Although Zack Snyder's BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE was one of the most anticipated movies of 2016, it's probably safe to say that not everyone was pleased by the final result. Instead of launching Warner Bros.' DC franchise towards a bright future, the reception towards the blockbuster may have forced the studio to change their course. Thankfully, WONDER WOMAN brought some much-needed goodwill towards the franchise, and hopefully the upcoming JUSTICE LEAGUE can keep that momentum going, but the criticism of BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE hasn't been ignored.
While speaking with Empire (via ScreenRant), Ben Affleck commented on the reaction to BVS, saying "I can understand people saying [Batman v Superman] was too dark, or this was outside the tone of what I’m used to seeing with a Batman story, and I think that’s a fair criticism." However, Affleck adds that the upcoming JUSTICE LEAGUE, which Gal Gadot said won't be as "dark or heavy" as BVS, didn't change as a result of those criticisms. "This was all scripted and set up before that movie came out," Affleck said. "The approach was changed anyway for the second one. It was natural progression." As for whether JUSTICE LEAGUE really will have more of a sense of fun, I suppose we'll have to wait and see.
Ben Affleck also commented on Henry Cavill's "pornstache" during the JUSTICE LEAGUE reshoots, joking that "It was a full-on porn-star moustache. He looked like a porn star from the ’70s, just with a better body. It’s a different twist [on Superman]." If you'll recall, Cavill was in the midst of shooting MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 6 for Christopher McQuarrie when he was needed to return to the role of Superman for JUSTICE LEAGUE, however, Paramount Pictures wouldn't allow Cavill to shave the mustache he'd grown for his MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE role, which meant that it would have to be digitally removed from the JUSTICE LEAGUE reshoots. I can only hope that this footage finds its way to the public. Please, the people need it!
JUSTICE LEAGUE is set for a November 17, 2017 release.