The Snyder Cut is Being Released

By Matt Chieco

Can you feel that excitement? It's the Snyder Cut transforming from an urban legend into a reality.

In 2017, Zack Snyder had to step down as the director of Justice League due to a family emergency, leading to Joss Whedon taking over. Following the movie's release, a growing movement of fans embraced the hashtag #ReleaseTheSnyderCut.

Over the past few years, this movement has gained such momentum that billboards have been purchased in Times Square and banners have flown over Comic-Con. Even the movie's stars joined in, tweeting the hashtag in support.

On May 20th, the announcement came: ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ will be released on HBO Max in 2021, shortly after rumors circulated that Snyder screened his cut for executives. Warner Bros. Pictures is allocating between $20-30 million to realize Snyder’s vision. This budget is being used to reassemble the original post-production team for finalizing the score and visual effects. It might also go towards bringing back Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Ray Fisher, and Ezra Miller for reshoots.

Two questions emerge in the wake of this bombshell. First, is the studio placing itself in a precarious position? DC and Warner Bros. have already announced release dates for upcoming DCEU films, along with recasting certain roles. If Zack Snyder's cut proves successful, will fans demand more, potentially forcing the studio to revise its plans once again?

Second, could this mark the inception of a new trend to release director's cuts for other movies? After news of the Snyder Cut's release broke, David Ayer cryptically hinted at his version of ‘Suicide Squad’ through a tweet. Meanwhile, Paul Feig, director of the 2016 ‘Ghostbusters’, revealed he has a three-and-a-half-hour cut of the film.

This development holds significance for the film industry, and I'm eagerly anticipating ‘Zack Snyder's Justice League’ (hopefully living up to the hype). Perhaps it will encourage studios to entrust directors with more creative freedom.

‘Zack Snyder's Justice League’ is set to arrive on HBO Max in 2021.