Zack Snyder Champions His Fanbase and Reflects on DC Legacy
Renowned filmmaker Zack Snyder has issued a forceful rebuttal to criticisms labelling his ardent supporters as "toxic," while simultaneously reflecting on the enduring legacy of his contributions to the DC Extended Universe. The director, aged 59, helmed three pivotal films for DC: Man of Steel in 2013, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016, and the original Justice League in 2017.
The Campaign for the Snyder Cut and Its Aftermath
Following his departure from the Justice League project due to personal tragedy, a persistent and vocal fan campaign emerged, demanding the release of Snyder's original vision. This grassroots movement ultimately culminated in the development and release of Zack Snyder's Justice League in 2021, a significantly altered and director-approved version of the film.
During a recent appearance on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, Snyder addressed ongoing calls from fans for him to continue expanding the so-called "Snyderverse," despite his formal collaborations with DC appearing to have concluded. "I would never say there is no way," Snyder stated, reflecting on the improbable journey to his cut of Justice League. He recounted numerous dark periods where the project seemed doomed by cost, studio politics, and other obstacles. "And yet it exists. The fans should never forget they did that," he emphasised, crediting the fandom's perseverance.
Defending the Fandom's Character and Philanthropy
Snyder passionately condemned those who criticise his fanbase as toxic, pointing directly to their substantial charitable contributions. "They also raised a ton of money for suicide prevention. They did a lot of good," he asserted. The director highlighted that the Snyderverse community raised approximately half a million dollars for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a cause deeply personal to Snyder following the death of his daughter, Autumn, by suicide in 2017. This tragedy had initially prompted his exit from the Justice League production.
"They catch a lot of flak for being toxic or whatever, but they literally saved human lives. You can go f*** yourselves if that's what you think," Snyder declared, offering an unapologetic defence of his supporters' positive impact.
Revisiting Batman v Superman and Artistic Integrity
Elsewhere in the interview, Snyder mounted a robust defence of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, a film that received mixed critical reception upon its release. He framed his creative choices as a stand against homogenised, committee-driven filmmaking.
"My 100 per cent honest reaction to Batman v Superman and how it's received in the world is... Do you really want a movie that's had all the edges shaved off it by the focus groups?" Snyder questioned. "Do you really want a movie where the decisions have been made in a boardroom, or tested ideas have been rendered for your enjoyment? Do you really want the Kmart version of your story? Is that what you really want?"
His comments underscore a continued commitment to a distinct, auteur-driven vision within the superhero genre, while firmly aligning himself with the fan movement that fought to preserve it.
