Zack Snyder’s Justice League

Movie Trailer

Release Date
March 18, 2021

Genre
Superhero, Action, Fantasy

Cast & Crew

• Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne / Batman
• Henry Cavill as Clark Kent / Superman
• Gal Gadot as Diana Prince / Wonder Woman
• Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry / Aquaman
• Ezra Miller as Barry Allen / The Flash
• Ray Fisher as Victor Stone / Cyborg
• Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth
• Amy Adams as Lois Lane
• Ciarán Hinds as Steppenwolf (voice)
• Jared Leto as The Joker

Director
Zack Snyder

Other Movies Director is Known For

• 300 (2006)
• Man of Steel (2013)
• Watchmen (2009)
• Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
• Dawn of the Dead (2004)

Producer
Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder

Writer
Chris Terrio, Zack Snyder, Will Beall

Budget
$70 million (for the new cut, in addition to the original budget)

Production Company
Warner Bros. Pictures, DC Films, The Stone Quarry

Running Time
242 minutes (4 hours, 2 minutes)

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Intense action violence
• Strong language
• Dark thematic elements

Movie Story
“Zack Snyder’s Justice League” is the much-anticipated director’s cut of the 2017 film Justice League, restoring Zack Snyder’s original vision before he had to step away from the project due to personal tragedy. This version of the film, released in four chapters, is a sprawling and epic tale that significantly expands on the narrative, character development, and thematic depth compared to the theatrical release.

The story follows Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck), who, inspired by Superman’s (Henry Cavill) selfless act in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, seeks to assemble a team of metahumans to protect the world from an impending threat. With the help of Diana Prince (Gal Gadot), also known as Wonder Woman, Bruce recruits Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) aka Aquaman, Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) aka The Flash, and Victor Stone (Ray Fisher) aka Cyborg. Each hero brings their unique abilities and personal struggles to the table, but the team must learn to work together to stop Steppenwolf (voiced by Ciarán Hinds), a powerful warrior sent to Earth by the tyrannical Darkseid (voiced by Ray Porter).

The film delves deeply into the backstories of its characters, particularly Cyborg, whose role was significantly reduced in the 2017 version. Snyder’s cut explores his transformation and struggles, portraying him as the emotional core of the film. Similarly, The Flash is given more screen time, with a crucial role in the film’s climax that highlights his powers and importance to the team.

The narrative of “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” is darker and more complex than the original cut, with a focus on themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the cost of heroism. The film’s extended runtime allows for richer world-building and more nuanced storytelling, with scenes that were previously cut or reshot now restored, giving the film a coherent and epic scope.

The final battle against Steppenwolf is more intense and satisfying in this version, with the heroes working in unison to achieve victory. The inclusion of Darkseid as the looming threat behind Steppenwolf adds a layer of foreboding and sets up potential future storylines. The film concludes with a series of epilogues, including a haunting “Knightmare” sequence that teases a dystopian future and the return of Jared Leto’s Joker, creating a vivid and memorable closing to the saga.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” are grand in scale and meticulously crafted, enhancing the epic nature of the story. The use of CGI to create characters like Steppenwolf and Darkseid is significantly improved from the 2017 version, making them more menacing and detailed. The action sequences, particularly those involving The Flash’s speed and Cyborg’s technological abilities, are visually stunning and integral to the film’s narrative.

Box Office Performance
As a streaming release on HBO Max, “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” did not have a traditional box office run. However, it was a massive success on the platform, generating significant viewership and becoming a cultural phenomenon. The film’s release was driven by an unprecedented fan campaign, #ReleaseTheSnyderCut, which demonstrated the power of fan advocacy in the modern era.

Filming Locations

• London, England, UK
• Los Angeles, California, USA
• Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Djúpavík, Iceland

Notable Quotes

• “I don’t care how many demons he’s fought in how many hells. He’s never fought us. Not us united.” – Bruce Wayne / Batman
• “You’re not brave. Men are brave.” – Superman
• “For Darkseid!” – Steppenwolf

Behind-the-Scenes
The journey to release “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” is as dramatic as the film itself. Following his departure from the original project due to family tragedy, Zack Snyder’s vision was altered significantly by the studio and replacement director Joss Whedon. Years of fan campaigning led Warner Bros. to greenlight the release of Snyder’s original cut, with additional funding provided for completion of visual effects and new scenes. The film is a testament to Snyder’s distinct style and storytelling, offering a deeper and more cohesive narrative than the theatrical release.

Awards

• Won Critics Choice Super Award (Best Superhero Movie)
• Nominated for Hollywood Critics Association Awards (Best Streaming Movie)

Final Verdict
“Zack Snyder’s Justice League” is a triumph of creative vision and fan dedication. It is a vast improvement over the theatrical cut, offering a richer, more complex story with enhanced character development and visual effects. While its four-hour runtime may be daunting, the film is a must-watch for DC fans and anyone interested in epic, well-crafted superhero storytelling.

IMDb Rating
8.0/10