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'Justice League' producer: Joss Whedon was already working on it before Zack Snyder stepped away

By

Chris Begley

·

on 'Justice League' producer: Joss Whedon was already working on it before Zack Snyder stepped away

Last week, Justice League director Zack Snyder announced that he'd be stepping away from the movie after a terrible family tragedy. The Avengers director Joss Whedon will help finish the movie, and producer Charles Roven explained how that all went down in an interview with Variety at the Wonder Woman premiere.

"[Whedon] was already working with us on some of the scenes for the additional photography that we're going to be doing shortly," Roven explained. "It was fortunate that Zack convinced him, and he agreed, to step in and finish the movie and help Zack finish his vision. We're excited about that."

Snyder hired Whedon to write some of those additional scenes, and then when he realized he couldn't finish the movie himself, he convinced Whedon to take over the director duties as well.

Thanks to Whedon stepping up, Justice League is still on track for its November 17 release.

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  1. Snap to it Kal Avatar
    Snap to it Kal

    Joss is a badass for doing this. The final 6 months on a movie this big must be crazy stressful, but he's taking over anyways. :')

  2. Supermansteve Avatar
    Supermansteve

    I honestly think no one is going to be able to tell the difference between. I truly think this movie is going to be a groundbreaking masterpiece. I mean that second trailer has received so much hype over it. "Dress like a bat, I dig it."

    1. mr nobody Avatar
      mr nobody

      "groundbreaking masterpiece" lolol I wish I was this naive. That's something you can say about Cameron, Nolan, Iñarritu...
      I really hope you are right though, just wanna see a decent DC movie. Wonder woman might be it

    2. OGmacrazy Avatar
      OGmacrazy

      Nothing about that trailer looks groundbreaking nor like a masterpiece, and it was target to some very fair criticism, I might add.

    3. John Johnson Avatar
      John Johnson

      Can't express your opinion without getting smacked down, I see.

      I'm right there with you. I think it's gonna be something special, and I'm really looking forward to it.

      1. AquaCthulhu Avatar
        AquaCthulhu

        A bunch of flies trying to muck up everything by poking their hands into them. Shoo them away and they'll come back later (usually with an alternate account). They do spread diseases but that can be avoided if we refuse to consume the contaminated parts. XD

    4. dugzino Avatar
      dugzino

      The trailer looked like a total masterpiece. So will the movie be, if Joss stays true to Zack's work. If not, WE'RE DOOMED!

  3. Seb Avatar
    Seb

    We owe massive thanks to Joss. I remember very clearly he stated he never wanted to do another "team up" type film ever again. So for him to actually do this to help a fellow director (and I assume friend) in need, is a very classy thing to do.

    1. Daniel Moshee Avatar
      Daniel Moshee

      No, we don't.

      1. Seb Avatar
        Seb

        Even if his role is minimal (and I don't think it is), it's still just a nice thing for him to do regardless.

    2. OGmacrazy Avatar
      OGmacrazy

      It's kinda crazy to think this guy brought the Avengers to live-action, and now he's helping to do the same thing with Justice League. That's the american dream, right there.

    3. Kerk Lastnameless Avatar
      Kerk Lastnameless

      Mhm. Except, if his heart is not in it, he may do it more harm than good.

      1. Seb Avatar
        Seb

        That's fair, but I don't think he's the type of guy to mail it in. But we'll see. He's still absolutely the best "replacement" director they could have gone with.

    4. MrMovies Avatar
      MrMovies

      That's because Whedon had a bad time working for Disney. By all accounts, it sounds like he'll get more freedom with WB.

  4. Edivaldo Avatar
    Edivaldo

    Yesterday, in São Paulo...
    https://uploads.disquscdn.c...
    https://uploads.disquscdn.c...

    1. Kerk Lastnameless Avatar
      Kerk Lastnameless

      Big sale at Burgerking?

  5. Wazzapova Avatar
    Wazzapova

    Thank you Mr. Whedon!

    1. Edivaldo Avatar
      Edivaldo

      Thank you Zack Snyder.

