Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Zack Snyder's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice pits two of DC's most iconic heroes against each other in a clash of ideals. The world is divided over Superman (Henry Cavill), whose godlike powers and destructive battles have sparked fear and debate. Enter Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck), a hardened Batman who sees the Kryptonian as a threat to humanity. Their conflict sets the stage for a larger war, with Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) pulling strings behind the scenes. The film also introduces Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman, hinting at a broader universe. With a budget of $250 million and over $874 million at the box office, the movie is a sprawling, dark action spectacle that expands the DC Extended Universe. Critics were divided, reflected in a middling 6.0 rating, but the film's ambition and visual style have drawn a passionate fanbase.

Eighteen months after the Battle of Metropolis, Bruce Wayne personally witnessed the destruction from his office tower, which collapsed around him. That trauma hardened his resolve, turning a weary twenty-year veteran of Gotham's streets into a paranoid vigilante who brands criminals with a bat-shaped mark that gets them killed in prison. Meanwhile, Clark Kent covers Batman's brutal methods for the Daily Planet, disturbed by the fear the Dark Knight inflicts. Lex Luthor, a manic young billionaire, engineers a tragedy at a Senate hearing on Superman's accountability, framing the Man of Steel for a bombing that kills dozens. He also kidnaps Martha Kent to force Clark's hand.

The film's production was as massive as its story. Principal photography began May 21, 2014, in Detroit, with additional locations including Chicago and New Mexico. The Batmobile was built from scratch, weighing 3,500 pounds and accelerating to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Ben Affleck trained for six months in martial arts and strength conditioning, performing most of his own stunts, especially the acclaimed warehouse fight sequence. Hans Zimmer initially declined to score the film, feeling he had exhausted superhero music, but agreed to collaborate with Tom Holkenborg (Junkie XL). This turned out to be Zimmer's last superhero score until Dune.[edit]

Eighteen months after General Zod's attack leveled Metropolis, the world remains deeply split over Superman. Some see him as a savior; others, a dangerous alien with unchecked power. Bruce Wayne, who pulled survivors from the rubble of his own building, now operates as a more brutal Batman, branding criminals with a bat symbol that marks them for death in prison. He views Superman as an existential threat.

Clark Kent, reporting for the Daily Planet, covers Batman's vigilante justice in Gotham and grows disturbed by the fear and violence. He sees a reckless lawman who has lost his moral compass. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor, a brilliant but manic billionaire, manipulates events from the shadows. He orchestrates a tragedy at a Senate hearing on Superman's accountability, framing the Man of Steel for a bombing that kills Senator Finch and dozens of others. To force Clark's hand, Luthor kidnaps Martha Kent.

Batman, having stolen Kryptonite from Luthor's facility, builds a specialized armored suit and weapons designed to kill Superman. The two heroes are drawn into a violent confrontation, each believing they are fighting for justice. Diana Prince, a mysterious woman who has been observing both, warns Bruce about a larger looming threat, a coming war that will require them to unite with other metahumans. The story builds toward an explosive clash that will change both heroes forever, while Luthor's true scheme, the creation of a monster from Zod's corpse, threatens to destroy everything.[edit]