Although there are many reasons that DC fans would not want to celebrate the anniversary of the original theatrical cut of Justice League being released, Zack Snyder had very good reason to do so. First, it allowed him to thank once again the fans who subsequently campaigned for his version of the movie to be released, and second, it let the director pay tribute to his daughter Autumn, whose sudden death led to him ultimately stepping away from the movie.

Justice League was meant to be a huge DC blockbuster to rival the Avengers movies being produced by Marvel Studios. However, following Snyder’s departure from the film, Joss Whedon was brought in to finish the movie but instead ended up completely changing the story to his own vision, removing much of Snyder’s original tone in the process. This saw the movie gaining very mixed reviews, and by the time its theatrical run ended, the film had made just $658 million from its massive $300 million budget. Four years later, Zack Snyder’s Justice League was released on HBO Max due to a continued campaign by fans for Snyder’s vision to be seen.

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In his post, Snyder shared a piece of art intended for his Justice League release, along with a quote of something his daughter used to say. In the post, he also praised those who had made it possible for him to eventually return and complete his version of the movie, even if he cannot follow up on it. He wrote:

“Autumn used to sign everything with this quote - “The goal is not to live forever, but to create something that does.” All of you who made JL real, honor her. Not only by your massive fundraising effort for mental health, but by having had a hand in creating something that will live forever. And for that, I am eternally grateful. #AFSP #ZSJL”

What is the Future of the Justice League?

     Warner Bros. Pictures

While many fans are still campaigning to bring Zack Snyder back to Warner Bros. Discovery to continue his vision for the Justice League, it is doubtful that will happen. Although there have been many changes at the studio, including the departure of Walter Hamada, the creation of DC Studios, and the appointment of James Gunn and Peter Safran as its co-CEOs, the one thing that doesn’t seem to have changed is that Zack Snyder’s Justice League was a one-shot moment.

James Gunn has spent a lot of time since his appointment as one of the DCU’s new overseers talking about looking forwards and not back when it comes to the franchise. Black Adam’s debut in cinemas last month has been heralded as the start of a new era of DC movies, and with the film ushering Henry Cavill back into the fold as Superman, there are many fans excited to see what comes next for the beleaguered film. Of course, 2023 will finally deliver Shazam! Fury of the Gods, The Flash and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. By the time those movies are released, we should know a little more about where the franchise will be heading in the next few years and beyond.