Batman and Superman are the two lead characters that will take the stage in Dawn of Justice. But, as you all know very well, what's coming down in Zack Snyder's flick is much more complex than that.
In fact, while the confrontation between the two A-listers is the crux of the movie, Dawn of Justice will be the first major crossover venture of DC. Sure there's Wonder Woman and Aquaman, just to list the most resonant of the names.
But there are also a handful of reputed hero sidekicks and villains that pull from either the Batman lore or from the Superman mythology. Here are the names of the significant BVS characters you must get familiar with before you take theaters by storm in 2016 (March 25th) when the movie premieres.
Batman
The search for a new Batman didn't take that long. In about one month from the announcement of the venture Ben Affleck was officially confirmed (mid-July, 2013). Affleck is supposed to portray a more mature - aged, in fact - Batman for Dawn of Justice.
The Caped Crusader is a veteran, watching over Gotham City after purging it of crime. He comes with a slightly distinct imagery, as the new costume he'll put on clearly indicates.
The Batmobile, a celebrated centerpiece of the Batman lore, is certainly changed, fitting perfectly in this new imagery Snyder has envisioned for Dawn of Justice.
It's likely that his "quarrel" with Superman comes in the aftermath of what happens in Man of Steel, which divides the world in followers and naysayers. Batman would be but the exponent of the crowd who challenges Superman as leader.
Superman
Dawn of Justice won't feature just a new take on Batman, but it will also introduce an intriguing Superman. Caught between the desire to fulfill his destiny and the need to accommodate on Earth, he also has to face the imminence of his encounter with Batman.
The fact half of the world challenges his status of savior of the day - the False God graffiti on his statue, as seen in the trailer, is indicative of that - adds up.
I would say choosing Henry Cavill was the obvious choice for Superman in Dawn of Justice. But given DC has made a habit of recasting Superman, I guess we could have just as well expected this particular incarnation to be portrayed by someone else.
They eventually decided for Cavill, and apparently he will also return of Justice League Part One and for Justice League Part Two.
What it is about Cavill that makes him such a keeper in the eyes of DC, I don't know, but I think sticking to him is not at all a bad idea in the long run.
Wonder Woman
There seems to a consensus of opinion among fans that Gall Gadot isn't quite the most inspired move they could have made for Wonder Woman. But like it or not, DC has struck a multi-picture deal.
Thus, Gadot is confirmed for both upcoming Justice League movies and for a solo outing in the following years. So, naysayers should swallow their dissatisfaction and embrace DC's choice. Why?
It seems, as unconfirmed tidbits profess, that Gadot was chosen over the likes of Olga Kurylenko and Elodie Yung after screen testing. So, she must have earned her place in the cast if she managed to outclass the said contenders.
Given the fact the plot is well kept under wraps, it's unclear how Snyder will slot Princess Diana of Themyscira in. However, what seems to be certain is, as far as her origins are concerned, she is a demi-goddess, as producer Charles Roven has already confirmed.
Fathered by none other than Zeus, she'll probably make a dent in the plot and won't just confine to a "decorative" role.
Speaking about characters that won't go unnoticed"¦
Aquaman
The King of the Seven Seas has been in the limelight ever since Jason Momoa was confirmed for Dawn of Justice back in October 2014. I might even dare say Momoa managed to dwarf, time and again, his colleagues, given his outspoken nature and dashing remarks related to his role.
And not only.
First he came up with the promise of delivering a badass Aquaman, a phrase that spread like wildfire and managed to impose the notion of a newfangled Arthur Curry.
Then we heard of him changing hair color: not seeing a blond Aquaman on screen surely deviates from the classic imagery as conveyed by the comic books.
The same question we asked about Wonder Woman applies to Aquaman: how will Snyder work him out in Dawn of Justice? How will he impact the plot?
In all likelihood, the King of the Seven Seas will play a peripheral role, as Jason Momoa suggested when he said "["¦] it's Batman and Superman, it's not my movie".
But the imagery remains. It's strong. With one shocking poster already released, it seems this founding member of the Justice League will be remembered even if his role confines to a cameo.
Also, keep in mind we'll get to see more of Jason Momoa's version of Aquaman in Justice League Part One and in the solo movie programmed for 2018. Oh, goody!!!
Lex Luthor
Dawn of Justice will see Jesse Eisenberg's first act as Lex Luthor. He is also expected to reprise this role in Suicide Squad.
However, Eisenberg's portrayal comes with a pickle in tail.
Social Network star is, reportedly, not that interested in perusing the comic books in order to become familiar with the uber-villain of the Superman lore. There's no reason to doubt Eisenberg is genuinely invested in this character.
However, not to go to sources seems peculiar even for actors of Eisenberg's standing. My best guess is this particular incarnation of Lex Luthor in Dawn of Justice will be, well, original, for lack of a better word.
The first trailer didn't really go in depth with Luthor's character. Well, except for several close looks at Batman and Superman, no one else took the stage there, for that matter.
Not even Justice League founders Wonder Woman and Aquaman. But unlike these two, Lex Luthor does speak! My best guess this line is his: "Devils don’t come from hell beneath us. They come from the sky".
