In the wake of Justice League‘s mixed critical reception and underwhelming box office take, the future of the DCEU has been much discussed, with no one seeming exactly sure where the under pressure franchise will go next. One thing looks highly likely, however: that Zack Snyder won’t direct any further DC movies.
Originally, Warner Bros. was perfectly happy to entrust the keys to the kingdom to the Watchmen director, as they gave him free reign on both Man of Steel and Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. However, after those two films proved to be ridiculously polarizing, the studio’s faith in Snyder melted and, to cut a long story short, Joss Whedon ended up ushering Justice League to the big screen.
Even if Snyder has fallen out of favour with WB’s top brass, though, the cast he brought together remain loyal to him. Inside Justice League: The Official Collector’s Edition, a new book documenting the making of the movie, Ezra Miller – who plays Barry Allen AKA The Flash – made clear how much he admires everything the director has done to set up the DCEU.
“Zack Snyder is the DC god. He’s the father of our universe. He’s been directing this series of films that will really plant the seeds for the whole Gaia tree of the DC Universe, and its many branches and flowers, giving us, the cast, this template as an artistic community. Zack has really taken care of us all. He’s been so incredibly attentive to all of us and our diva needs and our questions. And when I want to overthink the physics of The Flash, he’s been ready to engage with me on that level.”
Even if you’re not a fan of Snyder’s work for DC, you have to admit that Miller has a point here. Over his trilogy of movies, the director has built the DC universe up from just Superman, to Superman and Batman (and Wonder Woman) to the whole dang Justice League. Anything that comes after these films will have Zack Snyder to thank for setting up the franchise in the first place.
Moving forward, it will be fascinating to see who, if any single person, Warner Bros. decides to select as the new architect of the DCEU. The obvious choice is Joss Whedon, but we’re hearing conflicting reports about whether he’ll even still be making Batgirl. Seeing as Wonder Woman is the franchise’s one true success so far, maybe Patty Jenkins should take the job? Or perhaps James Wan will get the gig if Aquaman ends up being a hit? Only time will tell.
