"Justice League" Preview

I’ve been waiting far too long for this movie. Growing up with an almost unhealthy obsession with superheroes, I always wanted to be able to see them on film. There are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of exciting stories contained within the panels of DC comics that deserve a film adaptation. And, only now, is the “Justice League” coming to the screen.

Trust me, I get it--this is sounding like some nerdy wish fulfillment. To be fair, it is. But, with some of the most iconic characters being adapted for the big screen in a single movie, how could people not get excited? The first-ever comic book team-up of these heroes was in 1960, and there has never been a feature film adaptation attempted.

“Justice League” will feature an ensemble cast with the returning performances of Ben Affleck as Batman and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman. With Gadot returning after the huge success of her own solo film, early assumptions would be that she would take a central role in the story. The trailers released so far have also suggested this. Affleck stands on slightly weaker footing, as he will try to continue to solidify himself in the iconic role held previously by Christian Bale.

Newcomers to the franchise include Jason Momoa as Aquaman, Ezra Miller as the Flash and Ray Fisher as Cyborg. One of the biggest questions asked regarding the possible success of this film is whether or not it can handle introducing so many heroes with no previous origins explored in film, while keeping a coherent plot. “The Avengers” (2012) featured an ensemble cast as well, but the four main stars each had at least one feature-length film to develop character and tone beforehand, leading to a very strong relationship and dynamic between completely separate actors and their characters.

It is also important to know this is the fifth film in the DCEU (DC Extended Universe), being prefaced by “Man of Steel,” “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “Suicide Squad” and “Wonder Woman.” With the last film previously mentioned being the only one to receive mass public appeal, it will be interesting to see if Director Zack Snyder’s newest endeavor will be able to receive critical and financial success.

It may be that the Warner Brothers film studio is greatly concerned with this, but fans of the genre are also racked with concern. With a history that spans almost six decades, my only hope is that these characters and stories are done right.