A group of six children with various disabilities who were transformed into the Justice League by photographer Josh Rossi earlier in the year have presented the movie’s director, Zack Snyder, with a special gift. After much anticipation, the DC Extended Universe’s multi-hero extravaganza was released last month to a mixed reception and unspectacular box office sales. It has been suggested that at least some of Justice League’s flaws may have been caused by the difference in vision between Snyder and Joss Whedon, who took over post-production on the project, and a petition was even started requesting the release of Snyder’s original cut.

Prior to the release of Justice League, a group of six young children became a viral hit after photographer Josh Rossi and his team turned each of them into a member of the Justice League. The youngsters - who became known as the “Justice League Kids” - were also invited by none other than Snyder himself to a special viewing of the Justice League movie, with full red-carpet treatment and plenty of merchandise thrown in for good measure.

As a way of showing their appreciation to Snyder for his kindness, the Justice League Kids have banded together once again to gift the director a signed print from their original photoshoot. Presenting the item on his Vero account (via ComicBook), Snyder writes: “Thank you from Debbie and I to the Justice League Kids for this amazing gift, you kids are the real heroes.”

The kids’ gift to Snyder marks another chapter in what has been a very heart-warming and inspirational story surrounding the release of Justice League. It was very clear that all of the children involved in the original shoot had their days brightened by the experience and treasured memories were surely made. Each of the children live with serious medical conditions that impact their lives and for both Snyder and Rossi to provide them with experiences to treasure is a special thing indeed.

The Justice League Kids are perhaps also a reminder of the true purpose and meaning behind these stories. It’s very easy to get caught up in heated debates over Marvel vs. DC or Whedon vs. Snyder and in many ways, that discussion is an inherent part of the modern movie experience. However, it’s also vital not to lose sight of what these characters are, how they make fans feel and the inspiration they can have upon young people, particularly those who aren’t as fortunate as most.

MORE: It’s Not Too Late For the DCEU To Win Back Casual Audiences

Source: Zack Snyder (via ComicBook)

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