League (2017) is often considered a compromised version, reflecting the conflicting visions of two different directors.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021): The Director’s Cut
The controversy surrounding the 2017 film fueled a passionate fan campaign demanding the release of the “Snyder Cut,” Zack Snyder’s original vision for the film. This culminated in the release of Zack Snyder’s Justice League in 2021, a four-hour director’s cut available on HBO Max (now Max). This version presented a significantly different story, expanded character arcs, and a darker tone, generally receiving more positive reviews than the theatrical cut. Although not a “sequel” in the traditional sense, it’s a distinct and canonical version of the Justice League’s story, making it essentially a separate film.
Animated Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part One (2024)
While technically a part of the Tomorrowverse animated series, this movie deserves inclusion as it gathers the Justice League in a prominent role to face an existential threat to the multiverse. Featuring a vast cast of characters and heroes, it firmly plants itself as another iteration, making it an important element in the broader discussion about Justice League adaptations.
Navigating the DCEU and Beyond
The Justice League films are intrinsically linked to the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), a shared cinematic universe featuring DC Comics characters. However, the DCEU has undergone significant restructuring, leading to questions about the future of the Justice League on film.
The Shifting Landscape of DC Films
Under new leadership, DC Films is charting a new course, moving away from the established DCEU timeline. This “soft reboot” means that the continuity of past films, including Justice League (2017) and Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021), is somewhat uncertain. The future of the Justice League in the new DC Universe (DCU) is currently unknown, with new projects and casting decisions yet to be revealed.
Future Possibilities and Potential Reboots
Despite the uncertainty, the Justice League remains a valuable property for DC Films. It is likely that the team will be reimagined and reintroduced to audiences in future films, perhaps with a new cast and a different approach to storytelling. The success of individual character films, such as The Batman (2022), suggests that focusing on individual heroes and building to a larger team-up event could be a viable strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Justice League Movies
Here are some of the most common questions regarding the Justice League movies, answered with clarity and authority:
FAQ 1: Is the theatrical cut of Justice League (2017) considered canon?
Whether or not the theatrical cut is considered canon is debatable and largely subjective. In terms of the overarching DCEU narrative at the time, it was the official theatrical release and thus “canon.” However, the existence of Zack Snyder’s Justice League, and the subsequent soft reboot of the DCEU, effectively renders its canonicity questionable. It remains a part of the franchise’s history, but its influence on the future DCU is minimal.
FAQ 2: Is Zack Snyder’s Justice League the “true” version of the film?
Zack Snyder’s Justice League represents Zack Snyder’s intended vision for the film, and is generally considered the director’s definitive version. While it’s not necessarily “true” in an objective sense, it offers a more complete and cohesive narrative compared to the theatrical cut, aligning with Snyder’s established style and themes.
FAQ 3: Will there be a Justice League 2 in the new DCU?
Currently, there are no confirmed plans for a Justice League 2 within the new DC Universe (DCU). James Gunn and Peter Safran, the heads of DC Studios, have announced a slate of new projects, but a direct sequel to either the 2017 or 2021 Justice League films is not among them. However, a future Justice League film is certainly possible, although it would likely feature a new cast and a reimagined storyline.
FAQ 4: What’s the difference between the theatrical cut and Zack Snyder’s Justice League?
The differences are significant. Zack Snyder’s Justice League features a longer runtime, expanded character arcs (especially for Cyborg), a more developed villain (Steppenwolf), a darker tone, and a vastly different ending, including the introduction of Darkseid. It also eliminates much of the humor and lightheartedness added by Joss Whedon in the theatrical cut.
FAQ 5: Where can I watch Zack Snyder’s Justice League?
Zack Snyder’s Justice League is available for streaming on Max (formerly HBO Max).
FAQ 6: Who are the members of the Justice League in the films?
The core members of the Justice League in both versions of the film are Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash, and Cyborg.
FAQ 7: Are there any Justice League spin-off movies planned?
While no Justice League spin-off movies are currently planned, individual character films featuring members of the team are being developed within the DCU. This includes projects like Superman: Legacy and a potential The Flash 2, although the latter’s future is uncertain.
FAQ 8: How did the fan campaign to release the Snyder Cut start?
The fan campaign gained momentum after the theatrical release of Justice League (2017), with fans expressing dissatisfaction with the changes made during post-production. Using the hashtag #ReleaseTheSnyderCut, fans organized online petitions, social media campaigns, and even charitable events to raise awareness and demonstrate the demand for Snyder’s original vision.
FAQ 9: Is it worth watching both versions of Justice League?
For fans interested in the behind-the-scenes drama and the contrasting directorial visions, watching both versions can be a worthwhile experience. However, Zack Snyder’s Justice League is generally considered the superior film, offering a more complete and satisfying narrative.
FAQ 10: Did the actors prefer the Snyder Cut to the theatrical version?
Many of the actors involved in the Justice League film publicly expressed their support for Zack Snyder’s Justice League and their preference for his original vision. They participated in the fan campaign and voiced their enthusiasm for the director’s cut.
FAQ 11: What role does Darkseid play in the Snyder Cut?
Darkseid is a major antagonist in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, serving as the ultimate threat lurking behind Steppenwolf. His presence foreshadows future conflicts and establishes him as a significant player in the wider DC universe. He has a limited but impactful role, setting up a potential future storyline.
FAQ 12: How does Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part One fit into the overall Justice League movie landscape?
While animated, this film gathers the core Justice League members along with a vast array of other heroes to combat a multiverse-threatening crisis. As such, it firmly joins the other live-action versions as an official Justice League movie, representing a different medium but staying true to the spirit of team-up narratives.
In conclusion, while the answer to “how many Justice League movies are there?” might seem straightforward, the reality is nuanced and reflects the complex history of the DCEU. With three distinct films available, each offering a unique perspective on DC’s iconic superhero team, fans have ample opportunities to experience the Justice League on the big (and small) screen. The future of the team remains uncertain, but their legacy as a cinematic phenomenon is undeniable.