Guillermo del Toro Reflects on the Canceled ‘Justice League Dark’ Movie
For years, fans of the DC universe wondered what might have been if “Justice League Dark” had reached the big screen under the visionary direction of Guillermo del Toro. In recent interviews and reflections, the acclaimed filmmaker has shared new insights into his scrapped supernatural superhero project—what his plans were, why it never happened, and how he feels about it today.
A Vision That Never Left the Page
“Justice League Dark” was poised to be a unique addition to the DC film lineup: a story built around the darker, mystical corners of the universe rather than caped superheroes. Del Toro, known for blending fantasy with macabre beauty in films like “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “The Shape of Water,” co-wrote a screenplay that brought together characters such as John Constantine, Swamp Thing, Deadman, and Zatanna. In a recent Happy Sad Confused podcast appearance, del Toro stated, “I loved that screenplay, I was in love with [it]. I thought it brought everyone in effortlessly,” reflecting on how the story came together and how effortlessly the characters interacted.
Del Toro also revealed specific elements from the script, such as including the Floronic Man as one of the primary villains and fleshing out Swamp Thing in meaningful detail. “The plot made absolute perfect sense,” he explained, capturing how his creative approach leaned into the supernatural and eerie elements that define “Justice League Dark.”
Casting Dreams and Cameo Teases
Although the project never advanced to casting, del Toro did share who he envisioned in key roles. He expressed a desire to have frequent collaborator Doug Jones portray Deadman, noting that Jones’ physicality and mannerisms fit the character perfectly. “I knew I wanted Doug Jones to be Deadman, only because physically he could do the suit, and I knew his mannerisms,” del Toro said in the podcast.
Another fascinating detail was a planned cameo from Batman, not central to the story but a connective nod to the broader DC world. “There was a moment when Batman came in briefly… I would have loved to have done it. Now, I wouldn’t,” del Toro joked, highlighting how his passion for the project has shifted over time.
Why “Justice League Dark” Fell Apart
While del Toro’s enthusiasm for the “Justice League Dark” concept was clear, the project ultimately never moved forward. Development difficulties and changes in studio priorities played major roles. According to Dark Horizons, del Toro “exited the project back in 2015, Doug Liman then took over before subsequently also exiting. In 2020, the plans were scrapped in favour of a live-action TV series produced by J.J. Abrams. That was cancelled in development.” In the end, Warner Bros. shelved the movie entirely, later pivoting toward television and other media formats in place of a theatrical release.
Del Toro’s reflections make it clear he is not bitter about the result, but rather realistic about the challenges of producing a superhero film with his particular creative voice. His love for mythic, monster-like figures often outweighs his interest in traditional superhero narratives—a sentiment he’s expressed before, noting that he prefers characters rooted in the bizarre and arcane.
Looking Ahead: The Legacy of the Unmade Film
Even though “Justice League Dark” never came to fruition under del Toro, the ideas and script continue to captivate fans. The script remains online and is still discussed in fan communities, with many hoping DC Studios might someday revisit the concept with del Toro at the helm or repurpose parts of his vision into the broader DC cinematic universe.
Del Toro himself hasn’t ruled out the possibility of collaboration with current DC leadership. While he hasn’t approached DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn specifically about “Justice League Dark,” he expressed admiration for Gunn’s direction and storytelling. In the podcast, del Toro stated, “I think he’s remarkably smart… I really enjoy the way he’s viewing the universe,” del Toro said, suggesting that future opportunities could arise.
Final Thoughts: A Film That Still Inspires
Though “Justice League Dark” will likely remain one of the great “what ifs” of comic book cinema, del Toro’s reflections reveal a filmmaker who remains passionate about the project’s potential. His journey with the film—from script development to cancellation—sheds light on the complexities of Hollywood filmmaking and the challenges of balancing artistic vision with commercial expectations. Fans may still hope that someday a version of this dark, magical DC story will find its way to the screen—but for now, del Toro’s reflections remain the closest insight into what might have been.
