Behind the Scenes of “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice”

In 2004, first time feature film director Zack Snyder displayed a lot of courage (and some might have said “gall”) in remaking the beloved George Romero classic “Dawn of the Dead.” Not your standard by-the-numbers rehash of a very popular horror film, “Dawn” surprised everyone with its skillful direction and canny updating of the original film’s themes. In some ways it improved upon the first. Yet Romero’s “Godfather” of the zombie genre still has a special place in most horror fans hearts. Snyder managed to move beyond this, having shown a strong affection for the medium of the graphic novel by adapting Frank Miller’s battle of Thermopylae epic “300” and the thought-to-be-unfilmable Alan Moore masterpiece “Watchmen.” Observing this trajectory, it should come as no surprise that Snyder would eventually bring his vision of Superman to the big screen.

Ben Affleck as Batman and director Zack Snyder on the set of “Batman v. Superman.” Image courtesy of Warner Bros.

The success of “Man of Steel” would in no doubt engender a sequel of sorts. But to everyone’s surprise it would include another popular DC Comic character: Bruce Wayne, the billionaire orphan who would prey on Gotham City’s underworld under the guise of the intimidating Batman. At the 2013 San Diego Comic Con, actor Harry Lennix read this out loud to an eager audience of fans, “ I want you to remember, Clark… in all the years to come… in your most private moments… I want you to remember… my hand… at your throat… I want… you to remember… the man who beat you.” Having quoted directly from a page out of another influential Frank Miller title “The Dark Knight Returns,” Lennix kicked off an announcement that would be the topic of speculation for the past three years. “Batman v. Superman.” So it’s not “Man of Steel 2?” Will this be a direct adaption of “Dark Knight” (which features an aging Bruce Wayne returning to the cape and cowl while acclimating to a future Gotham riddled with crime. In the process, he has to go up against Clark Kent aka Superman, who is now a government shill and must act in opposition to Batman)? Or will this be the harbinger of things to come: a cinematic DC universe poised to compete against the ridiculously successful Marvel movie franchise?

Harry Lennix (who appeared in Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel”) reads from Frank Miller’s “The Dark Knight Returns” thus setting up the announcement for “Batman v Superman.” Clip courtesy of Movieguide.

Turned out that last question was the answer. Warner Bros then announced that other DC characters such as Wonder Woman and Aquaman will get their chance to shine and would not just appear in “Batman v. Superman.“ They will get their respective stand-alone projects and co-star in the anticipated “Justice League” film. So all roads lead to this just as “Iron Man,” “Captain America” and “Thor” led to the all star “Avengers.”

(An aborted attempt was made to get “Justice League” on the screen. Tentatively titled “World’s Finest,” it would have been directed by “Mad Max: Fury Road’s” George Miller)

Within the past couple of decades, the Batman character fared much better than Superman when it came to the Hollywood production machine. In the late 70s, Richard Donner’s “Superman” was an unqualified success that not only brought Christopher Reeve to public awareness, it also begat three sequels that diminished in quality concluding with the much derided “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.” Only two years after the release of that last film, Tim Burton unveiled his take on “Batman.” Heavily influenced by Miller’s dark take on “the world’s greatest detective,” “Batman” enjoyed three sequels as well. And then the concept was rebooted for Chris Nolan’s popular trilogy “Batman Begins,” “The Dark Knight” and “The Dark Knight Rises.” The numbers had barely cooled on Nolan’s “Rises” before the same production company decided to take another stab at Superman.

Henry Cavill as Superman. Image courtesy of Warner Bros.

A previous entry set within the Chris Reeve led series – the Brian Singer directed “Superman Returns” – earned decent numbers but strongly divided critics and fans. To such an extent that people forget it was actually a fairly successful title when it was released. If anything, it might have been preferable to what could have been a Tim Burton directed “Superman Lives,” a film that has its own fascinating history considering it was never made. So when the rumblings via the gossip mill began littering the internet over a new Superman movie, heavy hitters McG and Michael Bay were somehow closely associated with this development. But it was Zack Snyder who won the coveted stewardship while Nolan agreed to tag along as advisor to this new take on the caped crusader.

The result was 2013’s “Man of Steel.” Like “Superman Returns,” it divided critics and fans. But its financial success paved way for promised sequels. Which is how we end up with “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.” Take one successful character and team him up with another from the same literary brand. How could you go wrong? As to whether it succeeds or fails from a critical standpoint remains to be seen, but “Batman v. Superman” will include the third iteration/interpretation of Batman within a twenty-seven year stretch (or fifth if you want to include the casting of Val Kilmer and George Clooney. However their characterizations appeared in direct sequels to “Batman” and “Batman Returns”).

Previous cinematic incarnations of Batman. From left to right: Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney and Christian Bale. Images courtesty of Warner Bros.

While Ben Affleck assumes the mantle once worn by Christian Bale, Michael Keaton and Adam West, UK actor Henry Cavill returns as Superman. Rounding out the cast, Gal Gadot guides Wonder Woman to her cinematic debut as well as Jason Momoa (of “Game of Thrones” fame) as Aquaman. We expect an interesting spin on Superman arch nemesis Lex Luthor provided by Jesse Eisenberg. And hope to see the return of Amy Adams as Lois Lane and Laurence Fishburne as Perry White. But the most intriguing bit of casting (for this author anyway) is the introduction of Oscar winner Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne’s loyal guardian and servant.

Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman. Image courtesy of Warner Bros.

Shot digitally on the Arri Alexa, “Batman v. Superman” uses locations as diverse as Detroit, Michigan and Deming, New Mexico. Cinematographer Larry Fong has worked with Zack Snyder consistently since the 2006 “300.” He has considerable experience lensing blockbuster films thanks to collaborations with Steven Spielberg and J.J. Abrams. But in terms of production, already “B v S” has endured speculation over whether Warner Bros. is concerned as to how it will play with general audiences. Writers like Hitfix’s Drew McWeeny published this controversial report fearing that the ballyhooed “Justice League” could be in trouble because of this. “Man of Steel” polarized viewers. While some enjoyed the latest iteration and its spectacular special effects, others felt betrayed by the dark tone, unmotivated acts of violence on Superman’s part and, well, general issues with the script itself. Screenwriter David Goyer (who also contributed to “Batman v. Superman’s” screenplay) has a rich history with comic book development and wrote the Marvel adaptations “Blade,” “Blade II” and wrote/directed the third film in the series. He also contributed to Nolan’s “Dark Knight” trilogy so he certainly is no stranger to the world of Batman. Unfortunately, he is often accused of the not-well-received direction of “Man of Steel.” Yes, the film was fiscally successful. Obviously it was. Otherwise Warner Bros would not have initiated an entire franchise as a result. But opinion was divisive enough on “Man of Steel” that should “B v S” follow suit, the general public might take a “fool me twice” stance.

It also doesn’t help that Warner Bros. rolled out three trailers promoting “B v S” that vary wildly in tone. Is it dark and brooding? Does it err on the side of camp? Does the appearance of a certain super villain near the end reek of lazy cgi creation and therefore kill the effectiveness of its finale? Or will this be an epic, conflation of all tones and therefore become the superhero flick to end all superhero flicks? We will have to wait until March 25 to find out.