The DC Shared Cinematic Universe began in last year's Man of Steel, but will get fully underway beginning with 2016's Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, which is still currently in production. As is the case with these sorts of projects, Zack Snyder's highly-anticipated film has been no stranger to the image and video leaks that (unofficially) give viewers their first glimpses at what's to come.
Just last week, for example, some photos were snapped of the Wayne family mausoleum. As it turns out, Thomas and Martha Wayne won't be the only deceased individuals being paid a visit in the movie. Fresh Batman V Superman set images have emerged, showing the film's principle cast members - including Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill and Amy Adams - on location in Yorkville, Ill., which served as the grounds for the Smallville Cemetery in Man of Steel.
Viewers will note that the Smallville cemetery made two brief appearances in the Superman reboot; both scenes being used to explore Clark Kent's (Cavill) relationship with his adoptive father, Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner). As for what role it will play in the followup, that's anyone's guess at this point in time. However, these photographs taken by Gregory Zonsius (via CBM) prove that the location will be revisited in Batman V Superman.
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Batman V Superman Smallville Cemetery Images
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Zonsius took to Twitter to answer some questions about the photos, stating that Affleck was "dressed like he was at a funeral," sporting an overcoat and formal wear. The wardrobes of the other actors involved are unknown for now, but it's plausible that they are in similar getups. With that information in mind, it would appear that there's more going on here than paying tribute to the late Pa Kent.
Laurence Fisburne, who portrays Daily Planet editor Perry White, was also spotted on set, meaning that the scene being shot could be depicting the funeral of an employee from the newspaper. That would make sense, since Clark and Lois Lane (Adams) are also in attendance. There's also a chance that Snyder will film multiple segments in the cemetery again. Martha Kent (Diane Lane) was another member of the cast on location, so she could very well be on hand to say a few words to her beloved husband with Clark.
As for what Affleck's Bruce Wayne is doing there, it could be a number of things. Zonsius' statement that the actor was in funeral garments would seem to indicate that he is attending a burial for someone he knows, but the fact that it is the Smallville cemetery (and not his native Gotham) hints at something larger. We've known for a while that a key plot point in Batman V Superman would be the Dark Knight holding the Last Son of Krypton accountable for what happened during Man of Steel's climactic fight (anti-Superman sentiment has caught on), but they'll most likely sort out their differences before forming the Justice League.
One of the unifying themes between the two heroes is what their parents mean to them. Wayne never would have become Batman if his mother and father were not shot, and Kal-El used the teachings of both Jor-El and Jonathan Kent to guide him through life. Perhaps the graveyard scene could be an emotional bonding character moment, where Clark illustrates the similarities between him and Bruce, showing how the two are kindred spirits.
Whatever the case may be, we wouldn't expect too much time to be spent here, as Dawn of Justice has quite a full plate on its hands; looking to introduce moviegoers to new versions of Wonder Woman, Cyborg, Lex Luthor, and perhaps other DC icons. Snyder will just have to balance everything out wisely.
Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice will be in theaters March 25, 2016.
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Sources: Gregory Zonsius (via ComicBookMovie)