Zack Snyder has pushed back against criticism of his fanbase while reflecting on the legacy of his work with DC Films.
The filmmaker, 59, directed three films for DC’s extended universe – Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Justice League (2017).
After the original release of Justice League saw him cede creative control of the project, a hard-fought fan campaign to “release the Snyder cut” ultimately resulted in the development of Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021), a vastly different version of the film in line with his own vision.
During an appearance on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, Snyder addressed fans’ calls for him to continue the “Snyderverse” – despite his collaborations with DC having seemingly come to an end.
“I would never say there is no way,” Snyder said. “I was on the ride that created Justice League, and if you were in my shoes there were numerous times, dark times, when there was no chance that there will ever be my version of it. It will never exist. It can’t… cost, politics, everything stood against.
“And yet it exists. The fans should never forget they did that.”
Snyder also condemned people who gave his fanbase “flak” for being “toxic”, pointing out the money they had raised for suicide prevention.
“They also raised a ton of money for suicide prevention. They did a lot of good,” he said. “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’s daughter Autumn died by suicide in 2017. The tragedy prompted him to depart the production of Justice League and led to Avengers Assemble’s Joss Whedon stepping in to re-shoot and re-cut parts of the film.
The Snyderverse fandom raised around half a million dollars in honour of Snyder’s daughter, given to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Elsewhere in the interview, Snyder defended the middlingly received Batman v Superman, stating: “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?
“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?”
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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