Standing on the dirty Gotham Police Station rooftop is Commissioner Gordon wearing a hat, tie, glasses and a long trench coat. He’s standing next to the Bat symbol and talking to Batman, Flash and Wonder Woman as smoke billows from nearby vents. As the camera slowly zooms in, I’m listening to the four of them talk about scientists disappearing. While it’s hard to figure out why they’re talking about missing scientists, it’s very much a comic book panel come to life with the way everyone is standing and framed to the camera. I’m smiling wide from ear to ear.

As I try and hear more of what they’re saying, all of a sudden Cyborg is walking across the rooftop towards our heroes saying that the head of S.T.A.R. Labs has been taken. As he gets closer he stands next to Wonder Woman and I watch as a huge smile appear on her face before turning back to the rest of the group. It seems like she’s extremely happy he’s joined them. I silently wonder if this is the first time all of these heroes have been together. As the group discusses the situation, they decide they’ll need to go somewhere to investigate. As Gordon continues to talk he turns and everyone is gone but the Flash. It’s like he didn’t get the memo that when Gordon turns to talk you need to quickly disappear. Flash says to Gordon, “Do they just do that?” Gordon says nothing as Flash speeds off. It’s funny to watch and I quickly realize the Justice League movie is going to be a lot more fun than I was expecting.

Let me take a few steps back. Just a few days ago I was watching this scene being filmed on a soundstage in London. I was invited, along with a number of other reporters, to the set of Zack Snyder’s Justice League. While most set visits are embargoed until very close to release, what’s amazing and unusual about my Justice League visit is how quickly they’re allowing me to talk about what I saw and learned on set. I don’t have to hold back about the new vehicles, the costumes, the action scenes, what the concept art revealed, or any other thing that was discussed on set. I can tell you everything right now.

And I think we all know the reason why: the reaction to Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and what it meant to the DC Extended Universe.

While I absolutely loved Man of Steel and think Zack Snyder did an amazing job with the material, like many of you, I had issues with Batman v Superman. However, while I enjoyed a number of parts, many people absolutely hated the film and the negative reaction led to lower-than-expected box office numbers and some dissatisfied fans. The fact is, Zack Snyder made a very dark film and it’s clear a not insignificant part of the audience wanted something else.