Assuming the helm of the DC Extended Universe in 2013, Zack Snyder initiated Warner Bros’ superhero franchise with Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel. Despite his continued involvement until around mid-2017, he encountered conflicts with the studio and faced a personal family tragedy, which ultimately led to his departure from the film series. Throughout his tenure, Snyder held firm to his vision, wanting the franchise to forge its own unique path to success, separate from any external influences.
In a candid interview, the director acknowledged the studio’s perspective, recognizing the understandable desire to follow the success of the MCU. While he never directly accused the studio of blatant copying, he astutely observed that, from a business standpoint, they aspired to attain what the other side had achieved. However, he respectfully disagreed with Warner Bros., as he believed in charting a distinct and original path for the DCEU, one that would stand on its own merits rather than following in someone else’s footsteps.
Zack Snyder Did Not Want DCEU to Compete With MCU
The eternal clash between the two superhero universes fueled the age-old debate over who truly reigns supreme. While the ultimate answer remains elusive, judging solely from the box office numbers, Marvel Studios has undeniably shined more brightly in the more recent years with the end of Phase 3. Nevertheless, even with its share of failures, the DC universe has not lost its potential. Former DC director Zack Snyder holds a firm belief that the studio needs to grant it more time to bloom and thrive independently, letting its unique strengths and characters emerge to their fullest potential. He believes,
“Warner Bros. needs to stay with what we do.”,
Fans’ primary complaint about the franchise was its rushed approach and absence of a well-structured plan, setting it apart from the carefully crafted Marvel movies. The director believes this distinction lies in the contrasting tones of the two universes. Warner Bros. had box office hits with Man of Steel and Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, but these films were divisive due to their darker and unconventional approach to DC heroes.
The studio meddled with Snyder’s vision, leading to significant rewrites for Justice League to make it more like the MCU films allegedly. The gritty and dark world of DC was eager to embrace its unique identity and soar to new heights but alas it was all a dream until the release of Snyder cut. Therefore, Snyder understands the importance of there being a distinction and variety for people with unique tastes. So let there be a fresh start!
Also Read: Ezra Miller’s The Flash Post Credits Scene Rumored To Kick Off Zack Snyder’s Justice League 2
Zack Snyder Understands Why Warner Bros. Wants to Compete with Marvel
Despite the director’s strong disagreement with the studio, from a business standpoint, he understands why WB wants to have what Marvel is having. After numerous disputes and considerable challenges, the director candidly expressed in an interview,
“The studio may feel that way because they are business people, and I get that — ‘They have a movie with a ton of superheroes, where’s our movie with a ton of superheroes? They have an Ironman, where is our guy in a metal suit?’ — They actually haven’t said that to me — I can imagine those conversations, that’s not outrageous.”
In response to whether he ever felt pressured to align his films with the Marvel Studios formula, given the immense success of Disney’s superhero franchise in a New York Times interview, he said,
“I don’t know how to hit a ball any different than I hit it. A director has one skill — your point of view. That’s all you have. If you’re trying to imitate another way of making a movie, then you’re on a slippery slope.”
Acknowledging the differences between the two universes and the studios, the director also comprehends why events unfolded as they did. Fans now really hope they will be able to witness the genuine essence of DC in the years ahead.
Source: YouTube: Flashback Filming
