Based on the trailer alone, it's safe to say that the HBO Max in 2021, there are promising signs that this version of the movie — now presented as a miniseries — will flesh out the underdeveloped aspects of the panned theatrical release. While the Snyder Cut still may not live up to the impossibly-high expectations that surround it, by default, it will be a better version of the story than the 2017 Justice League.
Justice League was doomed from the start. Zack Snyder was once again leading the DCEU big-budget project, despite the poor critical reception and box office performance of his previous project, Whedon was already involved with Justice League, as Snyder had been collaborating with him on the script; however, the former's directorial style is completely different than Snyder’s, and as a result, he dramatically changed the film. Whedon cut a significant amount of material from Justice League, and inserted reshot scenes. Despite how much of the final product was Joss Whedon's, it still had the DNA of Snyder’s version throughout, and the two tones did not mix well. As a result, the film received tepid reactions from critics and audiences alike.
Years ed, and for a long time the "Snyder Cut" of Justice League was only a nebulous idea, a pipe dream of sorts, demanded by many a hopeful DC/Snyder fan. After much clamoring, however, the fans finally got their wish. Zack Snyder took back control of the reins, this time backed by HBO Max, whose interest in expanding their portfolio of DC content and willingness to pay top dollar helped pave the way for the deal. With everything set in motion and the film now a guaranteed release, what can audiences expect to be improved upon in the cut?
The Snyder Cut Will Have A Cohesive Vision
First and foremost, with Zack Snyder back in control of Justice League, viewers are ensured a complete experience. Though there are many who don't care for the director's over-stylized aesthetic, his films are undeniably eye-catching and engaging. While Joss Whedon is an excellent director, he started his career in television, and in some ways his made-for-tv look found its way into his bigger productions, including The Avengers. While Justice League at times boasted Snyder's distinguishable style, it still looked relatively bland. In an effort to change this, HBO has given Snyder over $70 million to complete what he started, and while not much of the film will actually be re-shot; scenes left on the cutting room floor will be replacing the reshoots directed by Joss Whedon.
Another one of the often-cited issues with Justice League was that it barely cracked the 2-hour mark, which is generally not enough time to flesh out a story with so many moving parts and characters. One doesn’t need to look back too far to see where a shorter runtime hampered Snyder's films in the past. 3-and-a-half-hour miniseries spanning four episodes, meaning that there will be an expanded story that will explore story beats that were missing from the original film. This will also allow more time to be devoted to character development; something sorely needed for an iconic team like the Justice League.
On top of a more filled-out narrative and richer characterization, much of the budget allotted by HBO Max will be going towards changing the look of the film. Audiences who were dissatisfied with the final battle at the end of the movie that sees everything drenched in a distracting red hue, can now rest easy. The presence of iconic villains will also be emphasized. The look of the villain, Steppenwolf, has been improved, and Darkseid is now going to be in the film, something fans have been anticipating for a very long time. Perhaps the biggest victory of all though, is that the CGI Superman lips will be fixed.
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of the film that will be restored is the tone. Before Joss Whedon was handed directorial duties, Justice League was rumored to be lighter in tone than the brooding Batman V. Superman, but not to the point where it didn’t take itself seriously. Snyder’s first foray into DC, Man of Steel, is the obvious comparison, but with more heroes. If the Snyder Cut can maintain a consistent tone, it could perhaps be the most obvious and substantial difference between the two films.
All of these changes that Zack Snyder is implementing should result in a Justice League film that is entirely different than the one audiences saw back in 2017. Even though Zack Snyder hasn’t been able to produce a masterpiece in the DC Universe just yet, he has shown a ion for bringing these characters and stories to life. Man of Steel was a bold take on Superman's origin story, so much so that many see it as the definitive movie in the franchise — despite the controversial neck-snapping scene. Even with Batman V Superman, nothing was held back — especially in the extended cut. Everyone re the warehouse scene that brought to life the Arkham-style choreography fans all knew Ben Affleck's Batman was capable of. Snyder's movies aren't perfect, but they are memorable, which is something not many can say for Justice League. This is what viewers can expect from the Snyder Cut Justice League: a story that will be unequivocally Zack Snyder’s, and that promise alone will make it the better cut.
