With his version of Justice League only days away, Zack Snyder discusses the film’s journey — revealing why he chose to bring back Jared Leto’s Joker.

Zack Snyder has further clarified why he brought back Jared Leto’s Joker for his version of Justice League. Originally crafted by Snyder and writer Chris Terrio, the DC team-up adventure was originally supposed to be part of a trilogy that furthered an overall five-film DCEU plan. Sadly, Snyder ultimately stepped away due to a deeply personal tragedy. Joss Whedon was then brought on to oversee reshoots and editing. In the process, he completely overhauled the movie to an extremely divisive reception. Soon after, the “Snyder Cut” campaign was born — pushing for Snyder to be able to complete his vision and raising money for a suicide prevention charity.

After two years of campaigning, the efforts ultimately bore fruit. It was announced that the project would be funded for additional filming and the completion of the visual effects. Furthermore, it was confirmed that HBO Max would stream the finished product. Initially, it was to be a miniseries. However, it was eventually confirmed that Zack Snyder’s Justice League would be released as an epic four-hour cinematic event. Officially R-rated, more and more about the film has been revealed by released footage and general marketing. While much of it was widely expected, one of the biggest surprises was the confirmed return of Leto’s Joker. Last seen in 2016’s Suicide Squad, a drastically different interpretation appeared in the closing moments of a recent trailer. The moment took social media by storm — in no small part due to his use of the “we live in a society” line.

Related: Every Change Snyder’s Justice League Cut Has Made To Jared Leto’s Joker

Snyder recently spoke with the NYT regarding the journey of bringing his film to the screen. Talk ultimately turned to what he had opted to add to the new version of the film. Those additions would include an extended flashback for Cyborg, the villainous Darkseid, and the official DCEU introduction to Martian Manhunter’s true form. More specifically, the popular director was asked why he chose to bring back actors like Leto. Here’s what Snyder had to say:

“I added it because this was going to be the last movie I make for the DCU and to have this entire cinematic universe without Batman and Joker meeting up just felt weird. Jared [Leto] and I had a bunch of conversations about it. I had mentioned it to Ben and I was like, ‘Ben, let’s just do it at my house. I could shoot it in the backyard. Don’t tell the studio and I’m not going to pay you guys. I’m just going to shoot it myself.‘”

Snyder also spoke of the turmoil regarding the initial production and how that ultimately clashed with the understandably painful grieving process. Equally, he discussed the mythology of DC and how that was the way to stand apart from the MCU. He even touched on the accusations levied at Whedon by Ray Fisher and original plans for Justice League 2. Throughout, Snyder has remained adamant that he was officially finished with the DCEU after this film. Whether or not fans will be satisfied, however, shall remain to be seen. Calls for Snyder’s vision to be deemed official canon once more have already raged. In the wake of the positive reviews that Zack Snyder’s Justice League has already received, further campaigns from fans should no doubt be expected.

Whatever the future holds, the opportunity to see a new version of the age-old Batman versus. The Joker dynamic has proven exciting enough. In that regard, Snyder was almost certainly right. To not have Ben Affleck’s Batman square off with his nemesis would have been a huge missed opportunity. The scenes are seemingly set in the Knightmare future. Apart from that, very little is officially known regarding their interaction. Still, the moments between the two are sure to be electric, fleshing out and solidifying both as quintessential iterations for many. As such, the scenes will check off a box on the DCEU bucket list for fans as much as for Affleck, Leto, and Snyder.

More: Why Zack Snyder’s Justice League Ends in a Cliffhanger With No Sequel Plans

Zack Snyder’s Justice League is scheduled for release via HBO Max on March 18, 2021.

Source: NYT

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