Actors Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot feel that superhero films always turn out to be relatable for the audience. That’s exactly what happened for Justice League. By Team Viva
Where do we leave Bruce at the end of the last film?
Ben Affleck: At the end of the last film, which is Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice, we leave Bruce fearful that there is an attack going to happen, leading to gather up as many superhumans as he possibly can. A nascent stage of team building is where we left in the last film and this film starts with Bruce actively recruiting, looking and researching in the urge to find these superhumans that he believes are out there somewhere.
What are your views on Batman’s new ride?
Ben: There is a modified Batmobile, which is tricked out to take on the alien race, so it is made up a little bit more lethal. He has got his huge 777, which he just flies around when he needs to be transported somewhere, usually a place where he is building a bigger plan of going long distances. So Bruce Wayne has got no shortage of way to get around.
What is each character’s reaction to being asked to join the Justice League?
Ben: Not every character shows enthusiasm at first. Some characters are reluctant to join the team like Flash and Cyborg. Aquaman also takes a bit of convincing apart from Wonder Woman. But together, they collectively start to assemble. As they say unity is strength. Eventually, they come around and realise that there is a need to work together.
What is the relevance of DC characters?
Ben: Batman has devoted his life to battling the villains of the Gotham City’s subculture as everyone’s favourite Dark Knight. With high-tech weapons, gadgets and vehicles to assist him in his fight, Batman rises from the shadows to keep the streets of Gotham City safe. Superman keeps the bustling hub safe from the clutches of the super-villains who would wreak havoc and destruction. He uses his extraordinary superpowers — flight, x-ray vision and many more — to uphold truth and justice. Wonder Woman possesses godlike strength, speed and the ability to fly. She champions justice and equality in a world where evil attempts to triumph. With her bullet-deflecting bracelets and Lasso of Truth, she takes on the criminals of Metropolis in a crusade against evil.
All these characters still do not seem dated. They somehow work in stories today and it’s the mark of characters that are very well drawn and they still have a kind of resilience.
Why Wonder Woman avoids the spotlight?
Gal Gadot: Diana does good because that’s the only thing she cares about. She doesn’t care about fame or glory or even, credit. She is not there for that. And I think maybe that’s why she wasn’t interested in getting too involved out there with the press, people and being a Wonder Woman. As far as she is concerned, she did everything she could. Wonder Woman came to the rescue and fought every time she was needed.
What is Wonder Woman’s role on the team?
Gal: For me, it was really important that she would be the glue of the team. We would track the same character that we victoriously established in the Wonder Woman film. And I think, one of the special and most beautiful things that Diana has is that she cares for the people in the most sincere way. So when I got the script, I made points out for the importance of Diana being a glue to the team, who would make each and every one of them feel special, capable and loved even in the smallest of the moments.
Tell us about the team dynamic when fighting together?
Gal: She enjoys working with the team, the company of other characters. I think she feels confident while fighting with them together and also being among people who are similar to her such as Flash, Cyborg, Aquaman and Bruce. They are all outsiders, abnormal and loners. They have these special gifts and finally, after so long of being by herself, Wonder Woman has teammates which is wonderful.
What makes these superhero films appealing?
Gal: It brings something that is easy to relate to. Yes, Wonder Woman is a goddess, the greatest warrior of all times but she is vulnerable, sincere and can even lose her confidence from time to time and she’s hurt too. But on the other hand, she is caring, warm and loving. Films get automatically interesting when the audience is able to relate to it and we all somewhere possess the above mentioned qualities. These factors are what make such films more interesting.
(Watch Justice League on July 6 at 7:22 am on Sony PIX.)