Anna Daniels
Justice League was the last time Ben Affleck played Batman. The film itself was compromised when Joss Whedon took over for reshoots. Fans of original (and still credited) director Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice have been demanding the Snyder Cut. They want to see the version of the film Snyder assembled before Whedon came in.
The members of the Justice League are doing just fine in their own films. Aquaman and Wonder Woman have sequels lined up and The Batman is taking a new approach with Robert Pattinson. Henry Cavill’s Superman is still in flux. Affleck commented on the Snyder cut of Justice League while promoting his new film, The Way Back, in theaters March 6.
Ben Affleck signed on to lead the ‘Justice League’
Justice League was supposed to complete the trilogy of Snyder’s superhero films. Actually, it was originally supposed to be a two parter. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice introduced Batman (Affleck) and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) as main characters, and Aquaman (Jason Momoa), The Flash (Ezra Miller) and Cyborg (Ray Fisher) in cameos.
When Affleck signed on to play Bruce Wayne/Batman, it was for multiple films. He filmed a cameo in Suicide Squad too. Justice League would be the film in which he led DC’s own answer to The Avengers, and eventually star in and direct The Batman.
‘Justice League’: Is there a Snyder Cut?
Batman v Superman made a lot of money, but critical reaction did not lead to excitement for the further adventures of the Justice League. Very quickly, Warner Brothers cancelled plans for the two part Justice League. Snyder still directed the single Justice League film and co-wrote with Chris Terrio.
Principal photography wrapped and the studio scheduled reshoots. Although much was made over the idea of reshooting Justice League, it is standard for most movies to film more footage to clarify or enhance the story. Before he could film reshoots, Snyder’s daughter Autumn died.
Joss Whedon took over co-writing and directing the reshoots. Justice League still credits Snyder as director as he presumably directed a majority of scenes in the film. But did he have a complete cut of the film before Whedon added scenes? Snyder has never confirmed nor denied it, but whatever Snyder Cut exists, fans want to see it.
Ben Affleck confirms the Snyder Cut
Affleck ultimately retired from the role of Batman. His new film, The Way Back, is a drama about an alcoholic basketball coach. Cinema Blend spoke with Affleck at a press event on Friday, Feb. 21 and asked about the Snyder Cut. Affleck and Gadot each separately tweeted “#ReleaseTheSnyderCut” on Nov. 17, 2019. This is his first public comment elaborating on it.
“I didn’t know about it,” Affleck said. “Zack was like, ‘Hey, they are doing this thing.’ And I said, ‘Zack, I love you, and I support you. However I can help you.’”
Affleck continued, acknowledging that there were two different versions of Justice League.
“Having two directors is a very weird thing,” Affleck said. “For Justice League, the director had a family tragedy … and so you have a kind of cow’s body with a horse’s head a little bit with two directors a lot of times, for better or for worse.”
Finally, Affleck acknowledged that a Zack Snyder cut of Justice League could be released.
“I do think Zack’s cut should be available,” Affleck said.
Written by: Cheat
