Now playing in theaters across the globe, Zack Snyder and Joss Whedon’s Justice League has been dogged by mediocre reviews ever since its release on November 17th. It looks like things will only get worse before they get better, too, what with analysts claiming the pic will now limp miserably toward a $700 million box office tally, despite initial estimations projecting a billion-dollar home run for the suits at Warner Bros.
But there is an S-shaped light at the end of the tunnel – and no, we’re not talking about the Man of Steel, but rather Zack Snyder, whose cut is reportedly “much longer” than Justice League‘s theatrical version. Not only that, but it’s said to feature more cameos, too. Obviously, there’s an intense demand from the fanbase for Warner Bros. to release it – including a massive petition online – but so far, the studio’s remained silent in regards to their plans.
Still, that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from turning at full speed and after getting a look at a few of Snyder’s deleted scenes via leaks and whatnot, we now have a full list (via Superhero Talk Site) of what was changed. It’s quite lengthy, and some of this we already knew, but below you’ll find a complete rundown of what Warner Bros. altered when they took the film away from Zack and Whedon stepped in for him.
Admittedly, none of this has been confirmed by the studio, and probably won’t be, but again, most of it lines up with what we’ve already seen/heard and for now, we’ll assume that it’s on the level.
LONGER: Began with Bruce recruiting Aquaman. It was basically the same scene as I saw in the theatrical version this weekend. However, some lines were added by Whedon and some Zack bits were cut. Aquaman was originally more resilient and shut-off to Bruce here.
DELETED: Barry Allen saving Iris West by breaking the glass.
LONGER: History Lesson. But just by some bits. What I was most surprised by was that WB cut out dialogue by the Green Lantern, Zeus and even Ares (Yes, he was there too). They had a couple of lines each. As did Robin Wright and Hippolyta. They just kept the action in and clicked out all dialogue, I guess.
DELETED: After taking the Mother Box from Themiscyra, Steppenwolf actually “talks” to the Box. His mother, Heggra’s essence is alive in the Mother Boxes and bringing them all together would unleash her powers – finally giving Steppenwolf an edge over his uncle – Darkseid. That is what his plan was originally. I thought for sure that they would keep this scene in because they used a dialogue from this scene in the trailers – “No protectors here. No Lanterns. This world will fall. You will be free, mother.”
DELETED – Cyborg’s previous life. He plays a great football match that his MOTHER (Yes, she was cast as well) attends. Afterwards, they drive home. Victor is angry that his Dad never made it while his mother tries to console him. Victor just keeps getting angry and lashing out, loses control of the car – causing a fiery crash.
LONGER – The Gordon scene had a little setup that I didn’t see in the theatrical version. Gordon dismisses a Junkie and tells him to “get better at life” before another cop comes to him with drawings of Parademons. His conversation with the League also ran longer. First, he asks Wonder Woman “if she’s the same woman he keeps seeing reports of in London”. Then, he asks Cyborg “how does he eat? Does he even need to?”.
DELETED: After the attack on Atlantis, Aquaman consults with Mera and Vulko over what he should do next. Mera wants him to stay as King because she “doesn’t trust Orm”. Vulko wants him to do what his heart says. Aquaman confesses that he feels a responsinility to help the people on Earth.
DELETED: The League visits the Batcave. Alfred has humorous reactions to the League. Bruce Wayne talks about a “nightmare” he had. He believes that Steppenwolf will try and resurrect the power of Superman and “that they must do it first unless they want to fight an Evil Kryptonian too.”
CHANGED: Superman’s resurrection was ONLY possible because Cyborg detects foreign genetic material in his DNA a.k.a the Codex. This is the final confirmation needed that Superman can be brought back to life after all. Then, the revival happens pretty much the same.
DELETED: Deathstroke breaks Lex out of prison. They part ways because the cops are hot on their trail – deciding to meet up later at “the location they discussed”.
The list continues on the next page…