Snyder’s cut of ‘Justice League’ to be released
For several years, the slogan “Release the Snyder cut” has reverberated online as a rallying cry both genuine and ironic — a “Vive la revolution” for comic book movie fans. On Wednesday, they finally got their wish.
Warner Bros. Pictures announced that a director’s cut of Zack Snyder’s 2017’s DC Comics film “Justice League” will debut next year on the streaming service HBO Max. Snyder announced the news in a live videoconference commentary for his Superman film “Man of Steel.”
The so-called #ReleaseTheSnyderCut movement began around the release of “Justice League,” a movie that Snyder directed but was replaced in post-production by Joss Whedon. The “Avengers” director, who was credited as co-writer, oversaw extensive reshoots, editing and visual effects.
By then, Snyder’s stewardship of the DC Comics films had drawn much criticism; his previous film “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” rated 28% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. But some fans remained loyal, even as Warner Bros. reshuffled their approach to DC films.
At the time of his departure, Warner Bros. said Snyder was stepping away to be with his family following the death of his 20-year-old daughter.
Snyder remained the sole credited director of “Justice League” and it was likewise panned by critics (40% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) and considered a disappointment by most fans. But some have maintained that Snyder’s vision of the film would have been better. In November, even the film’s stars, Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot, added to the chorus on Twitter.