The future of Zack Snyder’s DC Universe seems bleak following recent developments that may have closed the door on this iteration of the franchise. Snyder directed three significant films within the previous DCEU: *Man of Steel*, *Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice*, and *Zack Snyder’s Justice League*. Each of these films sparked discussion and divided opinions among audiences, largely due to Snyder’s distinctive vision for a darker interpretation of beloved characters that diverged from the traditional portrayals.
Despite the mixed receptions, Snyder cultivated a dedicated fanbase that successfully campaigned for the release of the *Snyder Cut* of *Justice League*, which premiered in 2021 after a prolonged effort lasting over four years. This revival of interest in Snyder’s vision reignited conversations surrounding his plans for sequels, including *Justice League 2* and a potential trilogy conclusion. Recently, there have been calls for this vision to be revived, either in live-action on Netflix, a platform with which Snyder has developed a positive relationship, or through animated formats. However, a recent comment from a DC actor may significantly diminish these chances.
Zack Snyder Expresses Willingness to Revisit His DC Universe
Keeping Fans Hopeful
The momentum behind the *Snyderverse* revival gained traction following the release of *Zack Snyder’s Justice League*. If Snyder had announced a readiness to move on from the franchise, we might not see the same level of fandom persistence. Fans remain invested, partly because Snyder himself has expressed a desire to wrap up his DC story arcs, albeit with one caveat.
| Zack Snyder’s DCEU Movies | Release Year |
|---|---|
| Man of Steel | 2013 |
| Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice | 2016 |
| Zack Snyder’s Justice League | 2021 |
Snyder indicated he would enthusiastically return to his Justice League saga if Netflix were to acquire the rights to the characters from his DCEU. This fan-driven campaign has reached Scott Stuber, former Film Chief at Netflix, who remarked in 2024 that they would be interested in licensing the Snyderverse. However, one prominent DCEU actor’s recent remarks have complicated this prospect.
Ben Affleck’s Departure: A Final Blow to the Snyderverse
Even if Netflix manages to navigate the complex legal landscape to secure the rights, reviving the Snyderverse would hinge on garnering participation from the original cast. Recently, Ben Affleck, who portrayed Batman, announced his disinterest in returning to any superhero roles, indicating that he no longer wishes to step into the shoes of the Dark Knight.
Affleck reflected positively on his time as Batman during his first appearance in the DCEU, *Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice*. However, he cited multiple personal challenges and the tumultuous production of *Justice League* as reasons for his reluctance to engage with the superhero genre again. The director’s turmoil, coupled with extensive reshoots led by Joss Whedon, contributed to Affleck’s decision to step away. Given his firm stance, any return to the Snyderverse would necessitate finding a new actor to portray Batman, significantly diminishing its allure.
The Unlikelihood of the Snyderverse’s Revival
Shifting Focus to a New Shared Universe
Affleck’s disinterest likely signifies the final blow to the Snyderverse, especially since DC has already embarked on a new shared cinematic universe. With the launch of James Gunn’s DCU beginning last year, highlighted by the animated series *Creature Commandos*, the studio is paving a fresh path, marked prominently by the upcoming release of a new *Superman* film this July. David Corenswet has been cast to portray the Man of Steel, taking over from Henry Cavill, while Jason Momoa is transitioning from Aquaman to his new role as Lobo.
Moreover, the Snyderverse, while intriguing to some, had faced considerable backlash, with its concluding films underperforming at the box office. *The Flash*, starring Ezra Miller, was particularly notable as a major box office disappointment. Jason Momoa’s *Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom* also fell short, failing to replicate the original film’s massive financial success, which exceeded $1 billion. As DC looks to redefine its narrative direction, reviving the Snyderverse, even as an alternative storyline, would entail reclaiming the complications and criticisms the studio wishes to leave behind.