  6. thefallen83 Avatar
    thefallen83

    Teamwork at its best.

    1. Schuyler Finley Avatar
      Schuyler Finley

      Teamwork makes the dream work.
      I learned that saying from college.

  7. Hugo Avatar
    Hugo

    I am scared, I wanted a 100% Zack movie... I don't like Joss at all. GIVE ME THAT DARK AND SERIOUS VIBE !

    1. John Johnson Avatar
      John Johnson

      Just think of it as Zack being head chef, coming up with the menu, and preparing most of the dishes. But then he had to leave the kitchen unexpectedly, so he entrusted his menu to the sous chef (Whedon) for finishing. The sous chef has a tremendous amount of skill and experience, but is still beholden to a specific menu and doesn't stray from that. He was merely asked to finish what was already largely completed.

      1. dugzino Avatar
        dugzino

        I believe he still had 3-4 months of post-production?

        1. John Johnson Avatar
          John Johnson

          Right, but everything is still Zack's. Joss just has to follow the recipe in order to finish up. I know he has some writing credit, but Joss is more of a "second unit director" here, I think.

      2. AquaCthulhu Avatar
        AquaCthulhu

        But then​ we have some idiot saying, 'Joss brought the avengers to life and now the Justice League'. Lol!

      3. I'd rather post as a guest Avatar
        I'd rather post as a guest

        The main thing I hope Joss can do is use the music correctly. I'm not sure how much has been specified by Zack already, but Zack always did great playing the music at loud volumes to really encompass the scene. After watching the 2 Avengers movies though, it always seemed like the music was in the background only, instead of being a main element for big scenes. I just hope Joss uses the music volume correctly..

    2. dugzino Avatar
      dugzino

      Same man. This is really scaring the sh*t out of me.
      JOSS F* WHEDON! FFS!
      His Avengers movies are as boring and full of shit as Iron Man 3.

      1. Gonk Avatar
        Gonk

        easy, the only thing as bad as Iron Man 3 was Suicide Squad.

        1. dugzino Avatar
          dugzino

          Suicide Squad was bad but not as bad as IM3. Suicide Squad had a nice opening. 1st part was all nice, 2nd was ok, and the 3rd part was horrible. Kinda like GotG1. Maybe less than GotG1. GotG1 had one of the worst ending I've seen in a movie.

          1. Gonk Avatar
            Gonkreplying to dugzino

            Can't agree with you on SS at all as I'm unable to find hardly anything worth redeeming in it but totally with you on Guardians, that ending was absolutely dreadful and it probably is the worst ending I've ever seen too.

    3. residentgrigo Avatar
      residentgrigo

      Neither Zack nor Terrio wanted to make a "dark" JLA film to begin with. Their and Roven´s post mortems said that a year ago. Terrios even said that before BvS came out. Such a move would also invalidate all of BvS and the film´s shooting isn´t starting anew. The rough cut is already in the can.

  8. jrvc Avatar
    jrvc

    But they already said that with Zack's announcement : /

    Anyway, props to Whedon for stepping in in a difficult situation :)

  9. Memorian Avatar
    Memorian

    I'm really interested to see how JL turns out now. I've been lukewarm on the film for a while but I'm quite intrigued to see what this film will be like with two directors stamp on it. I think Whedon is quiet good at directing scenes that shows the chemistry between characters.. Alot of the great scenes in the Avengers films are those.

  10. Dr Arkham Avatar
    Dr Arkham

    Avenger 1 and 2 ... AoShit ...

    so afraid about Batgirl and JL 2.

    1. The walking Cuban Avatar
      The walking Cuban

      Don't worry, for every fan they lose, theyll gain 10 more.

      1. Dr Arkham Avatar
        Dr Arkham

        10 more kids.

        1. The walking Cuban Avatar
          The walking Cuban

          For every baby.

          1. The walking Cuban Avatar
            The walking Cubanreplying to The walking Cuban

            For every zygote.

