Justice League Concept Art Reveals Unused Apokolips Creature

CBR

By Narayan Liu

Published Feb 28, 2019

A piece of unused concept work from artist Jerad S. Marantz introduces a pilot from Apokolips that was intended to appear in 2017's Justice League.

Artist Jerad S. Marantz uploaded a new piece of unused concept work for Justice League to Instagram. The images feature a slender alien creature in black armor, described by Marantz as being a pilot from the planet Apokolips.

The creative journey behind Justice League had its fair share of issues. Development was undoubtedly hindered by a rush to introduce the Justice League to the DC Extended Universe. Though Zack Snyder originally intended to helm the film, Joss Whedon was later brought in to rewrite the script. Then, after a family tragedy, Snyder was forced to step away from the project.

Justice League was received with mixed-to-negative reviews citing a thin plot, one-dimensional villain, issues with its screenplay and uneven tone. It is currently the lowest grossing film in the DCEU, having earned approximately $658 million at the box office against a budget of roughly $300 million. Its performance in theaters caused fans to demand the "Snyder cut," which would theoretically be more cohesive than the film released.

Several changes were made to the project including, but not limited to, the decision to exclude Darkseid. Justice League still featured hints and references to the character and set him up for a dramatic appearance in a future film. Judging from Snyder's early storyboards and now these concept pieces, it's clear that the film was intended to formally introduce Darkseid and Apokolips to the big screen.

Although the Apokolips pilot was ultimately cut from Justice League, there's always the chance that audiences will see the creature come to life in the future.

Next up on the DCEU docket is David F. Sandber's Shazam!, which will hit theatres April 5, Cathy Yan's Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One HarleyQuinn), slated for release Feb. 7, 2020, Patty Jenkin's Wonder Woman 1984, coming June 5 2020, James Gunn's The Suicide Squad, which will bow August 6, 2021 and Matt Reeves' solo Batman film, which will swing into theatres June 25, 2021.