Zack Snyder’s ‘Justice League’ Trilogy Could Continue in Different Format, Says Director, as DCU Struggles
When James Gunn launched the DC Universe (DCU) with Superman (2025) last summer, many assumed the “Snyderverse” would be sidelined forever.
On the other hand, Zack Snyder’s trilogy — Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Justice League (2021) — had already concluded its arc in 2021, and Warner Bros. appeared committed to a clean slate of actors and stories in an all-new timeline. However, enthusiasm for Snyder’s vision has only grown in recent times, while the newly established DCU under James Gunn and Peter Safran continues to struggle to resonate with audiences.
James Gunn’s DCU Struggles
Superman (2025) earned $618.7 million worldwide, a solid sum, but some critics argued the film leaned too heavily on Gunn’s signature style seen in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014–2023) and The Suicide Squad (2021). Trailers for future DCU projects like Supergirl (2026) and HBO’s Lanterns (2026) have also drawn mixed reactions from audiences, signaling that the DCU is not winning over fans who were promised a distinct new vision.
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Snyderverse Gets New Hope
Meanwhile, Snyder continues to cultivate a following that refuses to let the Snyderverse fade. During a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, he described his trilogy as “a weed that just won’t die,” emphasizing how the films have taken on a life of their own.
The director’s celebratory social media posts marking anniversaries of Batman v Superman (2016) and Justice League (2021) have sparked new speculation that the Snyderverse might return.
This has seen fans have revive the #RestoreTheSnyderVerse hashtag, echoing the successful campaign #ReleaseTheSnyderCut that brought Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) to HBO Max after the original 2017 theatrical film failed to win over audiences.
Stories from Snyder’s universe could continue outside the traditional cinematic format — in particular his unused plans for Justice League 2 and 3, according to the director.
With Gunn’s new franchise facing challenges in connecting with its audience, DC may find it prudent to explore the Snyderverse once again, whether through tie-in media or potentially new films that continue the story last explored in Zack Snyder’s Justice League.
For now, the future remains uncertain for both the Snyderverse and the DCU, but the growing interest in Snyder’s trilogy — and not to mention the campaign that helped make his 2021 film a reality — that a devoted fanbase can keep a universe alive even when studios pivot toward new directions. With Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Ben Affleck, and other Justice League actors remaining fan favorites, the possibility of a revival remains very real.
Do you think the Snyderverse should return? If so, how? In film or another medium entirely? Share your thoughts with us!
