The Snyder Cut of Justice League: Current Status and Future Prospects

Editor's Note: This article was last updated on January 5, 2023, to reflect the latest news in the Snyder Cut's journey and the current stance of Warner Bros. and DC.

What is Zack Snyder's Justice League?

The term "Zack Snyder's Justice League" or the Snyder Cut refers to the extended version of the 2017 superhero film Justice League. Warner Bros. officially released this cut of the film on HBO Max in the United States on March 18, 2021. This version, which is four hours long, includes additional scenes, a different narrative structure, and a more dramatic tone.

Release Timeline

The Snyder Cut was released as follows:

March 18, 2021: HBO Max in the United States September 7, 2021: On home media (Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K) in the United States and Canada July 19, 2021: Digital release in the United States

Given the exclusivity of the platform through HBO Max, Warner Bros. is using this strategy to attract viewers and grow its subscriber base, similar to how The Mandalorian boosted Disney subscriptions.

Future Prospects

Warner Bros. stated in a press release that it will “not expand on the Snyderverse” further. Currently, there are no plans to release a new Justice League movie or to churn out sequels. Zack Snyder himself has expressed his vision for the two sequels, stating that they would be about Injustice and the Darkseid War. However, the likelihood of these plans becoming reality remains uncertain.

According to most news reports, a second Justice League is unlikely, but it is not 100% canceled. If a new Justice League movie does come out, it is expected to be released much later, if at all, given the end of the Snyderverse. Public outcry and pressure may potentially push the studios to reconsider their stance.

Comparative Analysis

The Snyder Cut differs significantly from the theatrical version of the film. Some of the notable differences include:

Additional Scenes: The extended version adds more content, providing fans with a richer, more complex narrative. Narrative Structure: The storyline is restructured to better align with Snyder's vision, leading to a different experience for viewers. Tone: The overall tone of the film is darker, with a more dramatic atmosphere.

While the Snyder Cut received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its depth and narrative, others felt it lacked the flow and coherence of the theatrical release.

Conclusion

As of now, the future of Zack Snyder's Justice League is uncertain. Warner Bros. and DC have expressed no plans to release a sequel or to expand the Snyderverse. However, the enduring popularity and demand for the Snyder Cut might force the studios to reconsider their stance. Fans of the film and the DCEU in general will have to wait and see if there are any desired developments in the future.