Add to that the following speculation: if Jesse Eisenberg's Luthor, as rumored, will be conveyed as a maniac in the money who manipulates all around, it's highly likely he will be one of the key figures that fuel the society's hate for Superman.
Lois Lane
Amy Adams's debut as Lois Lane happed in 2013, in Man of Steel. Dawn of Justice will see American Hustle star reprising her role.
And there's more.
It seems Amy Adams will also bring Superman's love interest in screen in The Justice League Part One. So, if you liked her performance in Man of Steel, you'll be happy that she'll stick around. If not, get used to it.
Lois Lane is not my favorite character of the Superman mythology. Heck, I could shortlist some villains that could potentially outclass her.
The thing is the smart career minded reporter has no special abilities. No special descent. She's not special any way a superhero, a supervillain or even a sidekick usually are. However, she does enjoy a prominent status in the Superman lore.
Yeah, she's Superman's girl, we got that already. In all likelihood, Dawn of Justice will, in some way, explore in depth the relation between her and the alien betrothed from wherever Man of Steel left it.
Not really an attention-grabbing detail, but whatever!
Alfred Pennyworth
Now back to the Bat-centric side of the DC Universe. Alfred Pennyworth is, as we all know, Batman's faithful butler. What's new about him in Dawn of Justice?
Well, that fact he was recast is pretty obvious. So, the movie will see Jeremy Irons playing Batman's loyal guardian. From an actor of his standing we can surely expect a topnotch performance.
But will the character essentially differ from previous incarnations? Will Irons convey a side that was never before shown to the public?
Given the lack of details on the plot, we can't be sure how Alfred will pop in. But he's a rather discrete character anyway, so slotting him in shouldn't be such a challenge for Snyder.
As always, he'll also be the essentially pensive figure. We could hear Alfred speak in the first teaser trailer []. Well, at least I think it was him who uttered these words:
"That's how it starts. The fever. The rage. The feeling of powerlessness that turns good men cruel". This could be easily interpreted as a warning directed to Batman, but without a context attached to his words, I can't be sure.
Robin
Perhaps this is one of the most interesting talks about the characters you'll meet in Dawn of Justice. Now, Robin is not confirmed yet.
Rumor has it Dawn of Justice will unfold in a time following the death of Jason Todd (who is the second Robin to have ever served Batman, after Dick Grayson). This rumor also claims we'll get to see Batman contemplating his protégé's costume in his cave at a certain moment in the movie.
The speculation goes even further, turning the death of the second Robin into something more than an occasion to reminisce.
Todd's death would thus be a major connection between BVS and Suicide Squad, as well as DC's way of ushering in a new controversial villain, that is, Reed Hood.
So, what Robin are we talking about then? Well, clearly, of the third Robin. The female Robin. None other than Carrie Kelley.
Isn't it a bit odd Jena Malone has been reportedly locked in for an undisclosed role, but now she shows off the iconic Carrie Kelley's hairdo? Even before her official confirmation she was rumored to play Robin.
Personally, I have no doubt we'll get to see Robin in Dawn of Justice, and that SHE will be portrayed by Jena Malone.
The Flash
Ezra Miller was hired by DC to play the Scarlet Speedster in the solo movie currently set to release in 2018. As to Dawn of Justice"¦
The Flash is not yet confirmed for Batman V Superman. But the word goes he will make an appearance. Either as a cameo or as a full blown character, well, nothing about that.
I for one think this rumor will eventually turn out to be true. We do have Aquaman and Wonder Woman confirmed, so why not just throw yet another iconic character in the equation?
Surely, The Flash is not an ordinary hero. He has the power to do some serious universe-altering damages with his abilities, as the Flashpoint moment in the comics indicates.
Plus, why shouldn't Barry Allen enjoy an intro before his solo debut? Slotting him in in Dawn of Justice makes a lot of sense from this point of view, don't you agree? All the more he is one of the original members of DC's Justice League!!!
Cyborg
Cyborg is also a member of a later Justice League, but he remains a B-lister, I for one have no doubt about that.
And he is confirmed for Down of Justice. But Ray Fisher seems, indeed, a strange choice for this role.
Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice is not only Fisher's debut in comic book movies, but also his cinematic debut, The Good, the Bad, and the Confused - a short movie, if you didn't know by now - being the only experience under his belt. Granted, he's better known as a stage actor.
Cyborg will likely play a minor part is Dawn of Justice. However minor, I guess it gives Fisher plenty of time to learn how to walk in his character's shoes.
Because, indeed, he will reprise the role in Justice League Part One (2017) and in a solo movie currently programmed for 2020.
But now back to the more experienced of the cast.
Perry White
Perry White does not go unnoticed. His story in the Superman lore goes way back, so he's earned fans' appreciation even if he's not central to any of the Kryptonian's ventures.
Dawn of Justice will see time-honored Laurence Fishburne reprise the role. Remember that we got to see Fishburne in action in Man of Steel, so bringing him back for another coup is nothing but good news.
Now, what do you say guys? Is our roster complete? Did we leave anyone out? I mean, any of the important characters? Have your say below and stay tuned, we'll bring you the hottest scoop on all things Dawn of Justice!
