In Episode 12 we set sail into the steampunk-infused seas of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. This 2003 film, directed by Stephen Norrington and based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill, assembles a team of Victorian literary figures to combat a global threat — and it deserves another look.
What Is The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen About?
Starring Sean Connery in his final film role, The League unites Allan Quatermain, Mina Harker, Captain Nemo, Dr. Jekyll, and others. Each brings a dark past and a unique ability to the team, set against a steampunk Europe teetering on the brink of war.
Why Critics Were Wrong
The film was ambitious in a way critics punished: it tried to ride the early-2000s ensemble-hero wave while injecting Victorian-era flair, blending icons from completely different stories into one narrative. That swing-for-the-fences quality is exactly what makes it worth revisiting.
Why It Works
Connery anchors the diverse cast with real weight and presence. Visually it's a feast — from the awe-inspiring Nautilus to gritty London streets — and that design work gives the film an aesthetic that still sets it apart in the genre. The behind-the-scenes production story (on-set tension, deviations from the source) is its own fascinating subplot.
BOLO
Be on the lookout for the Nautilus, Connery's Quatermain, and the steampunk production design.
The Bumper Sticker
The League: every great character, one impossible team.
Keep Rewatching the Cluster
FAQ
Who directed The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen?
Stephen Norrington directed the 2003 film, based on Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill's graphic novel. It was Sean Connery's final film role.
Is The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen underrated?
Yes — its bold concept and steampunk design have earned it a devoted following despite a rocky original reception.
Tune in to our Slept-On Cinema episode on The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.