Zack Snyder Breaks Silence on SnyderVerse Revival and James Gunn's DCU Plans
In a revealing and forthright discussion, filmmaker Zack Snyder has addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding the fate of his acclaimed SnyderVerse, the darker cinematic universe he initiated for DC Comics. Snyder, renowned for directing Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and the director's cut of Justice League, shared his thoughts on whether his vision could ever resurface and offered insights into James Gunn's fresh direction for the DC Universe.
Understanding the SnyderVerse Legacy
The SnyderVerse represents a bold and epic interpretation of the DC movie landscape, launched by Zack Snyder at Warner Bros. It commenced with Man of Steel in 2013, a contemporary reboot starring Henry Cavill as Superman. This was followed by Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, a film that sparked intense debate and polarized audiences with its ambitious narrative. The original Justice League in 2017 faced production challenges, with Snyder stepping aside and Joss Whedon overseeing reshoots, resulting in a version that failed to resonate with fans.
After years of relentless fan advocacy, HBO Max released Zack Snyder's Justice League, commonly known as the Snyder Cut, in 2021. This four-hour epic was met with widespread acclaim, fueling the #RestoreTheSnyderVerse movement. Snyder had originally envisioned a comprehensive five-movie arc, including sequels exploring villains like Darkseid and concepts such as the Anti-Life Equation, though these plans were never fully realized. He now suggests that alternative mediums, such as comics or animation, could serve as platforms to expand his saga, even if a live-action revival remains uncertain.
Potential for SnyderVerse Resurrection
During a recent episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Snyder expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of his DC universe returning. "I would never say there's no way," he stated in conversation with host Josh Horowitz. He highlighted the unexpected success of the Snyder Cut, attributing it to fan dedication that overcame initial skepticism. Snyder passionately defended the fan campaign, noting its positive impact beyond cinema, including significant fundraising for suicide prevention efforts. "They literally saved human lives," he emphasized, challenging critics who label the fanbase as toxic.
When questioned about adapting his planned Justice League sequels into comics or animated formats, Snyder confirmed ongoing discussions. "We've absolutely talked about it quite a bit. We live in a world where all that's possible, and whatever form it would take, that would be amazing," he remarked. While no official announcements have been made, Snyder remains open to exploring these avenues. He described his DC trilogy as a self-contained narrative that "blooms and then concludes," yet expressed interest in future projects, such as a potential Dark Knight Returns film, indicating his enduring connection to the DC world.
James Gunn's Vision for the DC Universe
James Gunn, alongside Peter Safran, has initiated a comprehensive reboot of the DC cinematic universe, moving away from the SnyderVerse to establish a new interconnected framework dubbed the DCU. This revamped universe aims to unify movies and television series under a cohesive vision and tone, emphasizing character-driven stories with a blend of humor and action. Key projects in Gunn's lineup include:
- Creature Commandos, an animated series that launched the new era.
- Superman: Legacy (2025), featuring a younger Clark Kent and serving as the cornerstone of the DCU.
- Integration of Peacemaker seasons into the continuity.
- Upcoming titles such as Supergirl, Lanterns, The Brave and the Bold, The Authority, and Swamp Thing.
Snyder's Perspective on Gunn's Direction
Zack Snyder has publicly endorsed James Gunn's approach to the DCU, despite their stylistic differences. While Snyder's films are known for their darker, epic tones, Gunn's work often incorporates humor and personal moments. In interviews, Snyder praised Gunn's storytelling as "unique" and extended his best wishes for the new direction. He specifically commended Gunn's upcoming Superman film, calling it "amazing" and expressing anticipation for its release.
Snyder reflected on his own trilogy as an independent entity that "just grows on its own," likening it to "a weed that just won't die." He emphasized that he harbors no resentment toward Gunn's reboot and views the transition as a positive development for fans. According to Snyder, Gunn excels at merging pop culture, mythology, and humor to create stories that are both iconic and intimate, making him an ideal leader for the current DCU era.
This candid exchange underscores a respectful dynamic between two influential filmmakers, as the DC Universe navigates a transformative period with renewed creative energy and fan engagement.
