One of the major highlights of the recent DC FanDome experience is the unveiling of the first trailer for Zack Snyder’s Justice League. DC loyalists finally getting a glimpse of Snyder’s original version for Justice League with the fulfillment of the Snyder Cut as a four-part miniseries in HBO Max.
For nearly three minutes, the trailer revealed major changes and additions that stick to the visionary director’s finest vision to the anticipated saga. With that, along with several news speculations, cast interviews and post-trailer , here are the 10 changes that were already noticed in the Justice League: Snyder Cut.
Insertion of Characters from Future DCEU Films
The existence of the Snyder Cut allows several deleted scenes from the theatrical version of Justice League to be finally featured. These include the presence of characters for future DCEU films, including Kiersey Clemons as Iris West in the Flash movie and Aquaman.
However, one character that is designated to appear in future installments is Ryan Zheng as Ryan Choi, a reincarnation of The Atom. He is depicted as one of Dr. Silas Stone’s assistants in deciphering the powers of the Mother Box.
Inclusion of the Green Lantern Corps
One of the notable Easter eggs in the final version of Justice League is the small appearance of several Green Lantern Corps during Steppenwolf’s first invasion on Earth. A united force that includes the Green Lantern Corps helped repel him and his army of legions.
For the Snyder Cut though, while it is not clear how involved the intergalactic law enforcers will be in the final product, it was confirmed that Kilowog and several Green Lanterns will appear. That should provide closure for the mystery man that Alfred interacted with.
Calvin Swanwick as Martian Manhunter
Secretary of Defense Calvin Swanwick (Harry Lennix) is an ally to Superman ever since Zod’s attack in Metropolis. Also in Batman v. Superman, he aided Lois Lane in the Nairomi investigation that led to backlash over Superman’s intervention.
For Justice League, it is supposed to build up to the point that Swansick is actually J'onn J'onzz, or Martian Manhunter. And thanks to the Snyder Cut, Swanwick hints of a cameo. But, hopefully there is more involvement from him.
Rework of Steppenwolf’s Appearance
One of the most notable Justice League changes that are revealed in the trailer is an edgier redesign of Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds). This is clearly a response to his negative reception in the theatrical film over the uncanny valley CGI, Thanos’ likeness, and his status as a forgettable, disposable villain.
But as revealed in the trailer, Steppenwolf is given a sharper makeover. With his face more concealed, his skin scalier, and his body armor thornier, Steppenwolf is almost like the razor-sharp menace he supposed to be for the Justice League.
Fulfillment of Batman’s Apocalyptic Dream
Back in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Bruce Wayne received two apocalyptic dreams: one involving an evil Superman and an army of Parademons, and another featuring a mysterious figure emerging from a portal and warning Bruce to find Lois Lane and gather “the others”.
Viewers at the time were confused about the scene. But the aspect about Lois Lane being “the key” gets a pay off when she becomes instrumental in Batman and Superman’s showdown. As for the Mad Max-like dream, it gets a payoff in the Snyder Cut.
The Speed Force
It is always neat to feature the Speed Force – the time-space realm that Flash traveled on – in properties about The Flash. In Justice League, Barry Allen is depicted to be travelling in the realm to stop an amnesiac Superman from interfering with the League.
The scope of the Speed Force is further explored in the Snyder Cut as a strong vacuum of space where the force is intense. The Speed Force is necessary to bridge the gaps that lead to Barry being the figure that appeared in Bruce’s dream.
Cyborg in Action
Many viewers are disappointed over the misuse of Cyborg. His only memorable bit is spouting “Booyah” as an out-of-place quip. But Zack Snyder assured to fans that Cyborg’s character arc and emotional progression will be salvaged for his director’s cut, assuring that Cyborg/Victor Stone is “the heart of the movie”.
As seen from the trailer, the football match scene and the tank-pushing bit (used for the original’s promotional materials) will be seen in their fullest form. Rest assured that Ray Fisher gets more time to shine in the Snyder Cut.
Revision of Dr. Stone’s Fate
However, one of the most harrowing revelations about Victor, based on the trailer, is the fate of Dr. Silas Stone (Joe Morton). Under Snyder’s vision, it is depicted that Dr. Stone disintegrated over extracting the Mother Box. So, instead of Steppenwolf capturing him for assistance on powering the Boxes, he faded away in front of Victor’s eyes.
Looking at it from Victor’s standpoint, being “the heart of the movie”, it makes sense to have him go through this heavy arc and slowly grow from it to be a more formidable cybernetic metahuman.
Darkseid
Perhaps the biggest change that Snyder Cut will do to Justice League is making Darkseid a prominent figure. While Steppenwolf remains the primary antagonist, Darkseid will take a bigger role in the DCEU, making him Steppenwolf’s master. And their servant/despot connection will be nothing new in the pop culture pantheon.
While Darkseid’s scope over the four-part miniseries has yet to be clarified, as seen since the teaser trailer, expect his insatiable onslaught to be a major threat for the Justice League. And it was him who sent the Apokolips army.
Black-Suited Superman
Finally, speculations have ended over the black suit Superman. Henry Cavill’s Superman is now shown on his black-suit version that was formed after his revival, tying the loose ends over the black coffin from Batman v. Superman and staying loyal to Superman’s comic book lore.
Snyder had the utmost vision to depict Superman in a black suit after he was revitalized. However, Warner Bros. did not make it come to fruition, due to costume budget. (But they find the funds to CGI Cavill’s mustache.) Even with that obstacle, it is gratifying to see a sleek Superman suit, beating the odds.
