Zack Snyder Has New Justice League Plans as James Gunn Is Kept Quiet (Exclusive)

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Following recent reports, I asked my WB insiders for an update on the state of the DC universe.

Recent developments suggest Zack Snyder’s Justice League follow-up isn’t progressing as originally expected, and James Gunn is being cautious about making promises regarding his plans for the new DC Universe.

Netflix vs Paramount Could Decide Snyder’s DC Future

Sources in Washington D.C. say Zack Snyder’s plans for future Justice League projects have evolved. He initially discussed some ideas publicly, but the superhero movie landscape has changed, leading him to revise his approach.

Just like with many things at Warner Bros. Discovery currently, the future hinges on who ultimately buys the company.

Things became more complicated this week when Bloomberg reported that the head of the FCC, Brendan Carr, has concerns about Netflix buying Warner Bros. Discovery’s studios and streaming services. He doesn’t have the same concerns, however, if Paramount Skydance were to make that purchase.

Okay, so I’m hearing some amazing news! Apparently, Zack Snyder’s vision for the DC Universe – the SnyderVerse – is actually back on the table now that Warner Bros. Discovery is being sold to Paramount (with some Saudi investment still happening). And get this – if Netflix ends up buying Warner Bros. Discovery, there’s a real chance Zack could finally get to make The Dark Knight Returns with Ben Affleck as Batman! I’m seriously hoping this all comes together.

Although Christopher Nolan has stated he won’t direct anything for Netflix, sources say he might still participate as an executive producer. Zack reportedly appreciates Nolan’s insights and would welcome his involvement in that capacity.

More below.

Why Snyder’s Justice League thinking has changed

The source isn’t suggesting Zack Snyder is changing his old plans on a whim. Instead, they’re pointing out that the superhero movie landscape has shifted significantly since he first envisioned a Justice League sequel.

In the past, movie studios would build excitement by announcing projects years in advance. Now, they’re focusing on what’s happening right now, delivering quicker results. There’s less long-term teasing and more immediate gratification. To get people into theaters, movies need a compelling reason to be seen on the big screen, or they risk getting lost in the world of streaming and audiences losing interest.

Apparently, Snyder’s current plans for a sequel aren’t exactly the same as the ones he’s talked about before. He’s changing his approach to fit what audiences want in superhero movies today and ensure people will go see it.

The WB sale cloud is why everything feels frozen

What many fans sense, but don’t always hear directly, is genuine uncertainty within the company about who will ultimately own Warner Bros. Discovery.

Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery have updated their agreement to be a straight cash payment. The competition for this deal has become increasingly public and tense, with Netflix criticizing the offer from Paramount and Skydance.

Adding government regulators to the situation, Jessica Carr is essentially warning that a deal like Netflix’s could attract more attention from authorities than the proposed Paramount-Skydance merger. This aligns with what David Ellison has consistently argued, and he’s reportedly received support from both President Trump and his administration.

For those working at DC Studios, the key takeaway is this: avoid making commitments the new leadership could easily overturn when they take over.

De Luca and Abdy are keeping Gunn from overpromising

According to the insider, Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy are trying to keep things steady at WBD.

People are really anxious because it’s unclear who will ultimately end up owning Warner Bros., according to our sources.

A recent report from Puck News suggests that De Luca and Abdy now have complete control over Warner Bros. films, even those related to James Gunn’s DC Universe. It’s possible Gunn is no longer reporting directly to Zaslav, though this hasn’t been officially confirmed.

The contrast between the leadership styles of De Luca and Abdy versus Gunn and Safran at Warner Bros. Discovery is clear when comparing their recent interviews. De Luca and Abdy gave a straightforward interview to Deadline, while Gunn and Safran opted for a more promotional piece with Bloomberg, highlighting significant differences in approach.

The main point is to avoid making firm commitments until the ownership is finalized, as things could change.

I think I understand why James Gunn’s been so careful with what he says about upcoming projects, and even his own plans. It’s not just him being mysterious – he’s protecting everything! After all the big announcements that didn’t pan out in the past, nobody wants to go through that again. It really damaged trust with fans, and he’s clearly trying to avoid that happening again.

According to a source familiar with the situation, the potential sale of Warner Bros. Discovery is causing disruption throughout the company. Teams are on hold, unable to make important decisions until they know what will happen with the sale.

The Affleck and Dark Knight Returns talk is still there

Rumor has it Ben Affleck is still very fond of playing Batman and would consider returning to the role if the opportunity was right, as hinted at by Kevin Smith.

According to sources, Snyder’s true goal was to create a faithful adaptation of The Dark Knight Returns starring Affleck.

I’ve heard that Snyder is watching how fans react to his social media posts – the response has been huge online. This seems to be influencing his strategy, as he shares older content while also, according to sources, figuring out his next move in the current superhero movie environment.

Nolan and Netflix: not directing, but maybe advising

According to a source, Christopher Nolan isn’t interested in directing anything for Netflix. However, he could potentially be involved in a small capacity if it involved a collaboration with Zack Snyder.

Think executive producer or advisor, more giving Snyder input than making a “Nolan Netflix movie.”

What this means for DC right now

Since WBD’s ownership is up in the air, DC will keep operating as if it’s in a holding pattern.

That’s the bigger context behind “new Justice League plans.”

Zack Snyder can adjust his vision for superhero films to fit the current landscape, Ben Affleck seems willing to return if the conditions are right, and James Gunn is staying vague because he’s not allowed to make firm promises until the new company leadership fully takes control.

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2026-01-24 02:33