‘Justice League’: Zack Snyder’s Invasion Flashback Pit Darkseid Against Ares

Justice League Darkseid Zack Snyder

Recently revealed Justice League set photos reveal that Zack Snyder’s version of the invasion flashback scene would have pit Darkseid against Ares.

Zack Snyder’s original vision for Justice League remains a topic of interest for a vocal segment of DC fans since the film debuted to mixed reviews and disappointing box office numbers, which many attribute to the alterations made to the film during reshoots that were overseen by Joss Whedon, who boarded the project after Snyder departed following a family tragedy. Now, the aforementioned set photos reveal that Snyder’s version of the invasion flashback scene, which detailed Steppenwolf’s first attempt at conquering Earth in the theatrical release,  would have introduced Darkseid to the DC Extended Universe.

The set photos feature a mural in the shrine from a deleted scene involving Wonder Woman and the drawings depict the Amazons, Atlanteans, and Men uniting to defeat the invaders from Apokolips. Included in the drawings is a dark figure resembling Darkseid standing over a circle of fire, indicating that the villainous New God was originally going to present during the flashback scene. In fact, a rough translation of the Greek text inscribed on the mural roughly recounts a showdown between Ares, the Gods of War, and Darkseid:

“The Allies have managed to push back the conspiracy of the intruders with iron, blood, and horses.”

“Zeus wanted to stop and kill Skotomidis [Darkseid]. He ordered his son, Ares, to kill the invader, but he couldn’t. Skotomidis [Darkseid], falling down with a roar, was defeated, and left for the stars, with his soldiers following. They left three Mother Boxes behind, and a Mother Box was given to each tribe to be protected until Skotomidis [Darkseid] invaded again.

Portions of the showdown appear to have been included in the theatrical release, specifically when Zeus fires lightning at Steppenwolf and Ares can be seen briefly as he brings down his ax on the villain’s shoulder. Steppenwolf glares up at Ares, suggesting a fight is about to ensue, but the film cuts to a different event during the battle and Steppenwolf is next seen being escorted off the battlefield in defeat.

Would have you have enjoyed seeing Darkseid take on Ares? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.

Directed by Zack Snyder, Justice League stars Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa, Ray Fisher, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Connie Nielsen, J. K. Simmons, and Ciarán Hinds.

Justice League is now available on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital HD.

Source: Screen Rant

Sebastian Peris

Sebastian Peris

Canadian film buff, political junkie, comic book geek, and board game enthusiast.