Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)

Last updated:
October 20, 2024

Detailed Summary

The Death of Superman

The movie opens with the death of Superman (Henry Cavill) from “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” His death sends shockwaves across the universe, awakening ancient threats.

Bruce Wayne’s Recruitment

Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) and Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) begin recruiting a team of metahumans to protect Earth. They approach Arthur Curry/Aquaman (Jason Momoa), Barry Allen/The Flash (Ezra Miller), and Victor Stone/Cyborg (Ray Fisher).

Steppenwolf’s Return

Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds), a servant of Darkseid, returns to Earth to reclaim three powerful Mother Boxes. He aims to terraform Earth into a version of his homeworld, Apokolips.

Formation of the Justice League

The heroes come together but struggle to work as a team initially. They decide to use one of the Mother Boxes to resurrect Superman, believing his strength is crucial to their success.

The Resurrection of Superman

Using the Mother Box and the technology in the Kryptonian ship, the team revives Superman. However, he is initially confused and aggressive. After a confrontation, Lois Lane (Amy Adams) calms him down, and he regains his memories.

The Battle Against Steppenwolf

The team, now including Superman, confronts Steppenwolf and his army of Parademons. They battle at an abandoned nuclear facility in Russia. Cyborg attempts to separate the Mother Boxes while Superman and the others fend off Steppenwolf.

The Arrival of Darkseid

During the battle, the unity of the Mother Boxes almost succeeds. The Flash enters the Speed Force to reverse time, giving Cyborg the chance to pull the boxes apart. Superman and Wonder Woman defeat Steppenwolf, and his head is sent through a portal to Darkseid, who vows to return.

Epilogue and Knightmare Sequence

The film ends with several epilogues, including Bruce Wayne buying the Kent farm for Clark and Lois, Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) escaping from Arkham Asylum, and a vision of a dystopian future (Knightmare) where Darkseid has conquered Earth and Superman has turned evil. Batman allies with Cyborg, The Flash, Mera, Deathstroke, and the Joker (Jared Leto) to fight this future.

Movie Ending

The movie concludes with a sense of closure for the immediate threat but opens up many possibilities for future conflicts. The Knightmare sequence teases a potential storyline involving a tyrannical Superman under Darkseid’s influence, and Lex Luthor’s escape hints at future machinations against the Justice League.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Zack Snyder’s Justice League does not have post-credits scenes, but it includes multiple epilogues that set up potential future storylines.

Type of Movie

This film is a superhero epic, combining action, fantasy, and science fiction elements. It is a director’s cut, offering a darker, more expansive vision than the 2017 theatrical release.

Cast

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
Amy Adams as Lois Lane
Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth
Diane Lane as Martha Kent
Ciarán Hinds as Steppenwolf
Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor
Jared Leto as Joker

Film Music and Composer

Tom Holkenborg, also known as Junkie XL, composed the film’s score. The soundtrack enhances the film’s epic and dark tone with powerful orchestral arrangements and thematic motifs for each hero.

Filming Locations

United Kingdom: Various scenes were shot at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden.
Iceland: Used for the scenes involving Aquaman.
Scotland: Some of the early sequences featuring Batman were filmed here.
Los Angeles, California: Additional reshoots and some interior scenes.

These locations contributed to the film’s diverse and expansive visual style.

Awards and Nominations

Although it did not win major industry awards, Zack Snyder’s Justice League received praise from fans and critics. It earned accolades in fan-voted awards and generated significant social media buzz.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Zack Snyder originally left the 2017 film due to a family tragedy, leading to Joss Whedon completing the theatrical cut.
The #ReleaseTheSnyderCut movement by fans led to Warner Bros. allowing Snyder to complete his version.
The film includes significant scenes that were cut from the 2017 release, amounting to a four-hour runtime.

Inspirations and References

Comics: Inspired by DC Comics’ “Justice League” series and the “New Gods” storyline by Jack Kirby.
Previous Films: Continues story arcs from “Man of Steel” (2013) and “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016).

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Snyder’s cut is considered the definitive version, but it includes scenes that were omitted from the 2017 theatrical release.
The Knightmare sequence and Martian Manhunter’s appearance were not in the original 2017 cut.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film is not directly based on a single book but draws heavily from various Justice League comic arcs.
Differences include the darker tone, extended character development, and additional plot points not present in the 2017 film.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Superman’s Resurrection: The dramatic return of Superman and his initial confusion.
The Battle in Russia: The climactic fight against Steppenwolf.
Knightmare Sequence: The haunting vision of a dystopian future.
Martian Manhunter Reveal: The surprise appearance of Martian Manhunter.

Iconic Quotes

“I don’t care how many demons he’s fought in how many hells. He’s never fought us. Not us united.” – Batman
“They said the age of heroes would never come again.” – Wonder Woman
“I’m not broken. And I’m not alone.” – Cyborg

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Knightmare Hints: The dystopian future hints at the “Injustice” storyline.
Darkseid: References to Darkseid’s greater plan and his control over Superman.
Martian Manhunter: His appearance sets up potential future involvement with the Justice League.

Trivia

The film has a runtime of four hours, significantly longer than the 2017 theatrical cut.
It was released on HBO Max, allowing Snyder to include more mature content and a darker tone.
Ray Fisher’s Cyborg has a much more prominent and fleshed-out role in this version.

Why Watch?

Zack Snyder’s Justice League offers a rich, character-driven narrative with epic action sequences and a darker tone that explores themes of heroism, redemption, and unity. It’s a must-watch for DC fans and those interested in an expansive superhero story.