The Batman and Joker’s Justice League storyline remains one of the biggest mysteries left behind by Zack Snyder’s DC plans. Years after fans first saw the unlikely alliance in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Snyder has revealed that the scene was connected to a much larger story.
The filmmaker recently discussed his original plans for the Justice League trilogy, offering fans another look at what could have followed the movie’s shocking Knightmare epilogue.
Batman and Joker’s Justice League Story Went Much Further
The epilogue of Zack Snyder’s Justice League introduced a terrifying future where Batman found himself fighting alongside an unusual group of survivors. Joker, Mera, The Flash, Cyborg, and Deathstroke appeared alongside Batman as they attempted to survive a world devastated by Darkseid.
The encounter between Batman and Joker immediately became one of the most talked-about moments in the movie. However, Snyder has now confirmed that his team had already developed a much larger story surrounding that future.
“We whiteboarded the entire three movie… three other movies that have yet to be seen,” Snyder said.
That revelation makes the Batman and Joker’s Justice League scene even more significant. What looked like a mysterious tease was actually part of a broader storyline that Snyder had planned across multiple films.
Zack Snyder Had the Justice League Trilogy Planned
Snyder also pointed fans toward existing materials that reveal more about his original vision.
“If you do a little bit of research, you can see the entire what the vision was,” Snyder added.
Fans have already seen portions of those plans through storyboards and concept artwork that have circulated online since 2021. The materials include artwork from legendary DC artist Jim Lee and provide additional details about Snyder’s planned Knightmare storyline.
They also explore Darkseid’s conquest of Earth and the devastating future that the heroes would have faced. As a result, the Batman and Joker’s Justice League sequence can be viewed as one piece of a much larger narrative.
Justice League 2 Would Have Taken Superman in a Dark Direction
The planned second Justice League movie would have dramatically changed the DC heroes’ situation. Following Darkseid’s invasion, Superman would have turned against the remaining heroes. Darkseid’s influence would have transformed the Man of Steel into a major threat, leaving Batman and the others with an almost impossible battle ahead.
The Flash would have played a key role in preventing this future. He would escape the apocalyptic timeline and travel back in time to warn Batman about what was coming. His mission would give the heroes a chance to change the course of history.
That development would also help explain the unusual alliance shown in the Batman and Joker’s Justice League epilogue. With the world falling apart and Darkseid controlling the future, Batman would have been forced to work with former enemies simply to survive.
Why Batman Needed the Joker?
Batman and Joker traditionally represent opposite sides of Gotham’s conflict. Their relationship has always been built around an endless battle between hero and villain. Snyder’s Knightmare storyline flipped that dynamic.
In this future, the two characters were apparently willing to put their differences aside because the threat facing Earth was far greater than their personal rivalry.
The Batman and Joker’s Justice League storyline therefore offered a very different version of their relationship. Instead of fighting each other, Batman and Joker were connected by a common goal: surviving Darkseid’s apocalyptic future.
The epilogue left fans wondering exactly how that alliance would have developed in the planned sequels.
Justice League 3 Would Have Ended With Batman’s Sacrifice
Snyder’s planned third Justice League movie would have brought the Knightmare story toward its conclusion. Batman would ultimately sacrifice himself during Earth’s final battle against Darkseid. His death would have provided the emotional climax of the trilogy and completed the journey that began with his fears about the future.
The final battle would have brought Earth’s remaining heroes together for one last confrontation with Darkseid. After everything the characters had endured, Batman’s sacrifice would have given the story its ultimate heroic moment. Although fans never saw that conclusion on screen, Snyder’s comments suggest that the creative team knew where the story was heading.
Snyder Reacts to The Dark Knight Returns Rumors
Snyder also addressed rumors about a potential The Dark Knight Returns adaptation. The filmmaker has frequently been associated with Batman-related speculation, and fans have wondered whether he could eventually tackle Frank Miller’s influential story. Snyder did not confirm that such a movie is in development. Instead, he offered a playful response to the ongoing rumors.
“I love the rumors… maybe if there’s enough rumors someone will make the movie,” Snyder said.
For now, there is no confirmation that Snyder will make The Dark Knight Returns. Nevertheless, his comments are likely to keep the speculation going.
The Last Photograph Is Snyder’s Next Major Project
Snyder appeared on the show to promote The Last Photograph, which is scheduled to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 13. While Snyder has moved on to new projects, his original DC plans continue to generate discussion among fans.
The Batman and Joker’s Justice League storyline is especially fascinating because the Knightmare sequence only revealed a small part of what Snyder had planned. Darkseid’s conquest, Superman’s fall, The Flash’s time-travel mission, Batman’s sacrifice, and Earth’s final battle were all part of a much larger narrative.
The planned Justice League sequels may never have reached theaters, but Snyder’s latest comments make the scale of his original vision clearer than ever.
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Ambily S