As of today, there are two official Justice League movies: the theatrical cut of Justice League released in 2017 and Zack Snyder’s Justice League, released in 2021. These two films represent distinct visions for the same concept – DC’s premier superhero team uniting against a common threat.
The Complicated History of the Justice League on Film
The journey to bring the Justice League to the big screen was fraught with challenges, creative differences, and ultimately, a bifurcated timeline. Understanding the context surrounding these two films is essential to appreciating their impact and the varying opinions surrounding them. For years, fans clamored for a live-action adaptation showcasing the combined might of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg, and The Flash. The initial plan, helmed by Zack Snyder, envisioned a multi-film arc culminating in a grand Justice League saga.
However, production of the original Justice League film faced significant setbacks, including a personal tragedy for Snyder. Joss Whedon was brought in to complete the film, resulting in significant reshoots and alterations that drastically changed the tone and narrative. This version, released in 2017, was met with overwhelmingly negative reviews and underperformed at the box office.
#ReleaseTheSnyderCut: A Fan-Driven Movement
Following the film’s release, a passionate online movement spearheaded by dedicated fans, dubbed #ReleaseTheSnyderCut, emerged. They argued that Snyder’s original vision for the film, heavily altered by Whedon, deserved to be seen. Their relentless campaign, fueled by evidence of substantial differences between the theatrical release and Snyder’s intended cut, eventually convinced Warner Bros. to invest in completing and releasing Zack Snyder’s Justice League on HBO Max in 2021.
This event was unprecedented in the history of major studio filmmaking and profoundly impacted the DC film landscape.
Justice League (2017): The Theatrical Cut
The Justice League released in 2017 attempted to streamline Snyder’s original plans into a more easily digestible, lighthearted film. The plot revolved around Batman and Wonder Woman assembling a team of metahumans – Aquaman, Cyborg, and The Flash – to combat Steppenwolf, an alien general seeking to terraform Earth into a new Apokolips.
Key Differences and Criticisms
The theatrical cut significantly reduced the roles of Cyborg and Steppenwolf, altering their backstories and motivations. The tone shifted dramatically towards levity, often at the expense of character development and dramatic weight. Visual effects were also criticized, particularly the notorious CGI removal of Henry Cavill’s mustache during reshoots.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021): A Director’s Vision Restored
Zack Snyder’s Justice League, often referred to as the “Snyder Cut,” represents a significantly expanded and darker version of the same story. Clocking in at over four hours, this film provides a more nuanced and complete narrative, exploring the characters’ individual journeys and motivations in greater depth.
The Snyder Cut’s Distinctive Features
The Snyder Cut features several key differences:
- Expanded Character Arcs: Deeper exploration of Cyborg’s origins and struggles, The Flash’s motivations, and Steppenwolf’s connection to Darkseid.
- Darkseid’s Presence: A more prominent role for Darkseid, the ultimate villain of the DC universe, establishing him as the overarching threat.
- Different Tone and Visuals: A darker, more epic tone with significantly improved visual effects.
- New Scenes and Deleted Content: Inclusion of previously unseen scenes and restored footage that were cut from the theatrical release.
FAQs About Justice League Movies
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Justice League movies, providing additional context and information:
What is the difference between Justice League (2017) and Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)?
The 2017 theatrical cut of Justice League was significantly altered from Zack Snyder’s original vision due to studio intervention and a change in directors. The Snyder Cut is longer, darker, features expanded character arcs, a more prominent role for Darkseid, and improved visual effects. It’s considered a vastly different film in terms of tone, narrative, and overall quality.
Is Zack Snyder’s Justice League considered canon?
This is a complex question. Initially, Warner Bros. stated that the Snyder Cut was a separate, non-canon entity. However, the subsequent shift in direction for the DC Universe under James Gunn and Peter Safran suggests a potential reevaluation of its place within the overall DC Multiverse. While not actively followed up on by subsequent films immediately after its release, elements from it could potentially be revisited in future DC projects. It exists, at the very least, as a parallel universe story.
Will there be a Justice League 2 in the Snyderverse?
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for a Justice League 2 continuing the Snyderverse storyline. James Gunn’s revamped DC Universe aims for a fresh start, separate from the continuity established in the Snyder films. However, the popularity of the Snyder Cut and the passionate fan base continue to fuel speculation and hope for a potential continuation in some form.
Where can I watch Zack Snyder’s Justice League?
Zack Snyder’s Justice League is available to stream on HBO Max (now Max). Depending on your region, it may also be available for purchase or rental on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play.
Why was Joss Whedon brought in to finish Justice League?
Zack Snyder stepped down from directing Justice League due to a personal family tragedy. Joss Whedon, known for his work on The Avengers, was brought in to complete the film, overseeing reshoots and post-production. The studio aimed to lighten the tone and make the film more accessible to a broader audience.
Who is Steppenwolf?
Steppenwolf is a New God and a general in Darkseid’s army. He serves as the primary antagonist in both versions of Justice League, although his backstory and motivations are more fully explored in the Snyder Cut. He is tasked with finding the Mother Boxes and terraforming Earth into a new Apokolips.
What are the Mother Boxes?
Mother Boxes are sentient supercomputers created by the New Gods. They contain vast amounts of energy and can be used for various purposes, including terraforming planets, opening boom tubes for interstellar travel, and enhancing the abilities of individuals. The three Mother Boxes hidden on Earth are key to Steppenwolf’s plan.
What is the Snyderverse?
The term “Snyderverse” refers to the interconnected series of DC films directed or heavily influenced by Zack Snyder, including Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League. It represents a specific artistic vision and continuity within the broader DC film universe.
Who plays Batman in the Justice League movies?
Ben Affleck plays Batman/Bruce Wayne in both versions of Justice League. His portrayal is generally praised for its world-weary, older take on the character, grappling with the consequences of his actions and seeking redemption.
Why was Henry Cavill’s mustache CGI’d out in the theatrical cut?
During the reshoots for the theatrical cut, Henry Cavill was contractually obligated to keep his mustache for his role in Mission: Impossible – Fallout. As a result, the mustache had to be digitally removed from his scenes in Justice League, leading to a widely criticized and often comical effect.
Are there any plans for another Justice League movie with the original cast?
While unlikely given the current direction of the DC Universe, the possibility isn’t entirely impossible. The film industry is ever-changing and fan demand can influence studio decisions. However, as it stands, Warner Bros. is focusing on building a new DC slate with new actors and storylines.
What impact did the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut movement have on the film industry?
The #ReleaseTheSnyderCut movement demonstrated the power of fan activism and its potential to influence major studio decisions. It set a precedent for audiences demanding specific versions of films and highlighted the importance of respecting a director’s vision. It also sparked debates about creative control and the role of studios in shaping artistic expression. This groundbreaking fan movement changed the landscape of film and film marketing forever.