Zack Snyder may have launched DC's cinematic universe with Man of Steel, but it seems he may soon be stepping away from DC once and all. Though Snyder has returned to put his own version of Justice League HBO Max very soon, Warner Bros. has already paved out a plan forward for the future of DC films, and Zack Snyder isn't anywhere to be seen.
In their rush to catch up with the unstoppable Marvel Cinematic Universe, DC launched Man of Steel with a bigger plan already in mind: Zack Snyder would set the stage for a first phase of the DC film lineup, setting the tone and style for a cinematic universe that would culminate in a 2-part Justice League movie. With Zack Snyder's pedigree and some of the most iconic heroes in the business, it seemed like a slam dunk proposition.
Unfortunately, as more films in the DC Cinematic Universe came out, that slam dunk was starting to look dubious, as more and more of the films received lukewarm reviews and disappointing box office numbers. The killing blow was Batman V. Superman, which disappointed critics and audiences, and thoroughly beaten by Captain America: Civil War.
The studio made a hasty attempt to course correct, but the shift in gears was both difficult, and not particularly effective, with Justice League giving an underwhelming performance. While Snyder has now been invited back to finish his own vision of Justice League for HBO Max, DC Films has confirmed that Snyder is not being considered for any new projects at the time of writing. Executives have reportedly described Snyder's Justice League as a "storytelling cul-de-sac" as it has no real potential for continuation.
Some had hoped that Snyder's version of Justice League, if received well, could launch a separate "Snyderverse" of films, as the director had teased that his director's cut will exist in its own continuity. Snyder fans will have to temper their expectations though, as a recent interview with Walter Hamada of DC Films confirms that going forward they will be blending the continuity of the old films (including actors like Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman) with those of newer projects (such as Robert Pattinson's The Batman).
That doesn't mean Snyder's influence is leaving the DC films for good, however. The studio will now face the difficult prospect of deciding how to blend Snyder's original vision for the DC Universe with the new faces and talent they have signed going forward: a challenge that is somewhat unprecedented for a franchise of this size. No matter how things shake out, it's a good bet that Snyder has left a lasting mark on the DC Universe, one that won't be fading away anytime soon.
Source: The New York Times