Justice League is one of those films that divided both critics and fans far before it was even released. From the drama surrounding Zack Snyder’s departure to the often ridiculous reshoots helmed by replacement director Joss Whedon, this film had a rough start before it even got its footing.
Once the film was released, audiences were divided even further. Most agreed that the film didn’t live up to the potential of the iconic superhero team, and almost everyone had an opinion as to how it could have been better. One of the more popular theories is that a Snyder director’s cut of the film exists - and fans demanded it. While the Snyder cut seems to be a pipe dream, the cast of Justice League, espeically Gal Gadot and Ben Affleck, are adamant that this is still Snyder’s movie.
Taking a look behind the scenes shows us that Snyder really did have the biggest influence on the film, and though his final cut may have been different, his stamp is definitely on this movie.
We will also get a look into just how much of the Justice League film was based in reality, and how much was computer animation. While a vast majority of Justice League is CGI, our favorite superheroes are still very much real. A lot of expert costuming, stunt work, and set coordination went into the making of DC’s first epic group film. Let’s take a closer look at what Snyder and the cast went through to deliver Justice League to our screens.
These are 25 Behind-The-Scenes Photos From Justice League That Change Everything.
The Flash vs Superman
If you stayed in the movie theater for the post-credits scene of Justice League, you’ll remember that Superman (Henry Cavill) and the Flash (Ezra Miller) have a race to the west coast.
To new fans this probably just seemed like a fun way to end the movie, but for fans who have been around for a while - especially fans of the comics - this scene makes even more sense.
The Flash and Superman is one of DC’s oldest and also friendliest competitions.
The Nerdist breaks down why The Flash is actually faster, although in the film they leave it a mystery.
Flooding Tunnel
It’s no secret that a solid chunk of this film was made possible by computer animation technology. Infamously, the battle sequenced hued in orange is almost 100% thanks to CGI.
Here we see Aquaman - played by Jason Momoa - in his epic tunnel moment. The perfect lighting along with some fake wind gives the illusion that Aquaman really is stopping massive waves from flooding his superhero friends.
Momoa is an experienced actor and has no problem making it all look real. In fact, all actors in this film had very little reality to work with.
Cyborg, is that you?
Here we see one of the many moments that the Justice League is teamed up - and also literally lined up - in the film. While the group shots are some of the best parts of the movie, the reality of these shots is far less iconic.
For instance, here we can see what Cyborg actually looks like while shooting.
Thanks to his motion capture outfit, we get the perfect mixture of human and machine on screen.
Other than Cyborg, we’re pretty impressed with how real the other costumes look, even behind the scenes.
Happy Superman
The way Superman is reintroduced to the world in Justice League is kind of terrifying to say the least. In fact, Henry Cavill - who plays Superman - is a pretty intimidating guy in general. He basically beats the entire Justice League with no problem, and we’re almost positive he could win most fights in real life too.
That being said, here we get to see another side of Superman. The costume details are on point, and any time we don’t have to look at Cavill with the horrible CGI lip is a good time.
Jam Session with Ezra and Jason
The cast of Justice League got to spend a lot of time together. If this picture tells us anything, they had a lot of fun together too. Here we see Ezra Miller and Jason Momoa having a jam session together.
Who knew these handsome and talented actors were also musically inclined?
While Justice League was not received incredibly well by audiences, it’s comforting to see that the cast genuinely had a good time making the movie. Maybe next time, we’ll get to see The Flash and Aquaman interact more on screen!
Close Up With Gal
Move over Batman and Superman - there’s a new superhero taking over. This behind-the-scenes moment is funny because, to be honest, Gal Gadot is stealing the spotlight. She also stole the moment the spotlight of the DCEU with Wonder Woman, a breath of fresh air DC desperately needed after Batman v Superman.
Our favorite DC heroine aside, this captured moment definitely shows us a blend of real sets and green screen. While Justice League was criticized for relying so heavily on CGI, it seems there are still some moments where it was used minimally.
Hippolyta Horsing Around With The Mother Box
While it’s been established that Justice League used a ridiculous amount of CGI, one thing that had to be real was the Mother Box. Well, for one certain scene at least.
Here Hippolyta, played by Connie Nielsen, holds the very real Mother Box.
We’re thankful that for this purpose they created a box that looks impressively like the real deal!
Gal and Ben In A Tunnel
Remember the abandoned tunnel where Steppenwolf brought all of his evil mosquitoes and kidnapped Gotham citizens? Well, here we are. Of course CGI Steppenwolf and flying demons nowhere in sight, but this part of the tunnel looks real enough.
What we do see in this photo is how many cameras had to be rigged at any given moment to get the perfect shot. Good thing Gal Gadot and Ben Affleck know how to deliver in a scene.
We’re just left wondering who is holding that mic and exactly where they are in the tunnel.
Snyder or Batman?
Directors just want to have fun too! This is Zack Snyder, the guy you can thank for the Jusice League film - or is he?
Fans have been petitioning for a “Snyder cut” of the film to be released. It’s unclear whether he was let go or chose to step aside, since both sides of the story have been told.
Before all the drama, Snyder was just a director who loved his work.
That’s made clear by the Batsuit piece he’s wearing on his hand.
