Fans can now get an idea of how Darkseid could have looked in Justice League, thanks to some newly released fan art. Created by Jack Kirby, Darkseid made a cameo appearance on the page in 1970 before debuting fully in 1971’s Forever People #1. The character went on to become not only a staple Superman villain, but the nemesis of the entire Justice League. As one of the most powerful beings in the DC Universe, harboring a goal to wipe out all sentient life, the tyrannical ruler of Apokolips is one villain fans have long to see realized on the big screen, and fans came close with 2017’s Justice League. As part of Zack Snyder’s five-movie DCEU plan - which would have seen Justice League’s story told across two movies - Darkseid was expected to be the primary antagonist. Actor Ray Porter even completed work on the motion capture, face capture, and ADR for the role of Darkseid.

Unfortunately, Snyder ultimately had to step down midway into production due to a personal tragedy. Directorial duties then passed to Joss Whedon (The Avengers), who helmed extensive reshoots and restructured the plot. In the process, the action was reduced to one movie and Darkseid’s physical presence was excised from the story. Following the average critical reception and underwhelming box office performance, more and more fans emerged in campaigning to see Snyder’s original vision released. Those hopes are kept afloat by Snyder himself, who regularly posts new images from his version of Justice League. One such image offered fans a glimpse at Uxas - the being that would one day attain godhood via the Omega Effect and grow to become the intergalactic tyrant known as Darkseid.

An online artist by the name of Jackson Caspersz Art took those images a step further. Using the images as a template, he brought to life his vision of how Darkseid might have looked if fully rendered within the DCEU. Posted on their official Instagram page, the artist mourns that the character never made his highly-anticipated debut in the team-up movie and hopes, like many, that DC and Warner Bros. one day figure out their cinematic issues. The images, which have already been met with a positive response, can be seen below:

There are conflicting reports regarding just how much of a “Snyder Cut” exists, though storyboard artist Jay Oliva recently clarified things. Oliva’s comments not only lined up with Screen Rant’s breakdown of the real state of Snyder Cut in January of 2018, but also spurred one fan’s passion to witness Snyder’s original vision. Campaigners are even looking to step up their efforts at SDCC this year. They aren’t alone, however, as Porter also backed fans’ endeavors; as did Ray Fisher, who played Cyborg in Justice League, announcing that he’d like to see the original version released.

Although these aren’t as official as the images and videos being shared by Snyder and other members of the Justice League crew - including the recent Aquaman rescue scene - they remain no less impressive. Whether or not the film’s interpretation would have lined up with the artwork seen here seems destined to remain unknown. For all the criticisms levied at Snyder as a director, he is often able to capture some truly amazing visuals. As such, his version of Darkseid would most likely have been something to behold. Unless Warner Bros. gives in to the demand regarding Justice League, or ultimately come back around to the idea of adapting Darkseid in the future, such artwork as these will have to tide fans over.

More: 10 Questions A Justice League Sequel Could Have Answered

Source: Jackson Caspersz Art

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