For years, DC fans have been engaged in a heated debate: Is Zack Snyder’s Justice League the true canon of the DCEU?
With conflicting statements from Warner Bros., a divided fandom, and the rise of James Gunn’s DCU reboot, the question remains as controversial as ever.
Let’s break down the arguments on both sides and determine whether the Snyder Cut should be considered the official DCEU story.
The Case for Zack Snyder’s Justice League as Canon
1. Fan Demand and Cultural Impact
The Snyder Cut movement was one of the most passionate fan campaigns in modern cinema history.
Fans fought for years using the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut hashtag, ultimately leading to the film’s release on HBO Max in 2021.
The overwhelming demand showcased that this version resonated with audiences far more than the 2017 theatrical cut (often called “Josstice League“).
2. Zack Snyder’s Vision Was the Original Plan
Zack Snyder originally mapped out a multi-film arc for the DCEU, which included major plot points, character developments, and the introduction of Darkseid as the ultimate villain.
The 2017 theatrical release, reworked by Joss Whedon, deviated significantly from this vision, altering character arcs, removing key scenes, and toning down the darker themes Snyder had planned.
3. Warner Bros. Released the Snyder Cut Officially
Unlike deleted scenes or fan edits, Zack Snyder’s Justice League was officially funded and released by Warner Bros. It stands as a completed film with finished CGI, a four-hour runtime, and additional reshoots featuring major storylines (such as the Knightmare sequence and the return of Jared Leto’s Joker).
4. Continuity with Other DCEU Films
Several elements in Snyder’s cut connect seamlessly with other DCEU films:
- Superman’s Black Suit: A direct continuation of his resurrection arc from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
- Darkseid’s Presence: Introduced as the greater threat, aligning with the cosmic scope teased in Man of Steel.
- The Knightmare Future: Setting up a darker, apocalyptic timeline that was meant to be explored in future films.
The Case Against Zack Snyder’s Justice League as Canon
1. Warner Bros. Never Officially Declared It Canon
Despite its popularity, Warner Bros. executives have remained vague about the Snyder Cut’s place in the official timeline. Instead, they continued with Joss Whedon’s version as the reference point for future projects, including Aquaman and The Flash.
2. Theatrical Releases Hold More Weight in Studio Decisions
Studios traditionally consider theatrically released movies as the “official” versions. Since Zack Snyder’s Justice League only premiered on streaming and was not a global box office release, many argue it holds an alternate universe status rather than being a core part of the DCEU.
3. James Gunn’s DCU Reboot
With James Gunn taking over DC Studios, he has announced a complete reboot of the DCU, including recasting key roles like Superman (Henry Cavill is out, David Corenswet is in). This move further distances the new DC Universe from Snyder’s original vision.
4. The Events of The Flash (2023)
The Flash was intended to serve as a “reset” button for the DCEU, erasing previous timelines and paving the way for Gunn’s reboot. The ending of The Flash notably does not reference Darkseid or the Knightmare Future, making it clear that WB is moving away from Snyder’s plans.
So, Is the Snyder Cut Canon?
The answer depends on who you ask. For many fans, Zack Snyder’s Justice League is the definitive version of the story. It better aligns with previous DCEU films, restores character arcs, and introduces a compelling long-term villain.
However, from an official studio standpoint, the theatrical 2017 Justice League remains canon until James Gunn’s DCU fully takes over.
Final Thoughts: Should the Snyderverse Continue?
The debate isn’t just about canon; it’s about whether fans should get more of Snyder’s vision.
While the Snyderverse is unlikely to continue in theatres, fans still push for a potential animated or comic book continuation.
Until then, Zack Snyder’s Justice League remains a unique director’s cut that will be remembered as one of the most fan-driven projects in film history.
What do you think?
Should Zack Snyder’s Justice League be the true DCEU canon?
Let us know in the comments below!