Studio Struggles
While computer enhancement should be expected in films at this point, it’s still surprising to see what exactly is and isn’t green screen technology. This is a scene where Wonder Woman speaks with Cyborg, trying to convince him to join the League.
In the film they appear to be on your average city street with a beautiful night sky, but it turns out, not so much! This scene was actually filmed in a studio made to look like a big city in the night time.
What next? Are Henry Cavill’s abs even real?
Batman and Aquaman bond
Ben Affleck has been a huge talking point for the Jusice League film and DC in general. He’s a big player in the game at the moment, with a lot riding on his shoulders. Jason Momoa is in a similar boat, with the upcoming Aquaman film set to make or break his character.
Seeing these two epic actors sharing a moment on set is pretty cool.
Do we think Batfleck is giving Momoa advice on how to carry a superhero movie?
More likely they’re just having a chat, but we like to believe these two swap superhero advice.
Atlantis Huddle
Either Zack Snyder is short or these Atlantans are all pretty tall. Okay, it’s a little bit of both. They all look to be standing in a room full of green screen - an obvious need to create any kind of underwater kingdom with real actors.
One thing we will give the Justice League film is that the costume department definitely spared no expense. In a movie where CGI reigns supreme, it’s important for little details like costuming to really stand out.
On screen we are definitely transported to Atlantis in every way.
Making The Flash
This behind-the-scenes moment tells us a few things. One being that the tunnel where Steppenwolf resides is really no tunnel at all. More importantly, here we get a glimpse of just how The Flash - played by Ezra Miller - gets his super speed.
While much of the Flash’s actual running scenes are computer animated, we see a pulley system attached to him in this scene.
Since Miller himself clearly doesn’t have super speed, these pulleys give the illusion that he can go wherever he needs without a problem. Again, the costuming is on point!
Aquaman dominated the Batmobile
This is an unforgettable scene. When the League is trying to formulate a plan to take down Steppenwolf, Wonder Woman sneakily gets her lasso of truth around Aquaman’s leg. It makes for a funny and revealing moment for the otherwise tough character.
As you can see, even in a seemingly simple scene like this one, there’s still plenty of work that goes into it. From staging, to measuring Momoa’s exact spot, no detail is left unattended. Speaking of details, the Batmobile is an impressive set piece too!
Zack and Gal Share A Laugh
With all of the drama surrounding the creation of this film, along with the less-than-stellar reception and reviews from both critics and fans - sometimes you just need to relax.
Let’s take a look at this picture of Zack Snyder and Gal Gadot having a great time on set.
There are so many people who put in countless hours to make this film happen. Justice League may not have lived up to our expectations, but let’s at least appreciate the people, both on screen an off, who put in the effort to deliver us an enjoyable film. Come on, it was at least enjoyable!
Snyder Gets Involved
Zack Snyder is definitely one of those directors who gets right their in it with his cast and crew. This behind-the-scenes shot is pretty cool because we not only get to see Snyder in action, but we get another perspective on Cyborg - played by Ray Fisher.
As you can tell from Cyborg, and the other stunt men also in motion capture suits, motion capture technology was a huge part of making this film. In fact, it’s become the go-to animation technique for many epic sci-fi and fantasy films thanks to its accuracy and real look on screen.
Batfleck Gets Real
Here we have a refreshing, real world moment aside from the usual sets and green screen. Snyder is getting a close up of Ben Affleck when he goes to visit Aquaman and tries to get him to join the League.
Most fans have praised Affleck as Batman in Batman v Superman, but unfortunately in this film the consensus wasn’t all the same.
It’s unclear whether or not we’ll continue to see Batfleck on screen. Affleck is a talented actor, and we wouldn’t mind seeing more of him in the Batsuit.
Director’s Perspective
There he is, in all of his directing glory: Zack Snyder. There are a few fun details happening in this photo, from the camera Snyder is using, to his wardrobe.
Let’s first point out that Snyder is now officially king of the rainy day wardrobe.
Velvet jacket, rain boots, flat cap, and all - Snyder is serving looks behind the scenes.
Another fun detail we see is that Snyder’s camera is pink and has the breast cancer awareness support logo on the side. Way to make films while supporting a good cause!
Snyder Vision
The Justice League film, for better or worse, will forever be attached to the controversy surrounding Zack Snyder being replaced last minute by Joss Whedon.
Gal Gadot and Ben Affleck actually spoke on all the drama, and it may not be as bad as we think.
Affleck told Empire Magazine, “Joss came in and walked a very fine line between Zack’s sensibility, tone, and direction.” Gadot agreed, saying “This is Zack Snyder’s movie. Joss only did a few weeks of reshoots. He was Zack’s guy and knew exactly what he wanted to get.”
Cyborg Goofs Off
Watch out Cyborg, the Flash looks pretty serious right now!
As we’ve mentioned, down time on this set was likely plentiful. In any epic film that involves computer animation, big sets, and even bigger crews - there’s definitely some time to goof off.
While we’re pretty used to seeing Ray Fisher with a scowl in this film, it turns out that off-screen Fisher isn’t quite as intimidating.
He’s still huge, but he looks like he knows how to have fun.
Miller ended up being the comic relief in the film, but in this moment he means business.
