Summary
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Continuing the Snyderverse on Netflix would maintain the DC Comics’ dark tone and mature themes, which were perfectly encapsulated in
Zack Snyder’s Justice League
. - Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Superman was widely praised, and keeping him in the Snyderverse would be a huge benefit.
- The Snyderverse on Netflix could properly develop Darkseid and explore compelling storylines without having to reboot and rehash origin stories.
There are several great reasons Zack Snyder’s DC Universe (often referred to as the Snyderverse) should continue on Netflix, continuing from the events of Zack Snyder’s Justice League. Much like the fan-instigated campaign to release Snyder’s cut of Justice League, a similar campaign has started to sell the Snyderverse to Netflix and have the filmmaker continue his franchise there. Snyder has finally responded to this campaign, which has stoked some hopes it could occur. Following the success of Zack Snyder’s Justice League, there are numerous reasons to continue the Snydervrse on Netflix.
Since it has been announced that James Gunn and Peter Safran will be taking over the DC cinematic universe, Snyder’s vision for upcoming DC movies has been roundly canceled. However, Snyder had a plan for the DCEU timeline, which could have been truly incredible. It was sadly hampered by Snyder being unable to complete the original Justice League movie and the fact that some DCEU movies were better than others. From the immaculate casting to Snyder’s strong vision, the Snyderverse is prime to be revived by the streaming giant, Netflix.
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10 Maintaining Snyder’s Dark Tone
DC Comics Is Known For Its Darker Themes And Tones
The most notable difference between Marvel Comics and DC Comics is the tone. DC Comics has a markedly darker style and often grapples with much more mature themes. Zack Snyder’s Justice League perfectly encapsulated this, much more so than many other movies – even within the DCEU. James Gunn, while a fantastic director, typically deploys a brighter, more colorful style, which is far less befitting. By continuing the Snyderverse on Netflix, his substantially more appropriate aesthetic can be maintained. Indeed, Joss Whedon’s changes to Justice League suffered because it did not uphold this style, prompting the fan-driven campaign to restore Snyder’s Justice League director’s cut.
9 Keeping Henry Cavill’s Superman
Henry Cavill’s Superman Has Been Widely Celebrated
Henry Cavill’s Superman has been widely praised by audiences and is one of the finest actors to portray the iconic superhero. There are numerous ways that Henry Cavill is the perfect Superman, including his emotional depth, Herculean physique, and resemblance to the comic book Man of Steel. The actor offered a much more flawed rendition of the character, with Cavill’s Superman evolving and developing throughout the franchise far more than his predecessors. Additionally, Cavill’s imposing figure and acting ability allowed him to effectively portray evil Superman as well. Cavil is perhaps the best casting choice in the franchise, and retaining his Superman would be an enormous benefit.
8 Darkseid Can Be Properly Developed With Snyder’s Original DCEU Plan
Darksied Only Appeared Briefly In Zack Snyder’s Justice League
Snyder had big plans for the iconic supervillain Darkseid, but these were sadly halted when Whedon took over directing Justice League. Snyder’s Darkseid plans would have extended across two further Justice League movies, promising an antagonist that could rival the MCU’s Thanos and offering a comparable over-arching narrative that united multiple movies. Despite appearing in the original script for Justice League, he was removed from Whedon’s cut and only restored minimally in Snyder’s eventual rendition. Darkseid is a major player in DC Comics, and his cinematic adaptation did not provide him with the narrative he deserves. A continued Snyderverse on Netflix could actualize a far more compelling portrayal.
7 No More Origin Stories
The Central Characters In The Justice League Have All Been Established
One of the most laborious aspects of rebooting a superhero franchise is depicting the origin stories again. As an example, there have been numerous Batman origin stories over the years, and audiences are not clamoring for another. Origin stories are contributing to the superhero fatigue that’s beginning to plague the genre. Continuing the Snyderverse on Netflix would curb this phenomenon by allowing the established characters to continue new stories rather than rehash previous ones. The notion of having to start all over again, particularly as fans are already very familiar with the characters through previous movies and shows, is one of the least attractive prospects of a new DC cinematic universe.
6 Ben Affleck Can Finally Get His Batman Solo Movie
Affleck Was Praised As Batman But Didn’t Receive His Own Movie
Since his debut in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Ben Affleck’s Batman has been received extremely well. Affleck was praised for his stoic and foreboding presence, and celebrated for being able to play both Batman and Bruce Wayne in a compelling manner that was true to the comic books. Consequently, a solo Batman movie with Affleck has been teased for years. One was confirmed, but Affleck’s Batman movie was canceled by Warner Bros. Studios. The movie would have woven character development within the overarching narrative that Synder was designing. Continuing the Snyderverse on Netflix would be the perfect way for Affleck to finally receive a proper solo Batman movie.
5 Actualizing Batman’s Knightmare
The Knightmare Sequence At The End Of Zack Snyder’s Justice League Teased A Huge Potential Story
One of the most enthralling moments in Zack Snyder’s Justice League was the dramatic final scene in which Batman has a horrifying vision of the future wherein Darkseid has been victorious, turning Earth into a wasteland overseen by a corrupted Superman. The scene teased the potential future narrative for Justice League sequels and set up Snyder’s expansive vision for the franchise’s future. Snyder would be perfect to bring this plot to life, having already demonstrated the required darker tone and Cavill’s ability to portray an evil Superman. The scene is filled with so much promise, that it is one of the most compelling reasons for the Snyderverse to continue.
4 The Batgirl Movie Could Finally Be Made
The Batgirl Movie Was Highly Anticipated But Shelved
Before The Flash brought back Michael Keaton’s iconic Batman, Batgirl promised this, and more, years prior. The Batgirl movie boasted an impressive cast, including Brendan Fraser and J.K. Simmons, and promised to bring the first official incarnation of Barbara Gordon’s superhero to the big screen. Barbara Gordon is the daughter of Commissioner Gordon and an essential character in DC Comics, who still has not appeared as Batgirl in a live-action movie. Unfortunately, the movie was shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery, who claimed it was “built for the small screen” (via Variety). It would therefore be ideal for a Netflix release.
3 Robin’s Murder Can Be Explored
Robin’s Murder Was Teased In Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice
One of the most infamous DC Comics storylines was Robin’s murder by the Joker. The story featured the brutal and savage killing of the second Robin (Jason Todd) and was a landmark moment in Batman comics and DC’s history. The famed moment has never been adapted to live-action cinema, but it was teased in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The narrative would be perfect for Snyder’s dark tone and would help flesh out Affleck’s brooding Batman, explaining his unfavorable view of superheroes and super-powered beings. The scene provoked such interest that Snyder confirmed which of Batman’s sidekicks was killed by the Joker, but a cinematic retelling would be incredibly welcome.
2 Netflix Has A Proven Track Record Of Producing Superhero Shows
Netflix’s Marvel Shows Were Incredibly Effective And Successful
One of the greatest reasons to continue the Snyderverse on Netflix is that the streamer has already produced several great superhero shows for Marvel. The Defenders saga produced multiple series and proved so successful that several actors have been retained to appear in future MCU projects. Netflix is a perfect platform for long-form superhero narratives to be nurtured correctly – which Snyder’s DCEU requires. The Snyderverse has been plagued by altering tones and differing opinions over the best way to continue the franchise. Replicating The Defenders’ more subtle and grittier form would neatly complement Snyder’s vision and allow the characters to flourish.
1 The Justice League Is Already Assembled
Continued Snyderverse Stories Could Jump Straight Into The Action
Like the origin story problem, one of the worst consequences of rebooting the DC cinematic franchise is that the Justice League will need to be assembled all over again. It took several movies to complete the iconic roster already, and many audiences will likely be put off by having to watch it once more. Continuing the Snyderverse on Netflix would relieve this and would allow the superhero team to initiate new stories immediately.
Considering how many stories the Snyderverse has already set up, this is an attractive notion. It could maintain the established character dynamics and developments that have characterized the previous team-ups and could deal with the fallout of recent movies such as The Flash. Ultimately, though, retreading this familiar ground could be boring, and makes a good case for why it’s a positive to continuing Zack Snyder’s DC Universe on Netflix.