The clock is ticking down on one of this year’s most exciting superhero collisions. In just over a month, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice hits theaters with all of its fury. AMC Theaters has revealed the movie’s runtime and fans have also received a number of early looks at the Batmobile and one of the Batsuits that the Dark Knight (Ben Affleck) will use to combat the Man of Steel (Henry Cavill) in the film.
In addition to revealing key details and cool gadgets used by the main characters, Warner Bros. and DC’s marketing team also treated fans to select aspects the supporting cast and villains. That includes fresh backstory on Alfred, some of Lex Luthor’s psychological makeup, and Lois Lane’s big moment in the film.
Now WB/DC have released the official movie posters of favorite characters Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg), Lois Lane (Amy Adams), and Alfred Pennyworth (Jeremy Irons). The grittier flavor of the film is clearly reflected in the latest promos, showing each of the supporting players in partial or full profile against the cloudy, ashen backdrop depicted in the earlier Batman V Superman posters. The posters also may hint at the character depictions, with Alfred seemingly very officious with a Wayne Industries insignia across his chest, Lex Luthor appearing somewhat disheveled against his Lexcorp logo. Meanwhile, Lois Lane is looking determined as ever, behind a Daily Planet emblem.
Zack Snyder revealed fairly early on that key elements in the film – including supporting characters – would embody somewhat different approaches than prior incarnations. Alfred’s new role appears to be as Bruce Wayne’s head of security and trainer, rather than just his butler. Eisenberg’s variation on Lex Luthor is also a new take, with a younger, more charismatic version depicted in BVS than in past iterations. And the single-minded Lois Lane, willing to do anything for a story from Man of Steel, has been tempered by her live-in love, Clark – although Adams says her character still winds up doing a lot of “sleuthing” as well.
Even though the main focus of the film will be on Batman and Superman, the strength of the film will also be measured by the supporting cast. Adams has already proven her mettle as Lois Lane, but newcomers Eisenberg and Irons – despite their collective acting gravitas – are untested in their respective roles. Most of all, the more public and less obviously conniving Lex Luthor could make a big difference in the film, especially since his actions are rumored to kickstart the upcoming Justice League sagas.
Alternative approaches aside, though, a weak link in the supporting category won’t sabotage Batman V Superman’s box office potential. It will be interesting, nonetheless, to see how an older Batman, a younger Luthor, and a Superman/Lois Lane couple will affect the dynamic in the final film.
Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice opens on March 25, 2016, which is followed by Suicide Squad on August 5, 2016; Wonder Woman on June 23, 2017; Justice League Part One on November 17, 2017; The Flash on March 16, 2018; Aquaman on July 27, 2018; Shazam on April 5, 2019; Justice League Part Two on June 14, 2019; Cyborg on April 3, 2020; and Green Lantern Corps. on June 19, 2020.
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures
