The Lost Legend of Justice League: Mortal
In the late 2000s, a Justice League film titled Justice League: Mortal nearly became a reality. Directed by George Miller, the visionary behind the Mad Max franchise, this movie promised a unique blend of superhero grandeur and raw, kinetic energy. However, despite the exciting potential, the project never made it to the big screen, leaving fans to wonder what could have been.
A Star-Studded Cast That Never Was
Justice League: Mortal boasted an impressive cast, with D.J. Cotrona set to play Superman, Armie Hammer as Batman, and Megan Gale as Wonder Woman. The Flash would have been portrayed by Adam Brody, while Common was tapped to bring Green Lantern to life. The legendary Martian Manhunter, a key figure in the Justice League, was to be portrayed by Hugh Keays-Byrne. The film’s ensemble promised to deliver a fresh and dynamic take on these iconic characters.
Unfortunately, the road to production was fraught with obstacles. A combination of a writer’s strike, financing issues, and tax rebate complications created significant delays. Moreover, the success of Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight in 2008 shifted Warner Bros.’ focus. The studio decided to prioritize standalone films over a massive ensemble piece, believing it was safer to develop individual characters rather than risk a large-scale team-up. The idea of having two concurrent Batman portrayals in different franchises added to the hesitation, ultimately leading to the project’s cancellation.
A Glimpse of What Could Have Been
Despite the film’s demise, glimpses of Justice League: Mortal have occasionally surfaced, keeping the curiosity alive. One such moment occurred recently when an image of Hugh Keays-Byrne as Martian Manhunter emerged. The portrayal was strikingly accurate, capturing the essence of the character with precision. This image rekindled the longing for what could have been, offering a bittersweet reminder of the movie that never was.
The DC Universe’s Untold Tales
The story of Justice League: Mortal is just one of many untold tales within the DC Universe. These “what if” scenarios offer a fascinating peek into the creative process and the challenges of bringing beloved characters to life on the big screen. While it’s tempting to dwell on what might have been, fans can still look forward to the many superhero adventures that lie ahead.
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Image credit: comicsalliance.com
