Batman v Superman Storyboard For Africa Scene Revealed

For a movie with as many haters as Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice has, it seems to have as [...]

By Kofi Outlaw - January 2, 2017 09:32 am EST

For a movie with as many haters as Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice has, it seems to have as many fans who appreciate the depth and layers that director Zack Snyder put into the movie.

Since release in theaters and home video, Batman v Superman has continue to reveal new Easter eggs and behind-the-scenes insights that keep the fanbase buzzing - and today we have another something to share.

RT @Plasma9Snake: @theLupeXperienc @larryfong @dreamdom7 @JaredWayne97 I'd give anything to be able to see his BvS storyboards. pic.twitter.com/fXrOcjFrTC
— Larry Fong (@larryfong) January 1, 2017

What you see there is storyboarding for the Africa sequence that occurs at the beginning of Batman v Superman, as shared by the film's cinematographer, Larry Fong.

It's clear from the artwork (and scribbled dialogue) that this a scene from the original version of the film that was later cut down (read: hacked to pieces) to create the theatrical version. The scene features a special ops team trying to reach the compund where Lois Lane is being held hostage - before a drone wipes out the compound with Lois inside. Superman saves the day by destroying the drone, and saving Lois. Fans have since seen this full sequence in the Batman v Superman Ultimate Edition, which contains Zack Snyder's nearly three-hour cut of the film, as it was originally intended to be seen.

Truly, the Africa sequence (and its larger role in the story) makes full and rational sense if you watch the Ultimate Edition of the movie. In the theatrical cut it is a rushed, vague, and awkwardly edited way to open things; in the Ultimate Edition, it clearly establishes the socio-political metaphor of Batman v Superman, as well as introducing Lex Luthor's chess-like manipulation of events as a much more focused and sensible attack on Superman's public credibility.