When Joss Whedon took over directing duties from Zack Synder, this expectedly sparked a debate as to who would have more influence over the finished product. A lot of the reason for this discussion is due to the directors having two very different creative styles. Snyder tends to lean towards the dark and melodramatic, while Whedon is more lighthearted and comedic. Well thanks to actor Holt McCallany, we have confirmation of at least one scene of the movie.
The film begins with Batman (Ben Affleck) on a rooftop in Gotham City as he defeats a burglar (Holt McCallany), and is later interrupted by a Parademon. According to McCallany, this opening scene was one of Whedon's reshoots. In an interview with Men's Fitness, McCallany had this to say about the scene:
I love Joss Whedon. My scene with Batman was originally conceived as a comedic scene. That’s how Joss wrote it, and that’s how we shot it. I thought it came out great, but the studio felt it would be a mistake to open the film with a completely comedic scene, so it was re-edited a little bit. I was disappointed, but when I got home to New York I found a bottle of my favorite Champagne and a note from Joss that said ‘To Battles Lost. Gratefully, Joss.’ I can’t tell you how much it meant to me that he took the time to write to me. Joss Whedon is a class act. I had the letter framed.”
McCallany also shared his experience shooting the scene:
"It was a great experience, and a fun scene to shoot. Ben [Affleck] was very easygoing, we got it in just a few takes," the actor confessed. "My favorite fight scenes are usually ones that are choreographed with some style to them, and ones that are choreographed around a particular actor’s individual strengths. The old adage in the fight game is 'styles make fights.' I like to design my own fight choreography in conjunction with my director and stunt coordinator whenever possible, and here it was a great way to be a part of the film—even though I got beat by Batman."
One of the biggest complaints fans and critics had with
Man of Steel and later
Batman V Superman was that the films, true to Synder's directorial style, were overly dark and moody. Many felt that this tone made for a poor portrayal of the some of the characters, specifically Superman. Synder had already lightened the tone of the movie, before he had to leave in May due to a family tragedy. Whedon took over for Synder, and he was put in charge of reshoots and post production.
Justice League is in theaters now.