Unveiling the Cuts: What Parts Were Excised from Justice League (2017)?

The highly anticipated Justice League (2017) faced criticism for its numerous cuts and alterations. This article delves into the details of the changes and deletions that were made to the final cut of the film. Most information is derived from various sources and from this revealing video, which lists twenty-two scenes either replaced or entirely removed.

The Producer's Perspective: Ed Brubaker

While the specifics of the cuts might vary, one significant source of insight is Ed Brubaker, the screenwriter for the darker elements of the film. He has shared his thoughts and experiences through various interviews and articles. According to Brubaker, some scenes were cut to address the pressure for a more balanced and family-friendly film, a move that some enthusiasts consider a compromise on the original vision during the first filming of Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Visual Effects and Filming Considerations

During the filming process, Justice League faced numerous additional challenges that necessitated a variety of changes. From visual effects delays to reshoots, the journey to bring this superhero ensemble to the big screen was fraught with obstacles. Even the inclusion of post-production changes, such as the removal of entire scenes, highlights the complexity of creating a film involving multiple characters, complex storylines, and advanced visual effects.

Deconstructed: The 22 Scenes

From the video, here are the 22 scenes that were altered or removed, providing a comprehensive overview of how the film deviated from its initial conception:

t ttExt. Watch Tower - Henry Cavill as Superman: A scene where the campy Bruce Wayne is enlisted to help Superman clean up the Watch Tower, showcasing the lighter side of the universe. ttExterior of Ivy???- Burt Reynolds as Martian Manhunter: This comedic moment where Martian Manhunter disguises himself as Burt Reynolds, adding a humorous twist to the film. ttVisual Effects Testing - Victor Stone/Beast Boy: A scene where the Martian Manhunter destroys a visual effects model of Victor Stone's future self, Beast Boy, demonstrating the intense pressure of visual effects development. ttUnter-Member Changes - Escalating Shanghai Fight: The city was re-shot twice, once with a grounded Batman and once with a flying Batman, showcasing the scale and style changes. ttGreen Lantern Central City witnessed: A scene that portrayed Hal Jordan's struggle for control over the central city, emphasizing his role in maintaining order. ttBatcave - Batman and Superman: A scene allowing for deeper exploration of the relationship between Batman and Superman, showcasing their difficulties in mutual trust and understanding. ttAtlantis - Poseidon: A scene that focuses on King Poseidon's leadership in Atlantis, adding cultural context and complexity to the underwater realm. ttCharles Reidith - Luthor's Birthright: A scene in which a younger Bruce Wayne visits Lex Luthor at Luthor's father's home, raising questions about Luthor's past and future. ttVillain Scene - Cheetah in Cave: Wonder Woman's heroic and villainous sides merge in a cave scene, highlighting her internal struggle. ttAmazons - Pre-Luffer Nation: A scene that reveals the origin of the Luffman (ulerAnglesization) and the Amazons, addressing the multiverse elements of the film. ttAmazons - Diana's Disgrace: A diaspora revealing the underlying issues within the Amazons, like betrayal and division, affecting Wonder Woman's leadership. ttBatman - Joker's Psychiatrist: A scene where Bruce Wayne confronts his past trauma, including his mother's death, specifically addressing the Joker's influence on Gotham. ttEXT. Bank Building - Answering the Programme: A comedic scene where the League discusses the financial aspect of their mission, adding a light tone to the serious story. ttSuperman - Standing Space: A scene advocating for the release of Kal-El from Krypton, highlighting his sense of responsibility. ttSuperman - Leaving it All Fighting: A scene describing Superman's determination to fight for what is right, representing his unwavering commitment. ttBatbaron - Shared Regency: A scene exploring the potential collaboration between Batman and Manhunter, a theme of coexistence and shared leadership. ttGreen Lantern - Supergiant Battle: A gaze into a broader battle between the Lanterns and other villains, demonstrating the scope of the hero's powers. ttJason Todd - Kimeria (Knowmaitis) Identification: A scene where the Yeti reveals Jason Todd's identity, adding intrigue and complexity to his identity. ttJoker - Revenge Reality: How the Joker's presence in the film seizes control, exploring the extent of his influence on the reality of the shared universe. ttBlothtrax - Relocation: A simple addition showing the reluctant relocation of a creature (Blothtrax), which was likely added as a minor contribution to the overall setting. ttFinal Battle - ROC-Shield vs Villains: This scene highlights the intense and climactic final battle before Earth's salvation, replete with all the major villainous forces. ttBatman - Villains Leadership Positions: Batman's role in delegating and empowering the new villainous leadership structure, marking a pivotal turning point in the film. t

Conclusion

The decision to cut scenes from Justice League (2017) reflects a complex interplay of creative differences, distribution decisions, and commercial considerations. These scenes, while perhaps not fully realized in the final cut, contribute significantly to the film's intended narrative and themes. Understanding these changes provides a valuable insight into the challenges of creating a cohesive and compelling superhero ensemble film.