Yesterday, Justice League storyboard artist and DCEU constant, Jay Olivia, professed via social media that Zack Snyder always planned to introduce Batman in Warner Bros.’ subsequent Man of Steel movie, regardless of the studio’s intended trajectory. It’s generally believed that WB shifted tactics following the 2013 release, opting to lay the framework for a shared universe, instead of pursuing an additional solo Superman film.
Today, another hotly contested debate regarding the DCEU has seemingly been put to bed. Having received the sole director credit on Justice League, despite Warner Bros. bringing Joss Whedon aboard late in production to helm extensive reshoots, it’s now looking as if Snyder didn’t oversee the film’s post-credits scene where Deathstroke (Joe Manganiello) and Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) conspire to create their own league.
Simon Firsht, who’s credited in Justice League’s camera and electrical department, posted a DP/Cinematography reel to YouTube late last week which confirmed that Whedon helmed the scene in question. The filmmaker’s name can be seen written on a clapperboard beside the director designation at the 2:38 mark.
Check it out for yourself in the video below:
The DCEU’s turbulent journey to fruition is no secret; in fact, it’s a miracle Justice League even made it to theaters. Following divisive receptions on Man of Steel and Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, Zack Snyder was ousted by Warner Bros. in favour of Joss Whedon, in hopes that the Avengers director could escort the supergroup into a more family-friendly environment.
As it turns out, the adjustment was too late. Justice League failed both critically and financially, leaving the DCEU in a bit of a state of limbo at the moment.