Okay, this is a pretty big news day for DC Comics fans.
Comic Book Resources has a bunch of news posted in several articles regarding the upcoming Justice League film, directed by Zack Snyder. In addition to the first film's official logo (shown above), here's the rundown...
First, the plot synopsis for the film has been released, giving us a brief (and rather obvious) idea of what's in store for the World's Greatest Superheroes...
Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.
Steppenwolf's role was foreshadowed in a deleted post-credit scene from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, in which a hologram of Steppenwolf appears before Lex Luthor on a Kryptonian ship. The scene will be available on the film's Ultimate Edition Blu-ray.
Created in 1972 by Jack Kirby, Steppenwolf first appeared in New Gods (vol.1) #7 as the uncle of Darkseid and leader of Darkseid's military forces, who helped Darkseid murder the wife of Darkseid's hated rival, Highfather. Highfather later tracked down and killed Steppenwolf in retaliation, as the murder reignites the war between New Genesis and Apokolips. Steppenwolf appeared later when Mister Miracle (Scott Free) gained godlike powers over life and death. He tormented Scott over his role in killing his mother and in return was physically tortured. Scott ended up healing him, instead of killing him as he desired.
It's not yet known if Dafoe will be playing the character in the Aquaman solo movie starring Jason Momoa and to be directed by James Wan.
Created in 1967 by Bob Haney and Howard Purcell, Vulko first appeared in The Brave and the Bold (vol.1) #73 as an assistant to Aquaman and the Atom in repelling microscopic invaders from a 'single drop of water' who were led by Galg The Destroyer. In the current The New 52 continuity, Vulko is the former adviser of Atlantis who failed to prove that Ocean Master murdered Aquaman's mother, and Ocean Master's loyalists attempted to arrest him. He managed to escape and began a life on the surface world. While living in Norway, Vulko was confronted by Aquaman, who wass searching for Atlantis. Vulko explained to Arthur about his brother and told Aquaman that he was the rightful heir of Atlantis's throne, and therefore, must overthrow Ocean Master.
And perhaps most importantly, CBR has word that Justice League will be "more inclusive" and less dark than Batman v Superman. Their set visit reportedly included an early cut of a clip where Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) and Barry Allen/The Flash (Ezra Miller) meet for the first time. According to the article, "The scene is witty, warm and contains genuine laughs, all things in deliberately short supply in previous DC Films productions."
"I think the main thing we learned is that people don't like to see their heroes deconstructed," Batman v Superman and Justice League producer Deborah Snyder told CBR. "I think that’s hard, because it’s people we've grown up with and we care about. They like seeing them in all their glory."
"Justice League is much more inclusive [than Batman v Superman,]" Snyder added. "It's all about the characters, too. We have these two very young characters, Flash and Cyborg. And you know, they're definitely lighter. I think they're going to appeal to a younger audience."
Justice League is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 17, 2017.