          2. The walking Cuban Avatar
            The walking Cubanreplying to The walking Cuban

            For every proud poppa. I'm losing grasp on the point. Suffice to say, i hope you like it, and/or I hope I like it. Happy memoirs of a geisha day!

          3. The walking Cuban Avatar
            The walking Cubanreplying to The walking Cuban

            A cataract.

          4. The walking Cuban Avatar
            The walking Cubanreplying to The walking Cuban

            My bat.

    2. Nahuel Benvenuto Avatar
      Nahuel Benvenuto

      Batgirl is not a character that deservers a whole film, Avengers was ok but is too childish and humorous and has not aged well,, AoU is terrible, JL2 i really hope is not made by him

    3. Ezee23 Avatar
      Ezee23

      They weren't bad movies, not even in the realm of "shit". Avengers was good and Age of Ultron was better.

      1. Nahuel Benvenuto Avatar
        Nahuel Benvenuto

        Avengers was an ok movie and Ultron was pretty bad in a lot of aspect, not to mention it was exactly like the previous movie

        1. Ezee23 Avatar
          Ezee23

          I dont know... I dont think the MCU has made a bad movie yet, sure, some are less enjoyable than others but none of them are actually bad movies.

          1. The walking Cuban Avatar
            The walking Cubanreplying to Ezee23

            Critics and audience consensus, sure, but not the geek consensus, and certainly not on batmannews

          2. ShatteredWorld Avatar
            ShatteredWorldreplying to Ezee23

            Iron Man 2 is pretty bad and incoherent. Thor 2 as well

          3. Ezee23 Avatar
            Ezee23replying to ShatteredWorld

            I just bought the Bluray for Thor 2 recently, maybe its because I'm watching it on my biggest TV but I think it may be one of the MCU's better looking movies. Its very underrated.

            Iron Man 2 is just boring but thats about it, I wouldn't say its a bad movie.

          4. Guest Avatar
            Guestreplying to Ezee23

            I hate Iron Man 2 and 3, AOU and the Guardians movies but I think everything else the MCU has done has been a home run.

          5. Fredrick Belfort Avatar
            Fredrick Belfortreplying to Guest

            I agree with the first three that you listed, but I still think the first GOG is the most enjoyable of the MCU movies. Not the best, but the most fun.

          6. Rust Avatar
            Rustreplying to Ezee23

            The overreaction to these films is nuts. Same with DC's. People have a nitpick or something isn't 110% at all times and it's considered shit.

            Witch Hunt mentality is alive and well.

          7. Supporter Avatar
            Supporterreplying to Ezee23

            Exactly. If it's not Catwoman or Howard the Duck bad, I don't think it's bad. Mediocre perhaps would be a better word for the lesser MCU movies, but none have received negative reviews.

        2. Guest Avatar
          Guest

          Avengers 1 is a fantastic movie, one of the best comic book movies ever made. Ultron was average at best.

      2. Dr Arkham Avatar
        Dr Arkham

        LoL

      3. Krishtrinity Avatar
        Krishtrinity

        ultron was boring,avengers was good at the time but now it's meh..

      4. Halberdier17 Avatar
        Halberdier17

        Avengers was good but only if you watch it once. I liked it on my first viewing but the second viewing it was worse.

        Age of Ultron I never finished I fell asleep during it and every other time I tried to watch it.

        Justice League will be fine in my opinion because he has to adhere to the tone set by Zack Snyder. I hope he doesn't do Justice League 2 or if he does they have another director helping.

        The only thing I worry about with him shooting the additional scenes is that Zack uses film and I know Joss Whedon prefers to use digital cameras; I can't stand the way Digital looks or at least how it looked in Whedon's two Avenger movies.

  11. nelson Avatar
    nelson

    I want Zack Snyder to be part of the DCEU. Man Of Steel is a great movie in my opinion and BVS is a good film despite its flaws, but I have a feeling that Joss Whedon will have a bigger voice concerning the DCEU going forward which is not a bad thing.

