The DC Extended Universe is a tricky place. Because while Geoff Johns and the folks at the studio attempt to compete with the behemoth shared universe that is the MCU, the newer franchise has had its share of setbacks. For Justice League, this came in the form of a personal tragedy for director/writer Zack Snyder. He stepped down from his role as director months ago, and let Avengers and Buffy's Joss Whedon finish his vision. Extensive reshoots have taken place in order to make Whedon's changes, although one Justice League star just revealed he never worked with the director at all: J.K. Simmons
I wasn't involved with Joss at all, (he was here for) some of the reshoots and I wasn't involved in that. But I think he's really dedicated to finishing the story that Zack was telling. Again, that's my understanding from my vantage point.
If J.K. Simmons' comments to Red Carpet News is to believed, it looks like Commissioner Gordon's debut into the DC Extended Universe won't be changed by Joss Whedon's vision for Justice League. So that's one character from the film that will likely resemble Zack Snyder's original intention.
It should be interesting to see exactly what the finished version of Justice League looks and feels like. While Zack Snyder's previous two bouts into the DCEU were colorless and void of levity, the studio seems to be making some serious changes to the overall tone. Cue Joss Whedon, whose TV and film projects have always contained a great balance of serious and comedic beats. It certainly seemed like Whedon was making some major changes to Justice League, eventually leading to him being credited as a writer.
While Justice League has the distinction of bringing together the DC trinity with newcomers like The Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg, the film will also introduce a ton of supporting characters who will expand the universe and show up in the various solo films that are coming down the pipeline. And considering how many Bat-centric films have been announced by DC over the past few months, J.K. Simmons' Commissioner Gordon will likely become a very significant figure in the next few years.
Although J.K. Simmons didn't work with Joss Whedon during their shared time on Justice League, the duo should be getting pretty comfortable over the next few years. Because Whedon will soon be directing a Batgirl movie for the DCEU, and Jim Gordon will presumably be a major factor in the film's narrative. Barbara Gordon typically has to balance her crime fighting with her relationship with her father, all while keeping her secret identity from him. Now Whedon just needs to cast Batgirl so we can begin discussing their familial relationship.
Justice League will arrive in theaters on November 16th, complete with J.K. Simmons as Commissioner Gordon. In the meantime, check out our 2017 release list to plan your final trips to the movies before the New Year.
