Zack Snyder will release a new version of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice before his cut of Justice League. Batman v Superman is the second installment in the DC Extended Universe after 2013's Man of Steel. The film brought together Henry Cavill's Superman and the newly introduced Batman (Ben Affleck) and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot). Alongside the core trio, the film also starred Amy Adams, Diane Lane, Jesse Eisenberg, Holly Hunter, and Jeremy Irons.
As such, the movie united three of DC's biggest heroes. The original theatrical version clocked in at a whopping 152 minutes, but Snyder released the Batman v Superman Ultimate Edition that brought the film's runtime to over three hours. The film was received poorly by critics upon release, but was reevaluated when the Ultimate Edition was released. Batman v Superman's dark tone was divisive, but the film was an important stepping stone in the development of the DCEU.
According to Snyder, he's remastering the film, which will result in audiences seeing "a bit more." It's possible the director is referring to new footage, but it seems more likely he's talking about more of each frame. Snyder did reveal the new version of Batman v Superman will be released before his own cut of Justice League hits HBO Max sometime next year as a four part miniseries. The entire film will be remastered in IMAX ratio format, with Snyder saying he imagines it will be available on both HBO Max and in home release at some point.
The original Batman v Superman laid the groundwork for multiple stories in the DCEU, some that have been explored and some that were thrown by the wayside. It's unclear if the new version will include any new footage, but one thing is sure: Snyder's not going to be able to go and reshoot any scenes like he did for his Justice League cut. That film will have an unprecedented budget of $70 million to correct Joss Whedon's version after he took over the film. However, it's clear the director shot a lot for the movie, if the Ultimate Edition's runtime is any indication.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice also had appearances by Steppenwolf and The Flash (Ezra Miller) prior to their roles in Justice League, leaving open the idea there could have been more teases left on the cutting room floor. As Snyder gears up to release his cut of Justice League, eagle-eyed fans will be looking out for any clues that could point to new revelations in that film. Snyder is widely seen as the architect of the DCEU, and his new version of Batman v Superman could be a way for him to flesh out his original vision while dropping hints about what's to come.
Source: Zack Snyder
