Empire Magazine has unveiled the cover of its September 2015 issue, which shows Ben Affleck's Batman standing next to Henry Cavill's Superman. It's for a "world exclusive" feature on Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. Open the page, and on the opposite side you'll find both actors in their characters' secret identities — Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent.
The two superheroes are presented in contrasting photos, each standing in front of his city (Gotham and Metropolis) in costume. Aside from some minor qualms (Cavill still seems like he doesn't know what to do with his hands; why is Affleck's neck-less Batsuit so much bulkier than Superman's suit?), it's a strong presentation. It emphasizes the inherent darkness in Batman and Gotham, and the brighter, more optimistic outlook of Superman and Metropolis.
Empire says that the contrast is intentional, both in the magazine and the movie.
"There is just this gravitas to Batman," director Zack Snyder told the venerable publication. "He is operatic."
As for Superman, Henry Cavill notes that the world "has split into different directions as to how they feel about this alien. Some people love him, some hate him. Others fear him. Is he a tyrant?"
The magazine promises an in-depth conversation with Snyder, as well as some face time with the movie's stars, including new Wonder Woman, Gal Gadot and Aquaman himself, Jason Momoa. Both of the latter two actors also appear in Batman v. Superman, though Momoa's part is reportedly small compared to Gadot's.
As for the other soon-to-be-members of the Justice League? Cyborg (to be played by actor Ray Fisher), Flash (Ezra Miller) and Green Lantern (not yet cast) aren't expected to show up.
Empire's big Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice issue goes on sale on Thursday, July 30. The movie itself will be in theaters on March 25, 2016.
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