Zack Snyder Claps Back at Critics of His Fanbase, Defends ‘Batman v Superman’ 10 Years Later: “Do You Really Want the Kmart Version of Your Story”

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Director Zack Snyder recently responded to criticism of his supporters and spoke in defense of his 2016 film, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast. The discussion coincided with the movie’s 10-year anniversary. While the film received mostly negative reviews when it was released on March 25, 2016, it still grossed $874 million globally, securing its place as a significant entry in the superhero genre.

Snyder believes the divided reaction to “Batman v Superman” stemmed from its willingness to take risks with well-known characters. He questioned whether audiences truly prefer safe, focus-group-approved movies made by committee, asking if they’d rather have a watered-down version of a story instead of something bold and original.

Following the controversy surrounding Superman’s actions in “Man of Steel,” “Batman v Superman” further divided fans with its depiction of Batman killing criminals. The film also featured a surprising connection between the two heroes – they both shared a mother named Martha. Director Zack Snyder explained that these bold choices were meant to provoke thought and redefine the superhero genre.

The movie “Batman v Superman” kicked off what fans nicknamed the “SnyderVerse,” a connected series of DC Universe films that included “Justice League.” Unfortunately, director Zack Snyder had to leave “Justice League” partway through due to a personal family tragedy. The studio then hired Joss Whedon to finish the film with additional shooting, which sparked a lot of debate. Fans passionately campaigned online for a version of the film as Snyder originally envisioned it, and that version – known as the “Snyder Cut” – was finally released on HBO Max in 2021.

Snyder talked about how much he enjoyed crafting the overarching mythology across his three films, especially the dramatic path ‘Justice League’ took and how it all came together. He also recounted a funny experience with the MPAA during the making of ‘Batman v Superman,’ where they initially considered a scene of Batman hitting Superman with a sink too intense for a PG-13 rating, something he found ridiculous.

During an interview, the director strongly defended his fans, responding to criticism of their online behavior. He said they’ve been unfairly labeled as toxic, but actually helped save lives and anyone who thinks otherwise is wrong. He highlighted their support, specifically mentioning fundraising efforts for suicide prevention, and explained that their dedication was crucial to the creation of the SnyderVerse.

Zack Snyder has accepted Warner Bros.’ decision to move ahead with a new DC Universe under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran. He expressed his support, saying, “James is great, and I wish them all the best.” He jokingly described the idea of his previous three-movie plan continuing to be discussed as something that won’t go away. Snyder clarified that his previous DC films (often called the ‘SnyderVerse’) and Gunn’s new DC movies are distinct and separate for viewers to enjoy.

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2026-02-28 15:53