The big ones have arrived. Following Warner Bros.' success licensing their titles to Netflix (i.e.,Godzilla vs KongandDune), almost every DCEU film —Man of Steel,Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice,The Batman,Wonder Woman, bothShazammovies, etc. — has a new home on Netflix. Conspicuously missing from this list areZack Snyder’s Justice Leagueand theJoss Whedon-directedJustice Leaguefrom whence the “Snyder Cut” movement sprung. But the absence of both versions isn’t too surprising. Unlike its fellow DC properties, the Snyder Cut is an HBO Max original. Even with the rest of the catalog moving to Netflix — and Zack Snyder’s newest film,Rebel Moon — Part One: A Child of Fire, debuting on the platform —the chances of Max relinquishing streaming rights for the Snyder Cut are slim to nonexistent.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League
Determined to ensure that Superman’s ultimate sacrifice wasn’t in vain, Bruce Wayne recruits a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching threat of catastrophic proportions.
How Did the Snyder Cut Happen?
The Snyder Cut originated after Zack Snyder, DC’s then-mastermind behind their growing cinematic universe, parted ways with the company in 2017. Joss Whedon assumed control over Snyder’s unfinishedJustice Leagueproject andchanged Snyder’s vision. Whedon’sJustice League, released in the summer of 2017, received a critical thrashing.Some fans were likewise disenchanted, launching an online #ReleasetheSynderCut campaign. For three years, they maintained that the director deserved a chance tofinish the film as he intended. In 2021, Snyder released his completed four-hour cut,Zack Snyder’s Justice League, as an HBO Max exclusive. Aside fromSnyder holding a fundraiser IMAX screeningin April 2023, the Snyder Cut has remained on Max ever since.
Between the fan campaign’s devoted intensity and its surprising success with studio executives, the Snyder Cut made headlines. That same online activity, and sometimes controversial press, makes it likely Warner Bros. and Max will keep the Snyder Cut in-house. Certainly, Warner Bros. has spent this year making seemingly inexplicable business decisions. The Snyder Cut, however, was always a special case.Holding the complete rights to what’s considered a beloved fan property or a needless indulgence — or somewhere in between — means the attention, and any resulting profit, stays with Max.
Zack Snyder and Netflix Have a Successful Partnership
The DCEU jumping to Netflix is almost ironic, consideringZack Snyder’s creatively satisfying partnership with the streaming service. Netflix producedArmy of the Deadin 2021, the sequel to Snyder’sDawn of the Dead, a critically acclaimed remake ofGeorge Romero’s influential zombie classic.Army of the Deadspawned an ongoing franchiseafter trending in the Netflix Top 10. Snyder then overhauled his existingStar Warsconcept into the sci-fi/action extravaganzaRebel Moon, part one of which debuts on Netflix on December 22.
During the press tour forRebel Moon — Part One: A Child of Fire,Zack Snyder praised Netflix’s supportive leniency to Entertainment Weekly. For him,a collaborative studio was a new experience. Netflix’s producers suggested splittingRebel Mooninto two films to avoid compromising Snyder’s vision. They also approved both a PG-13 and an R-rated cut ofRebel Moon: the first for general audiences, the second to preserve Snyder’s ambitions. The director said, “This was the first time I had ever been able to make a movie and plan for that. The cut was not me fighting with them like, ‘Okay, you won’t do what I want. Can I at least release it on DVD?’ It was us going together.”
‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ Review: A Longer Cut Causes New Problems
Given its lengthy runtime, the heralded ‘Snyder Cut’ never makes the case for its epic scope.
Snyder went on to say he’s pleased withRebel Moonas a PG-13 experience. Snyder comparesthe R-rated director’s cuttoPeter Jackson’s Extended Editions ofTheLord of the Ringstrilogy, which allowed Jackson to add more mythology, characterization, and violence.Snyder told Vanity Fair: “The first version ofRebel Moonto hit screens will be a fantasy adventure that anyone can enjoy and watch. The later cut will be strictly for adults. I think for fans of mine and people who are ready to take a deeper, harder dive, that’ll be fun for them.” Additionally,Deborah Snyder expressed happiness about her husband’s return to his early daysas a hands-on director and cinematographer.
No Matter Where It’s Streaming, the Snyder Cut Lives On
Zack Snyder enjoys long movies.Zack Snyder’s Justice Leagueaside, he previously released director’s cuts forWatchmenandBatman v. Superman, andtoyed with a re-cut ofSucker Punchthat includes his preferred ending. His words indicate thatbisectingRebel Moonwas the first time Snyder’s made an ambitious project with full studio support. Arguably, the Snyder Cut could reach more people through Netflix than Max. Presumably,Zack Snyder’s Justice Leagueand the attention that comes with it won’t be leaving Max anytime soon.
Zack Snyder’s Justice Leagueis available to stream on MAX in the U.S.
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