Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Guillermo del Toro, the master of horror and fantasy, had taken the reins of a Justice League Dark film? While many DC movies have come and gone, del Toro’s vision for this project remains intriguing and ambitious. Let’s dive into what he had in mind for this dark ensemble of heroes.
Guillermo del Toro is no stranger to the fantastical. His passion for storytelling through unique characters is evident in films like The Shape of Water and Hellboy. With Justice League Dark, he aimed to introduce audiences to an array of supernatural heroes, placing John Constantine at the forefront.
What Was Guillermo del Toro’s Vision for Justice League Dark?
During a recent episode of the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, del Toro shared that he envisioned John Constantine as the film’s lead. Alongside him would be a cast of characters like Swamp Thing, Zatanna, and Deadman—each bringing their own brand of magic and horror to the screen. The director noted that Swamp Thing would have a compelling story arc involving an encounter with the Floronic Man, a plot element he was particularly excited about.
Could Doug Jones Have Played Deadman?
A familiar name in del Toro’s projects, Doug Jones, was set to join the cast as Deadman. Having collaborated on Hellboy and The Shape of Water, del Toro trusted Jones to embody the character’s physicality and nuance. The plan was to give Deadman significant screen time, including a thrilling sequence where he taps into his possession powers to chase down villains—perhaps even jumping into the body of an unsuspecting elderly lady along the way.
What Would Have Happened in the Film?
Picture this: the Justice League Dark team arrives in Gotham City, seeking Batman’s help to borrow a plane. This quirky moment was one of many that del Toro wanted to incorporate into the film. Though these concepts never made it past the screenplay stage, del Toro has expressed an enduring love for the script he crafted, feeling it seamlessly brought everyone together.
Is There Hope for Justice League Dark’s Revival?
As for the film’s future, del Toro maintains he is still in touch with James Gunn, who currently oversees DC’s cinematic universe. Although they haven’t discussed reviving the project, del Toro remains hopeful. He mentioned, “the screenplay is there,” hinting at the possibility that it could someday rise from the ashes, whether as a live-action film or another animated project.
What makes Justice League Dark different from other DC movies?
Unlike traditional DC superhero films, Justice League Dark focuses on supernatural elements and darker themes. This ensemble includes characters like Constantine and Swamp Thing, who thrive in the horror genre, showcasing a unique side of the DC universe.
Who are the main characters in Justice League Dark?
The primary characters initially slated for del Toro’s movie include John Constantine, Swamp Thing, Zatanna, Deadman, and others, each contributing to the film’s dark, magical atmosphere.
Will del Toro ever get to direct a DC film?
While there are currently no plans for del Toro to direct a DC film, conversations with James Gunn could open doors in the future, possibly allowing his unique vision to manifest in some form.
Is Justice League Dark part of the larger DC Extended Universe?
The original plan for Justice League Dark implied its connection to the broader DC Extended Universe, focusing on the supernatural and horror elements that often differ from typical superhero narratives.
As we ponder Guillermo del Toro’s vision for Justice League Dark, it’s fascinating to think about the stories that could have been told. This mix of horror, suspense, and heroism was well within del Toro’s wheelhouse. What do you think about the ideas he had for the film? Share your thoughts in the comments below!