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Zack Snyder's Justice League

Zack Snyder's Justice League is a 2021 American superhero film and an extended director's cut of the 2017 film Justice League.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Zack Snyder's Justice League is a 2021 American superhero film and an extended director's cut of the 2017 film Justice League. Directed by Zack Snyder, it follows Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg, the Flash, and Superman as they unite to stop Steppenwolf and other forces tied to Darkseid. The film was released as a four-hour version presented in a 4:3 aspect ratio.

Premise

The film follows Batman and Wonder Woman as they recruit Aquaman, Cyborg, and the Flash while preparing for Superman's return and a larger threat to Earth. The antagonists include Steppenwolf, DeSaad, and Darkseid.

Production and release

The film is presented as Zack Snyder's restored version of the Justice League story, with newly added and previously removed material. It was released in 2021, with later digital availability noted in source material.

Cast and characters

The principal cast includes Ben Affleck as Batman, Henry Cavill as Superman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Jason Momoa as Aquaman, Ezra Miller as the Flash, and Ray Fisher as Cyborg.

Reception and significance

The film is widely discussed as a more expansive version of the 2017 theatrical cut and is often described by retail and database listings as a longer, darker reinterpretation of the story. Source results also note that it was received as an improvement by many viewers and reviewers, though opinions vary.

Key facts

  • It is an alternate cut of the 2017 film Justice League, assembled under Zack Snyder's direction.
  • The story centres on Bruce Wayne recruiting a team of metahumans to defend Earth from Steppenwolf and Darkseid's forces.
  • The film stars Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, and Ray Fisher.
  • Apple TV lists the film as 4 hours and 2 minutes long and presented in 4:3 format.
  • It was digitally released on July 19, 2022, according to Wikipedia's film entry.
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Canadian context

The film was distributed on major digital platforms available to Canadian viewers and is part of the internationally prominent DC superhero franchise that has a large Canadian audience.[4][7][9]

Frequently asked questions

What is Zack Snyder's Justice League?
It is Zack Snyder's 2021 extended director's cut of the 2017 superhero film Justice League.
Who directed it?
The film was directed by Zack Snyder.
How long is the film?
Apple TV lists it at 4 hours and 2 minutes.
Which characters are in the main team?
The main team includes Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg, the Flash, and Superman.
Who are the main antagonists?
The story focuses on Steppenwolf, with Darkseid and DeSaad also involved.
What aspect ratio is it presented in?
Apple TV describes it as presented in a 4:3 format.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zack_Snyder's_Justice_League
    Supports: Plot, cast, release information, and later digital release date.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12361974/
    Supports: Director, writers, cast, and general premise/reception notes.
  3. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/zack-snyders-justice-league/umc.cmc.6opq6ln7in5cgavxwswp2yzrj
    Supports: Runtime, 4:3 format, plot summary, cast, and release year.
  4. Amazon — https://www.amazon.com/Zack-Snyders-Justice-League-Blu-ray/dp/B08ZP3V4FY
    Supports: Director's cut description, new material, cast, runtime, and June 4, 2021 release date.
  5. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/it-en/title/81574200
    Supports: Alternate summary, cast list, and genre labeling.