"Justice League" is in theaters Friday, and there are plenty of people who are waiting on the edges of their seats to see what the fan response is going to be. This is a movie surrounded by anxiety for various reasons. "Batman vs. Superman: Dawn Of Justice" wasn't the box office experience Warner Bros. had hoped it would be, no doubt, however, it didn't do too shabbily, as far as opening-weekend earnings go.
Unfortunately, according to Forbes, earnings dropped significantly in the second weekend, which was a harbinger of criticism to come. The main reason this is such a big issue is that "Dawn of Justice" was supposed to get fans ready for some DC Expanded Universe fun.
The first of those movies? Justice League. Warner Bros. has some making up to do with this one.
Fan complaints and personal tragedy make things difficult for 'Justice League'
Zack Snyder, the director at the helm during production, reportedly took those complaints into account while making "Justice League," even going so far as to sit down with a pack of journalists long before filming had finished.
In addition to that, Snyder's family was struck with tragedy in May, as his daughter committed suicide, which caused him to step away from the project in order to be with his family. Director Joss Whedon, of "Buffy" and "Firefly" fame, took over "Justice League" to oversee postproduction and keep the project on track for release.
Whedon had originally been brought aboard to write a few additional scenes that Snyder had wanted for the film.
Hollywood Reporter points out that this isn't the first time the makers of the DC universe have had to make sure the show went on in the wake of personal and professional tragedy. The death of Heath Ledger, who gave an unforgettable performance as the Joker in "The Dark Knight" a decade ago, was sandwich between the film's wrap and release.
'Justice League': what we're in for
"Justice League" is about Batman's reaction to Superman's death. The fact that an alien gave his life to save humanity gives Bruce Wayne a renewed faith in something – humanity maybe? Himself? Maybe both. He teams up with Wonder Woman to assemble the Justice League, including Aquaman, The Flash, and Cyborg.
Basically, there's a big threat and it could be too late.
The main superhero cast is as follows: Bruce Wayne/Batman – Ben Affleck, Diana Prince/Wonder Woman – Gal Gadot, Arthur Curry/Aquaman – Jason Momoa, Barry Allen/The Flash – Ezra Miller, Victor Stone/Cyborg – Ray Fisher, Clark Kent/Superman – Henry Cavill.
