We learned back in May that Doug Liman had decided to step down as director for DC’s upcoming live-action Justice League Dark film, which came as quite a surprise. Not long before that, Liman was going into some detail on the project, and even revealed some classic horror films that would serve as inspiration for the film. Now, in a recent chat with Cinema Blend, Liman revealed the reason why he ultimately decided to leave the project:
“You know, I develop more movies than I make. There’s a weed-out process, and it’s just that when you get to the comic book one, suddenly everybody hears about them. So, the script never got to a place that was special enough for me. Not for lack of trying.”
So there you have it. No behind-the-scenes drama. No unceremonious firings. Simply a director who felt the material wasn’t up to snuff, and parted ways.
Liman is the second director to exit the Justice League: Dark adaptation; Guillermo Del Toro was originally attached to the movie, but made his exit due to the project overlapping with production on Pacific Rim 2. Which is disappointing, of course, as the director also stepped down from that project as well… over more scheduling concerns. With the news of Hellboy being rebooted, poor Del Toro can’t catch a break these days!
As far as a replacement for Doug Liman, It director Andres Muschietti has been rumored to take over the reins.
Justice League Dark is responsible for the other-wordly tasks that the regular Justice League will not, or cannot handle. Led by John Constantine, the team deals with threats from the supernatural realm. Other members have included Madame Xanadu, Zatanna, and Swamp Thing.
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Originally published August 11, 2017. Updated December 17, 2019.
