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It’s a significant achievement that persists, as it defies the creator’s original concept and studio power struggles. After being abruptly let go from the 2017 DC Extended Universe ensemble film, the director was granted an opportunity to share his vision with audiences during the pandemic. However, old issues resurfaced swiftly, such as Warner Bros.’ contentious battle with Zack Snyder over the removal of Green Lantern from his Justice League production.

The initial campaign for the Snyder Cut focused on giving a director the chance to complete a long-planned project. Now, it seems more about criticizing new films like James Gunn’s Superman or bullying DC fans with differing opinions, rather than promoting any artistic endeavor. Yet, the cry for “SnyderVerse Restoration” persists, even as Zack Snyder continues to create his own narratives in movies such as Army of the Dead and Rebel Moon. The questionable reasons behind Warner Bros. compelling him to eliminate Green Lantern from Zack Snyder’s Justice League imply that he might be better off without them.

A Brief History of Warner Bros. and the Zack Snyder Cut of Justice League

The Studio Bailed on the Filmmaker’s Vision, and Then Turned to Him During the Pandemic

Following a lukewarm reception to “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” the decision-makers at Warner Bros. and DC Films began to express apprehension about giving director Zack Snyder control over their emerging cinematic universe. Although Snyder didn’t lose his job on “Justice League,” he stepped down after a deeply emotional personal event. However, they utilized this opportunity to invite Joss Whedon to rework and reshoot the movie.

The final version of the movie failed to satisfy anyone. Despite several justifiable reasons for the writer and director to feel remorseful, Whedon admits that he regards Justice League as a significant professional disappointment. Fueled by Snyder, supporters launched an extraordinary movement urging Warner Bros. to publish the “Snyder Cut” of the movie. With the pandemic striking in 2020 during the start of WB’s streaming phase, the company spent approximately $70 million to complete the visual effects and distribute the entire four-hour version of the film on HBO Max.

As a devoted admirer of Zack Snyder, I can’t help but feel enraged at the studio’s handling of his situation following the loss of his daughter. The anger isn’t just about him, it’s about the love and respect we have for his unique vision in the DC Universe. The recent gesture was intended to bridge the gap between him and us, the fans, but without Snyder at the helm, it feels like a hollow promise.

However, it’s important to note that not everyone uses this as an excuse for their own stubbornness or entitlement. There are genuine fans who yearn to see more of Snyder’s DC Universe unfold. The problem lies in the fact that the studio and Snyder seem to have fallen back into old, contentious patterns. This is clearly demonstrated in the forced removal of Wayne T. Carr as Green Lantern John Stewart in the final scene of “Zack Snyder’s Justice League”.

Zack Snyder Included John Stewart in the Snyder Cut to Show the Justice League’s Growth

Since the Disastrous Green Lantern Movie Meant to Start the DCEU, WB Is ‘Ring Shy’

Initially, there was a sense of harmony between the director and the studio, even though they had been instructed not to create any fresh content. However, Snyder believed it essential to incorporate John Stewart into the movie, so he filmed a scene featuring Wayne Carr meeting Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne at his residence using his own funds. Almost, unbeknownst to the film, was included to strengthen the idea of the broader Green Lantern Corps. But when studio executives from WB saw this new footage, they insisted it be removed.

Nevertheless, Snyder stayed firm in his ambition for the movie, believing that the Justice League should expand beyond its original lineup. Moreover, he disapproved of replacing a racially diverse actor without a substantial justification, so he threatened to walk away from Justice League once more. However, given the excitement among fans for the film, he didn’t want to disappoint them. Instead, Harry Lennix’s J’onn J’onzz filled this role effectively, wrapping up the present-day narrative on an optimistic note for the future of this DC universe.

The actor from “Justice League” was filming at a studio he called “Zack Snyder’s Driveway Studios.” During this time, both Stewart (the character) and an alien named Kilowogg appeared to meet with Bruce Wayne. It’s remarkable that the deletion of the Green Lantern scene turned out to be particularly wild because it coincided with a merger resulting in WB Discovery, which in turn led to the cancellation of any future plans involving John Stewart as well.

The Green Lantern Fight Proves ‘Restoring the SnyderVerse’ Is a Bad Idea for Everyone

Warner Bros. Never Committed to Zack Snyder’s Vision for the DC Universe

Zack Snyder’s “Justice League” seems more cohesive and purposeful compared to its theatrical version, giving off an impression of a single creative idea. However, this director is known for dividing opinions among DC fans due to his unique DCEU style. Yet, it’s not the movie itself that polarizes viewers; rather, it’s the studio’s interference even when they sought Snyder’s help at a time when new “content” was urgently needed.

As a passionate movie critic, I must say, it’s intriguing to learn that certain WB executives contemplated reinstating the SnyderVerse following the film’s premiere, even before Gunn and Safran joined the studio. However, any genuine fan of Zack Snyder would likely prioritize his well-being over the continuation of these character adaptations.

Reuniting with WB as the mastermind of the DCEU could only mean a resurgence of contentious debates with executives, ultimately stemming from a lack of backing for his creative vision. Navigating this challenging cinematic landscape would already be an uphill struggle; grappling with the studio on top of that seemed like an unnecessary added burden.

If Warner Bros. (WB) were to grant Netflix a limited permit to wrap up the saga, it could potentially improve the creative environment, given the high costs associated with live-action film productions are often prohibitive. Yet, it appears that WB’s CEO is content working on fresh universes within the streaming platform, allowing his longtime associate James Gunn to manage the DC Universe.

John Stewart and the Green Lantern Corps Was a Better Inclusion Than the Knightmare Stuff

An ‘Apokolyptic’ Future with Darkseid and Evil Superman Undercuts Justice League’s Ending

It’s a shame that the Green Lantern scene would have been a more fitting conclusion to Zack Snyder’s Justice League compared to the one viewers actually saw. Surprisingly, Snyder reverted to his “Knightmare” storyline where Batman allies with the Joker to battle an evil Superman. This dark future was the focus of much of Snyder’s planned films for the DC Extended Universe. Whether or not those movies were made, this part undermines the beautiful, optimistic scene showing Bruce Wayne discovering that other heroes wished to join the Justice League.

  • The Justice League sequel would feature Superman succumbing to the Anti-Life Equation.
  • The third film would feature Flash changing time and Batman’s death.
  • WB planned a Flashpoint movie after the saga’s end.

Regardless of how it may displease fans of the SnyderVerse, canceling Justice League 2 was likely a prudent move. If Warner Bros. had continued to back Zack Snyder in this way, his vision of the DC Universe might have solidified all the criticisms against his approach to these characters. The Man of Steel, along with the director’s cuts of Batman v Superman and Justice League, form a trilogy that presents a condensed version of Snyder’s grand narrative. In this storyline, the heroes initially create fear, then eventually become symbols of hope and protection for the world. It’s an admirable legacy for any director to achieve.

In the upcoming movies, it’s Henry Cavill’s Kal-El (Superman) who seems to be in the most peril. Contrary to popular belief, this world may not have welcomed him as warmly as in previous adaptations. The inclusion of the Anti-Life Equation, which portrays Superman as a despot and killer, could potentially tarnish the overall collection of these films. The Knightmare sequence is debatable, considering the uncertain future for these films. However, John Stewart’s Green Lantern vowing to be there in all circumstances, marks Snyder’s interpretation of the DC Universe with an optimism that these characters are known for, offering hope to fans even in the darkest times.

You can now watch Zack Snyder’s Justice League on Blu-ray, digitally, or stream it on HBO Max. Meanwhile, the Lanterns series from DC Universe is currently being produced.

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2025-05-31 19:21

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