Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice at 10 – Reflecting on Zack Snyder’s Divisive Superhero Film

      As it marks its tenth anniversary, Hasitha Fernando reflects on the journey behind Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice…

      The idea of a film featuring both the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel has captivated filmmakers since the genre of comic book movies began to gain traction. Thus, when Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was released a decade ago, what seemed nearly impossible became a reality, making history. As this divisive film celebrates its 10th anniversary, let’s revisit its behind-the-scenes narrative…

      The project had been in development for many years before Zack Snyder’s involvement

      Batman vs Superman has long been a concept that filmmakers and studios discussed until Zack Snyder successfully brought it to life with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016. Warner Bros. initially engaged Andrew Kevin Walker, writer of Se7en and Panic Room, in 2001 after he presented a compelling idea. Wolfgang Petersen, director of Das Boot, was attached to the project, but Walker’s first draft was considered too dark by the studio and was revised by I, Robot writer Akiva Goldsman. Warner Bros. envisioned Josh Hartnett as Superman and Johnny Depp as Batman, intending to start filming in early 2003 with a production timeline of five to six months and a release planned for summer 2004. However, the project disintegrated when Petersen opted to direct Troy, and the studio pivoted to expedite the poorly received Catwoman film featuring Halle Berry. Warner Bros. attempted to reboot the Superman franchise with Superman Returns in 2006, but that effort also fell short.

      The project advanced following the success of Man of Steel

      When Man of Steel premiered in June 2013, Warner Bros. boldly announced that a sequel would be directed by Zack Snyder, with Batman Begins screenwriter David S. Goyer returning to write the script. At San Diego Comic-Con the following month, Snyder confirmed that the sequel would feature a Batman vs. Superman storyline, marking the first time these two iconic superheroes would clash in a film. Initially, Snyder and executive producer Christopher Nolan considered integrating Henry Cavill’s Superman into the continuity of The Dark Knight trilogy but ultimately abandoned that idea since The Dark Knight Rises concluded with Christian Bale’s Batman passing the mantle to Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s character. Snyder indicated that Batman vs. Superman would draw heavily from Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns comic.

      Ben Affleck was cautioned about the backlash his casting might provoke

      Ben Affleck began his professional acting career as a child, participating in small-screen projects, commercials, and made-for-TV films. A notable early role was portraying a high school bully in Richard Linklater’s 1993 cult classic Dazed and Confused. Following a similar role in Kevin Smith’s comedy Mallrats, Affleck starred in Smith’s romantic comedy Chasing Amy in 1997, which marked a turning point in his career when he and Matt Damon won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Gus Van Sant’s Good Will Hunting. Since then, Affleck has become a well-established actor, taking leading roles in films like Armageddon, Reindeer Games, and Hollywoodland. His directorial successes with films such as Gone Baby Gone, The Town, and Argo further cemented his reputation in Hollywood.

      Before being cast as Batman/Bruce Wayne, he was advised by the studio regarding the negative response he could expect. Over the years, the casting of Batman has often drawn scrutiny and backlash from fans, as shown by the reactions to Michael Keaton’s casting as the Caped Crusader and the more recent choice of Robert Pattinson in Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Ignoring the warnings, Affleck checked an online message board and came across a highly critical comment, prompting him to log off immediately. Interestingly, he was initially offered the chance to direct Man of Steel but declined due to his lack of experience with extensive visual effects.

      Michael Shannon’s cameo in the film wasn’t actually a genuine cameo

      Renowned for his intense performances, Michael Shannon has received two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor for Revolutionary Road and Nocturnal Animals, along with SAG and Golden Globe nominations for his role in 99 Homes. So, when Shannon was cast as Superman's formidable antagonist General Zod in Man of Steel, it was highly anticipated. However, for his “cameo” in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Shannon didn't film any scenes; instead, a life-sized rubber dummy representing Zod was used for the scenes with Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor. Snyder did have Shannon record some additional dialogue, intending it to be Zod's disembodied spirit interacting with Lex Luthor.

      Batman’s suit was designed to resemble a massive brawler

      Every iteration of Batman has brought different interpretations of his costume, and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was no exception. Moving away from Christopher Nolan’s tactical look, Zack Snyder and costume designer Michael Wilkinson aimed to