One of DC’s biggest and most iconic big bads, Darkseid, was originally supposed to be a part of Justice League – and Joss Whedon’s version of the film never even included him. They did include his son Steppenwolf, who turned out to be severely underwhelming.

Thanks to the Snyder Cut, however, fans are finally going to get a taste of that sweet, sweet Apokalyptic action. This week, Zack Snyder posted to his Twitter a picture of Darkseid and his army with the intriguing caption: “He’s coming…to HBO Max.”

He's coming… to HBO Max pic.twitter.com/tthWwAqzWp

— Zack Snyder (@ZackSnyder) May 27, 2020

It’s also been revealed that Ray Porter was originally cast to play Darkseid in the film. Porter had previously been under an NDA not to speak about his role, but he was released from it to drum up publicity for the Snyder Cut.

Darkseid, for those unfamiliar with DC comic lore, is the tyrannical ruler of the planet of Apokolips who  is relentlessly hellbent on conquering the universe and eliminating all free will. Darkseid is considered a primary galactic enemy of Justice League, and of Superman in particular. While appearing in several DC cartoons over the years (voiced by both Frank Welker and Michael Ironside), and featuring as a non-physical entity in the tenth and final season of the CW series Smallville, Darkseid has never appeared onscreen in a live action film or tv series. The Snyder Cut will be his live action debut, all the more reason for fans to tune in when it becomes available in 2021.