A new image from Zack Snyder's Justice League, released by Ben Affleck, shows Batman still uses a gun in the movie's expanded cut. Snyder's cut of the film is currently undergoing reshoots and various additions in editing to get it ready for release on HBO Max in 2021. But the filmmaker and stars took a break from post-production on Tuesday to release several images and a new trailer, which served the dual purpose of promoting the latest cut of the film on the third anniversary of the original's theatrical release and raising awareness around mental health issues.
The theatrical version of Justice League was panned by critics and fans alike, who blamed the confusing tone and simplistic plot that made little sense at the feet of replacement director Joss Whedon and studio Warner Bros. One of the biggest criticisms was Batman's use of a gun in the film's climactic battle against Steppenwolf, which critics said made little sense, making Batman seem dumb and unprepared. Fans assumed that would be fixed in Snyder's cut, but a new image makes that assumption seem incorrect.
Posted by Justice League's Batman actor Affleck on Instagram, the image clearly shows Batman using a gun in what looks to be the climactic battle. However, it's difficult to tell given the different color treatment Synder's version has gotten. Whether it is during the final battle, as suspected, or during the expanded Knightmare sequence, though, there's no doubt Batman is going to be using a gun in Zack Snyder's Justice League. You can see the post, which includes "#UsUnited" emblazoned across the top of the image, below:
Given the criticism Batman's use of guns received when the theatrical version was released, it'll be interesting to see if the Snyder Cut is subjected to the same attention from fans. Snyder might very well find a more realistic reason for Batman to be using a gun in his cut, which would quiet any critical fans, but if he doesn't, it will require fans to turn on their so-called directing hero to maintain consistency. Either that or they can simply choose to ignore it, as they do many of the faults in Snyder's films, which is entirely their prerogative, of course.
It is interesting to note the through-line, though, with Batman using guns in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, both cuts of Justice League and even Matt Reeves' solo movie The Batman, which could show Batman using guns, if recent set photos are to be believed. Filmmakers are getting more comfortable showing the character using guns, despite Batman's long tradition of not using lethal weapons. However, it remains to be seen just how it's introduced in Zack Snyder's Justice League.
Source: Ben Affleck/Instagram