    1. The walking Cuban Avatar
      The walking Cuban

      It'd be ironic if now, after DC burned Zack and Ayer and marvel burned Whedon, if DC made him the head honcho and treated him great.

      1. residentgrigo Avatar
        residentgrigo

        Ayer is currently per-producing a film for WB and Snyder got to make his dreams come true via WB since 300 in 2006 (they gifted him a car for that accomplishment, it´s the one Bruce has in BvS). ALL his work since then strictly went though WB, so stop making shit up.

        1. The walking Cuban Avatar
          The walking Cuban

          Okay so the critical reception is not DC's fault but the directors', 10 4.

    2. residentgrigo Avatar
      residentgrigo

      Zack´s first look deal got extended by WB during all of this. His statement to the THR blatantly said that last week. The question should be when and in which capacity he is ready to return. Or even if.

      1. Rust Avatar
        Rust

        Fingers crossed for Man of Steel 2. I've been thinking hard about which DC property he would be best suited to next, and I just keep coming back to how much I loved MoS.

        A lot of what I love about it comes from Zack's poetic insight of the character and lore, and his heartfelt, visionary approach to making it come to life. I think he should continue Supes' growing arc, since he (and Goyer/Nolan) created it's beginning.

        I could also see him crafting a mindblowing Reverse Flash story with Geoff Johns though...

        1. Jason Klawon Avatar
          Jason Klawon

          Yeah, maybe when Clark hits 60 , he'll actually read a fucking newspaper.

  12. I'm Batman Man 39 Avatar
    I'm Batman Man 39

    Huge props to Joss! As long as he sticks to Zack's vision, which it seems like he is doing like Roven said, then Justice League will still really be Zack's movie, and I'm sure we won't even tell what scenes Joss directed. :D

  13. Ezee23 Avatar
    Ezee23

    Good luck to Joss. Obviously since he helped write some of these scenes he'll be able to convey that in a manner that doesn't make it too discernible. A good writer like him would've considered that.

    Wonder Woman in 7 days, for me!!!

    1. Guest Avatar
      Guest

      I wouldn't call Jos Whedon a good writer. I mean, have you seen Alien: Resurrection and The Avengers? Specially his dialogues are cringe-worthy at times. But either way, it's cool he's helping Zach out.

      1. Nahuel Benvenuto Avatar
        Nahuel Benvenuto

        actually, Alien Resurrection is the only decent thing he has ever done, and is not even his merit

        1. The walking Cuban Avatar
          The walking Cuban

          You just gained all the credibility on earth.

      2. OGmacrazy Avatar
        OGmacrazy

        So now Buffy, Firefly (and the movie Serenity), and Much Ado About Nothing don't count?

    2. sbs138 Avatar
      sbs138

      4 for me! Friday afternoon, 1pm. Can't wait!

    3. Orlando Furioso Avatar
      Orlando Furioso

      Six days for me - bringing my family of five.

    4. Scribe Avatar
      Scribe

      Me and my girlfriends are there on opening night :)

  14. Scribe Avatar
    Scribe

    You know you have to give Snyder credit for enlisting the aid of someone who's directed a superhero ensemble well to make his movie better. Especially someone from Marvel.

  15. Danny Neiba Avatar
    Danny Neiba

    Now pinch hitting..........Joss Whedon......Whedon.....

    1. Schuyler Finley Avatar
      Schuyler Finley

      https://media.giphy.com/med...

    2. Joe K. Avatar
      Joe K.

      Nice Bob Sheppard reference

  16. Hung Like Jesus Avatar
    Hung Like Jesus

    I hope to god he doesn't fuck this up and make it like the avengers

    1. Slade Howlett Avatar
      Slade Howlett

      newsflash the Justice League are like the Avengers

    2. Jason Klawon Avatar
      Jason Klawon

      Yes, because we need more Martha issues in the DCEU.

      1. Hung Like Jesus Avatar
        Hung Like Jesus

        You're an idiot

  17. misterpl Avatar
    misterpl

    The timeline was very telling.

