One of the biggest changes featured in Zack Snyder’s Justice League was just how powerful Steppenwolf’s screen presence was when compared to his 2017 cinematic counterpart. In the Snyder Cut, Steppenwolf’s character is completely fleshed out with an intricate backstory detailing his motives to conquer Earth. Instead of being treated as the film’s core villain, the 2021 film sees him as a soldier for Darkseid, the leader of Apokolips who he had previously betrayed.
Steppenwolf was made over in the Snyder Cut. In Zack Snyder's Justice League, the villain's motivation is much clearer: he's trying to gain his master’s respect once again as opposed to just conquering Earth for the sake of it. The new characterization adds much-needed depth to Steppenwolf, whose desire to redeem himself adds a tragic note to his own circumstances.
When compared to the comics, Steppenwolf in Zack Snyder’s Justice League is roughly as powerful as his comic book counterpart. The 2017 version of the character is also faithful to the original, with most of the changes being aesthetic. Created by DC maestro Jack Kirby, Steppenwolf first appeared in 1972's New Gods #7 as a battle-hardened warrior who works alongside Darkseid, his nephew. This familial connection isn’t mentioned in either version of the film. Despite that key relationship being left out, Steppenwolf is just as powerful as he is in the comic books, with the Snyder cut making him just a bit more tough thanks to added screen time and a brand new device that helps him complete his mission.
Steppenwolf's Powers In Snyder Cut vs. 2017's Justice League
In both versions of Justice League, the villain Steppenwolf is a force to be reckoned with; however, the most intimidating version of the character has to be the one seen in the 2021 version thanks to the tweaks Zack Snyder made from the 2017 version. The most obvious tweak includes Steppenwolf brand new armor, which is far more menacing with its spikes and metallic overlay, making it look quite futuristic. With the visual tweak comes a refresh of the character’s face, making him look more alien (and as a result more terrifying) rather than humanoid. Steppenwolf appears intimidating with these shiny new garbs, especially when he’s interrogating those who have been near the Mother Boxes or battling the Amazonians.
Steppenwolf’s main weapon of choice is an ax, which is seen through all 3 versions of the character. However, the biggest weapon addition in Zack Snyder’s Justice League is the mind-probing device that Steppenwolf uses to sniff out those who have been near the Mother Boxes. This device plays a key role in the scenes where Steppenwolf is interrogating the Atlanteans and Dr. Silas Stone. The mind probe devices come out of Steppenwolf’s armor, with its design matching the armor’s spiky metallic design. Ultimately, these upgrades improve the character, making the Snyder Cut version of Steppenwolf more powerful than he was in 2017's Justice League.
Steppenwolf's Powers In Snyder Cut vs. DC Comics
When compared directly to the comics, the 2021 version of Steppenwolf is just as powerful as he is in the comics. The character still sports the same ax and has the same motivations that are important to the villain. In the comics, Steppenwolf mostly uses his electro-ax as his primary weapon, though he also has a cable snare which isn’t seen in the Snyder cut. The comic version of Steppenwolf is treated as a one-man army, and while he is intimidating in the 2021 film, he does get loads of help from the parademons.
Steppenwolf normally has his dog cavalry alongside him during battle, but these failed to appear in the Snyder cut. Despite the cable snare and dog cavalry being left out, Steppenwolf still exhibits the same physical strength and prowess in the film that he is known for in the comics. Steppenwolf is, without a doubt, one of the most powerful villains that DC has ever created, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League does a great job of bringing the beloved comic character to life, especially thanks to an added backstory and sleek new design, making Steppenwolf a more intimidating character.
