While Zack Snyder may not be part of the DC franchise anymore, his impact and influence on the narratives of the DCEU will stand the test of time. From Man of Steel to his revamped version of Justice League, the director has proved his ability to keep the core aesthetic of the storylines while presenting iconic superheroes like Superman in a more edgy and relatable manner.
In a recent interview, Snyder spoke about his visions for DC including certain famous storylines that he was extremely keen to adapt cinematically. Among them was the cult Frank Miller graphic novel The Dark Knight Returns which Snyder could not end up making, but confessed that he still had dreams of doing so.
Zack Snyder Was Desperate To Direct This DC Storyline
Zack Snyder can be credited for reinventing the DC franchise through his unique directorial vision that was seen in Man of Steel and Zack Snyder’s Justice League. The Snyder cut though, heralded the filmmaker’s final tryst with the franchise. While his work with the DCEU will be always remembered, Snyder revealed a few desires that he had for the franchise which were not fulfilled.
In an recent interview with Joe Rogan via the University of JRE, Snyder spoke of his filmography and his time in the DC franchise. In the course of the conversation, the Watchmen director revealed his love for Frank Miller’s graphic novel The Dark Knight Returns which is part of the Elseworlds Universe. Snyder who had a deep wish to cinematically adapt this book, unfortunately did not get the opportunity.
”I was a Frank Miller fan for a long time, right? And I thought that I would do The Dark Knight Returns. Frankly, that was the movie that I wanted to, and I still want to do it. I always tell everyone that if I could do The Dark Knight Returns, I’d be done with comic book movies.”
The Dark Knight Returns takes place in an alternate universe where a middle-aged Bruce Wayne comes out of retirement and resumes his vigilante work in a deteriorating Gotham city ravaged by the Cold War. This narrative has all the makings of a great film in the hands of someone like Zack Snyder.
It now remains to be seen if the Man of Steel director makes his dream come true. Alternatively, fans will also be eager to see if James Gunn jumps in first to adapt this story into the DCU.
Zack Snyder Had These Big League Stars in Mind for Superman
James Gunn and DC have been creating a lot of hype with revelations about their casting choices for Superman: Legacy, now titled Superman. But how did Zack Snyder zone in on Henry Cavill as Superman? The director shortlisted many popular names from Hollywood as probables to play the character including Armie Hammer, Matthew Goode, and Joe Manganiello among others.
Snyder, though, ultimately cast Cavill for the part and interestingly, it had everything to do with the Superman suit. The director revealed that he was dissatisfied with the final look of all the other stars who walked out wearing the suit except for Cavill. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Snyder said,
“He walked out, and no one laughed. Other actors put that suit on, and it’s a joke, even if they’re great actors. Henry put it on, and he exuded this kind of crazy-calm confidence that just made me go ‘Wow.’ Okay: This was Superman. If you can put on that suit and pull it off that’s an awesome achievement,”
Zack Snyder’s final decision to cast Henry Cavill as Superman paid rich dividends with the actor being hailed as one of the best choices to play the DC superhero among all other stars who had earlier portrayed the character.
