When Zack Snyder’s superhero epic Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice finally arrives in theaters this March, the answer to the question fans have been pondering and debating will presumably be revealed – Batman or Superman? Who’s more likely to emerge as victor? In the lead-up to the film, sides have certainly been chosen by fans everywhere and even Snyder has gotten in on the fun, encouraging everyone to select their pick for the ultimate battle. It’s a divisive time for fans of Batman and Superman, but in the best way possible.
It isn’t just the fans who are getting in on the debate, either. When Superman (Henry Cavill) himself was stopped on the red carpet at the 88th Academy Awards, E! was there to ask him who he’d rather have backing him up in a fight – The Dark Knight or The Man of Steel? His response was, well, Superman, of course.
Cavill stated:
“He has all the powers. And Superman can’t help but love everyone and wants to do the right thing [and]…you know you have the right guy advising you.”
The actor then went on to say he’s already seen Batman V Superman twice and that the movie comes across as “Epic, thrilling and visually spectacular.” This is a rather fitting assessment considering a recent Wired interview (via Superman Homepage) has Snyder talking about the inherent consequences within films like Batman V Superman, Man of Steel, and his superhero movies in general – consequences which set off a sort of domino effect that ultimately enriches the story being told.
“…it’s important that these movies have consequences, that there is collateral damage. In Batman v Superman I wanted to show how Bruce Wayne feels when reduced to a sideline sitter. Batman is frightened by his impotence in the face of that."
Snyder also spoke of the manner in which he, the actors, and the production attempted to keep the narrative on a forward trajectory, one that felt balanced and real, and yet still distinctly a part of the superhero mythology that attracts legions of fans.
It’s certainly promising for fans to hear Snyder take such care in building the worlds that these larger-than-life and incredibly popular characters inhabit. Snyder has been tasked with architecting the DC Extended Universe and although his tone and visual approach have been met with some criticism at times, it is clear between BVS and his previous effort with Man of Steel that there is a clear vision for this film universe that is shared by the director and the studio.
“We’ve been strict with our rules. What they can do - Batman, Superman, Flash, Cyborg - we really are hard on ourselves because we want all those things to have a reality, a mythological grounding.”
Based solely on what has been seen of the film so far, and given what fans know of Snyder’s sense of style, it isn’t hard at all to believe that the movie is everything Cavill says it is. Batman V Superman seems to have blockbuster written all over it – whether or not it actually is one will be revealed very soon.
Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice opens on March 25th, 2016, followed by Suicide Squad on August 5th, 2016; Wonder Woman on June 23rd, 2017; Justice League Part One on November 17th, 2017; The Flash on March 16th, 2018; Aquaman on July 27th, 2018; Shazam on April 5th, 2019; Justice League Part Two on June 14th, 2019; Cyborg on April 3rd, 2020; and Green Lantern Corps. on June 19th, 2020.
Source: E!, Superman Homepage (via Wired)
