Empire Online has debuted a new high-resolution production still from the upcoming DC Comics team-up film, "Justice League." Assembling four of the film's central heroes -- Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash and Cyborg -- the photo is noticeably dark, which comes as a bit of a surprise, considering comments from the filmmakers (including director Zack Snyder) that the film would in fact be lighter.

RELATED: Zack Snyder Teases Superman’s Big Justice League Role

While Superman is absent from the photo -- fear not -- Snyder insists the Man of Steel will have a central role in the film, as indicated in a recent interview. “Superman does play a big part in this movie...His presence, and lack of presence, are big story points.” Given that Superman (Henry Cavill) has been the centerpiece of DC’s fledgling film universe since it launched in 2013 with 'Man of Steel,' it shouldn’t come as a surprise that his death and likely resurrection will loom large over 'Justice League.'"

Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, in “Justice League” Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes, it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.

RELATED: Justice League Crew T-Shirt Teases Possible Tagline

Directed by Zack Snyder, “Justice League” stars Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Raymond Fisher, Willem Dafoe, Jesse Eisenberg, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Connie Nielsen and J.K. Simmons. The film opens Nov. 17.