Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice To Receive An “R” Rating…Sort Of


Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is easily one of the most highly anticipated films of 2016 and word has come down that the Motion Picture Association of America has slapped an R rating on the film… well, at least on a special edition Blu-ray of it.

Not to worry, parents. You’ll still be able to take the youngsters to Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice when it’s released on March 25 from Warner Bros. Pictures. The theatrical version of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice will have a PG-13 rating due to “intense sequences of violence and action throughout, and some sensuality.” The R rating will be reserved for the Warner Home Entertainment release of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Ultimate Editon, a director’s cut that was given the stricter rating for “sequences of violence.”

The recent success of 20th Century Fox’s Deadpool, which has already taken in more than $333 million at the box office, has perhaps started a trend of more R-rated comic book movies. Fox announced just last week that Wolverine 3, due to release in March of 2017, will aim for the R rating as well.

Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice To Receive An "R" Rating...Sort Of
[Image via Warner Bros.]
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice certainly won’t be director Zack Snyder’s first foray into the R-rated world of comic book movies. Snyder directed 2009’s Watchmen and later released an extended version of the film that featured even more of the “strong graphic violence, sexuality, nudity and violence” that the theatrical release was given the R rating for in the first place. The director’s cut is actually the version that Zack Snyder prefers, which will likely end up being the case with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Ultimate Edition as well.

The theatrical PG-13 version of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice will have an official runtime of two hours and 31 minutes, which is eight minutes longer than Man of Steel. AMC Theatres, who confirmed the runtime, recently released an official synopsis for the film as well.

“Fearing the actions of a god-like super Hero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it’s ever known before.”

That “greater danger” is likely to be Doomsday, the villain who famously killed Superman in the comics more than 20 years ago, and could include Darkseid as well. Throw these two in the mix with Batman and Superman already fighting each other and yes, the movie is bound to have quite a bit of violence, especially a director’s cut and certainly a director’s cut from Zack Snyder. Hence the R rating for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Ultimate Edition.

Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice To Receive An "R" Rating...Sort Of
[Image via Warner Bros.]
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice stars Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent, Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne, Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth, Diane Lane as Martha Kent and Laurence Fishburne as Perry White. Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice will also introduce Wonder Woman, played by Gal Gadot, and Aquaman, played by Jason Mamoa. Rumors are also swirling that The Flash and Barbara Gordon could show up in the film as well.

While it’s been reported that Warner Bros. is beginning to get scared concerning how the film will perform, star Ben Affleck seems to be very proud of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

“I really care about it and I want it to do well. I got to work with some really talented people, and I’m really proud of what we were able to do.”

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice hits theaters for March 25. No release date has been set for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Ultimate Edition.

[Image via Warner Bros.]

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