Who Directed Justice League?
Justice League, the 2017 superhero film based on the DC Comics superhero team of the same name, was directed by a talented team of filmmakers. The primary director for most of the production was Zack Snyder, known for his work in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The film was written by Chris Terrio and Joss Whedon, both renowned screenwriters.
Featuring an ensemble cast, Justice League stars Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa, Ray Fisher, and more. The collaboration between these actors and the skilled directors brought the iconic characters to life on the big screen.
While Snyder was the primary director, he stepped down during post-production, and Joss Whedon took over to oversee reshoots and additional scenes. Despite the directorial change, Snyder ultimately retained sole credit as the director of Justice League.
Production History of Justice League
The production of Justice League faced a troubled production history, marked by script changes and a change in directors. Following the negative reception of previous DC Extended Universe films, Warner Bros. Pictures decided to make significant revisions to the script and photography of Justice League. Initially, Zack Snyder was onboard as the director for most of the production. However, he stepped down during the post-production phase, leading to a change in directorial responsibilities.
Joss Whedon was brought in to complete the film, overseeing reshoots and making script changes to add a brighter tone and more humor. The decision to bring in Whedon was partly influenced by Warner Bros. Pictures’ desire to address the criticisms and create a more audience-friendly version of the film. The theatrical release of Justice League in 2017 received mixed reviews and was considered a commercial failure.
Despite the film’s underwhelming reception, there was a growing demand from fans for the release of a version that was more faithful to Zack Snyder’s original vision. This version, referred to by fans as the “Snyder Cut,” gained significant traction, with fans campaigning and advocating for its release. Initially, Warner Bros. had no plans to release the “Snyder Cut,” but as the demand continued to intensify, the studio eventually confirmed its existence and announced its release on HBO Max in March 2021.
Zack Snyder’s Original Vision for Justice League
Zack Snyder’s original vision for Justice League differed significantly from the theatrical release, aiming for a darker and weirder tone. One notable aspect of Snyder’s vision was the inclusion of the “Knightmare” scene, a post-apocalyptic future where Darkseid, a formidable DC Comics villain, played a significant role. This scene delved into Batman’s nightmares and showcased a bleak future where Darkseid’s reign of terror had taken hold.
In Snyder’s original version, the story revolved around Darkseid killing Lois Lane, which left Superman vulnerable and under Darkseid’s control. To alter this dark future, Batman and Cyborg devised a plan to use time travel. They enlisted the help of The Flash, who was tasked with going back in time to save Lois and change the course of events. This storyline added an extra layer of complexity and depth to the narrative.
Snyder’s vision for Justice League also introduced new characters into the DC Universe mythos. Darkseid, Desaad, and Martian Manhunter were among the characters that were set to make their debut in Snyder’s version, expanding the roster of iconic figures in the superhero team-up film.
Release of Zack Snyder’s Justice League
After much demand from fans, Zack Snyder’s original version of Justice League, known as the “Snyder Cut,” was released on HBO Max in March 2021. The “Snyder Cut” is a significantly different and alternate cut of the film, boasting a runtime of around four hours, providing an extensive and immersive experience for viewers.
One of the notable differences in the “Snyder Cut” is the completion of VFX shots, enhancing the visual effects and delivering a more polished and visually stunning film. This attention to detail elevates the overall cinematic experience and showcases the film as envisioned by Snyder.
In addition to the improved visual effects, the “Snyder Cut” also offers fans the opportunity to delve deeper into the Justice League universe through the inclusion of additional characters’ screen time. This includes more backstory and development for key characters, allowing audiences to connect with and understand their motivations on a deeper level.
The release of Zack Snyder’s Justice League on HBO Max marks a significant moment for fans of the DC Extended Universe, providing them with a unique and alternative perspective on the iconic superhero team. It fulfills the desires of fans who were eager to see Snyder’s original vision come to life and offers a fresh and captivating viewing experience.
