Justice League: What do we know so far?

DC Comics's famed Justice League series will finally see a live-action adaptation hit our screens later this year.

Based on the classic comics first published in 1960, the Justice League is basically a who's who of DC's greatest characters. The original members of the League were Batman, Aquaman, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, the Flash, Superman and Wonder Woman. Later additions included Atom, Black Canary, Captain Marvel, Green Arrow, Hawkman, Cyborg and Plastic Man.

But which of them will appear in this year's adaptation and what else do we know about the film?

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What will it be about?

The official plot synopsis from Warner Bros, released last summer, promised a "newly awakened threat that will prove to be more than any one of the heroes can handle alone". The entertainment company later confirmed that Irish actor Ciaran Hinds would play the film's key villain, Steppenwolf, an alien from the planet Apokolips in league with the cosmic tyrant Darkseid, one of DC Comics's most powerful baddies.

Bruce Wayne will enlist the help of his newfound ally Diana Prince (aka Wonder Woman) and together they will recruit a team of "metahumans", revealed Warner Bros. However, it warns that "despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes – Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash – it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions".

Who's involved?

Taking on directorial duties will be Zack Snyder, whose oeuvre includes the two recent DC adaptations Man of Steel (2013) and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016).

The main roles of Batman and Superman will be reprised by Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill, who appeared together in Dawn of Justice, while Amy Adams will return as Lois Lane, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luther and Jeremy Irons as Alfred.

Arthur Curry aka Aquaman will be played by Game of Thrones star Jason Momoa, while Ezra Miller will play Barry Allen/The Flash and Ray Fisher will play Victor Stone/Cyborg.

JK Simmons has also been cast as Commissioner Gordon and Willem Dafoe as Nuidis Vulko, a scientific adviser from Aquaman's home of Atlantis.

The film's script is in good hands with Academy Award winner Chris Terrio in charge of the screenplay.

What will it be like?

Snyder has faced criticism for the excessively dark, dry approach that his previous superhero jaunts took. But so far Justice League's trailers have hinted at a more lighthearted and fun film, with a strong emphasis on humour and dynamic visuals. One preview featured Batman and Wonder Woman "engaging in a bit of witty banter, as well as a scene that suggests The Flash will be a comedic focal point in the film", says Digital Trends.

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When will it be released in the UK?

Not until later this year. Justice League will be released in two parts, with the first due out on 17 November. Part two is expected in June 2019.