14 DAY TRIAL // A lot of ink has flowed over the upcoming Zack Snyder movie generally billed as “Batman vs Superman,” and there is still a lot more left to flow, as the production process is reaching the shooting phase.
The reason for such intense debates is the fact that the project deals with two of the most beloved superheroes to date, and also the fact that Zack Snyder has a habit of debunking our popular myths and turning them into awesome movies.
Speaking with the LA Times, Snyder addressed some of issues that arose in the press and on the Internet related to the movie. Most of them are in regard to his casting choices. Up until now, as far as fans are concerned, the director hasn't made any good choice.
People were in uproar when the role of Batman went to Ben Affleck, the role of Wonder Woman went to Gal Gadot, and the role of Lex Luthor went to Jesse Eisenberg. Snyder explained, “We know the material. Unfortunately, the fans don't know the material. So, we're casting according to what's happening in the script. We're hoping that leads to enough originality, enough perspective on what we’re doing that you get something fresh and exciting.”
He goes on to reveal that, “[The movie] literally takes the Man of Steel and Batman universes and explodes them. You’re not as tied to the mythology. In Man of Steel, we had to create an origin story, a mythology… but now that you've got these characters… to now let 'em loose, that's fun!”
He adds to the excitement by billing himself as a fan of these superheroes, but this only increases the pressure on him, “It’s very fun to get into this world with different heroes coexisting in the same universe, but a lot of balls in the air as they say. As a fan, it’s an amazing opportunity.”
Speaking about his casting decisions, Snyder defends actor Jesse Eisenberg as able to give a great performance, “I think Jesse is going to be an amazing Lex. Let’s not forget he was nominated for an Academy Award. It’s not like I just grabbed my friend to play the guy! This guy’s the real deal.”
At the moment, as he's getting ready to start filming, Zack Snyder would wish that fans would stop and step back for a moment and let him do his thing before opening up the hatred. “Some people are hating to hate,” he said at one point.
The “Batman vs Superman” film is scheduled to be released in May, 2016, after it received a 10 month delay just recently from its summer 2015 original date, in order to offer filmmakers more time to achieve their true vision.
Update 06.03.2014: The article now correctly states that the role of Batman will go to Ben Affleck and not Ben Stiller.