    News broke on March 31st that Whedon was in talks to direct a Batgirl movie for WB. I suspect that, shortly after Snyder's daughter's suicide, WB wanted a contingency plan and needed someone with Whedon's credentials to pick up wherever Snyder might leave off. It wouldn't surprise me if Whedon said, "Sure, I can step in but let me do a DC movie of my own."

  18. Nahuel Benvenuto Avatar
    Nahuel Benvenuto

    control damage huh? i dont care, whedon is a mediocre filmmaker, i really hope he doesnt ruin the movie

  19. Sense Avatar
    Sense

    Thank You Joss, Next Man Up

    1. residentgrigo Avatar
      residentgrigo

      https://images.genius.com/e...

  20. Alex Vidal Avatar
    Alex Vidal

    As someone who does not like Avengers and thought AoU was boring as hell, I hope Whedon doesn't make the JL go out for Shwarma. I respect and applaud what he did in taking over a huge film for Snyder during these hard times but I still don't like his style. Still excited as hell for this though.

    1. Akil Manaz Avatar
      Akil Manaz

      " I hop Whedon doesn't make the JL go out for Shwarma"

      Can you imagine if that's the "additional scene" they'll be filming Lmfao

      1. Schuyler Finley Avatar
        Schuyler Finley

        As much as I had enjoyed that scene back then, I will kill someone if he does that scene in JL.

      2. Alex Vidal Avatar
        Alex Vidal

        Lol the internet would explode!

  21. Shah Avatar
    Shah

    Thank you Zack and Deborah.

    We wish nothing but the best. Pls come back when the time is right.

  22. attentionisattention Avatar
    attentionisattention

    So what do y'all think Joss will be credited as?

    1. I'm Batman Man 39 Avatar
      I'm Batman Man 39

      Could be an uncredited co-director. Like the ones you only see on IMDb. Or maybe a producer/executive producer credit. Perhaps they'll show some credits for the film in the next trailer, and then find out.

  23. Tim Avatar
    Tim

    this has been out for a while. Unrelated, was today the day the embargo for wonder woman lifted? Thought I would have been reading reviews by now

    1. John Johnson Avatar
      John Johnson

      12am Eastern, and 9pm Pacific

  24. residentgrigo Avatar
    residentgrigo

    The THR piece had this info too though, shrugs.
    The last stretch is where films come together (see Star Wars IV) so Whedon will have a VERY tough job ahead. Who also knows when Snyder can return... The filming of additional and reworked scenes will thus be the easiest part of this grind, as Snyder´s 2nd unit team could have done that.

    Dear community: Whedon is about as good as comic and genre directors get. The biggest "asset" DC managed to snag since Nolan. Likely more loyal too, as long as they leave him breathing room.
    Systematically vilifying him, especially in such a tough spot, just shows how counterproductive our little discussions are. Shakes head. What is the alternative. An indefinite delay? No movie at all?

  25. Akil Manaz Avatar
    Akil Manaz

    So basically, Whedon was brought in as a producer after Zack returned from his 2 week leave (which is when he decided to include some additional scenes), and he wasn't involved with JL from the start.

  26. Ned Ryerson Avatar
    Ned Ryerson

    You pretty much nailed it. Zack is a brilliant visionary and visual crafter extraordinaire but he needs help fitting the beautiful visions together with the dialogue and emotional throughline of the narrative. This could really work.

    1. Jason Klawon Avatar
      Jason Klawon

      Might help if he y'know filmed the acting before the fucking green screen. Jesus, he turns actors into lawn furniture.

  27. Abkinxoc Avatar
    Abkinxoc

    Well at least marvel talent is going to fix the dceu now. Im excited for dc to become more like marvel.

  28. Joe K. Avatar
    Joe K.

    Grateful that Joss jumped on to help finish the trilogy for Zack on time but I'm still kind of upset junkie XL isn't apart of the music anymore. MOS and BVS are two of my favorite soundtracks.

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This is an archive of Batman-News.com from 2010 to 2025. For the latest news, check out BatmanNews.com