Why For Snyderbros?

While I would normally say, “I don’t use a lot of social media,” I will admit I have developed a small habit of reading and scrolling reddit when I’m bored. I don’t tend to go in deep, just a couple of minutes here or there until the feed gets really weird. The channels (subreddits) you like come up more often, but eventually you scroll far enough that the algorithm throws up its hands and starts pulling in anything. “There was a wedding dress in this sci-fi film that you looked at a post about on r/badmovies, so here: read something from r/weddingshaming.” That kind of stuff that eventually goes so far outside your interests that you have to move away and look at anything else.

Although, admittedly and with no shame I did read that story on r/weddingshaming. It was hilarious. No regrets.

Because I like sci-fi, and superheroes, and movies, it was inevitable that Reddit would eventually suggest I look at r/snydercut, which is a channel dedicated to the fans of the Zack SnyderOften reviled for the bombastic and idiotic content of his films, there is no question that what Snyder's movies lack in substance they (at least try to) balance out with flash and style, making him one of Hollywood's top directors... sadly. version of the DC Extended UniverseStarted as DC Comics' answer to the MCU, the early films in the franchise stumbled out of the gates, often mired in grim-dark storytelling and the rushed need to get this franchise started. Eventually, though, the films began to even out, becoming better as they went along. Still, this franchise has a long way to go before it's true completion for Marvel's universe.. If you’re curious as to what, specifically, constitutes the Zack Snyder version of this cinematic universe, it would be Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Wonder Woman (which Synder didn’t direct but did consult on), Zack Snyder’s Justice League (and not the original version), and Aquaman (of which the director, James Wan, has said he considers to be part of Zack Snyder’s vision for the DCEU). They ignore anything from the DCEU that isn’t directed by, consulted on, or in accordance with Synder’s vision… at least as they see it.

That last part is key because there are films that could be part of the Synderverse and aren’t, and there are films that absolutely shouldn’t be considered part of Synder’s vision, but those Synder fans think they’re connected anyway. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom isn’t included even though Wan directed it. Black Adam is in, at least for some, though for… reasons. I think it’s because it has a dark and gritty atmosphere that the Snyderbros seem to think is “in line” with Synder’s vision. That or they just really hate terrible movies, and Black Adam certainly fits that bill.

And look, I’m not going to complain about theorycrafting or wishing for a certain vision for a universe. While I haven’t been a fan of most of Zack Snyder’s works (although I do think his four hour cut of Justice League is certainly better than the ill-crafted homunculus we originally got), I can understand that the director has his fans and they love his films. If there was some plan, some vision for the rest of Snyder’s take on the DCEU (supposedly two further movies that would carry out the story he was plotting) and they wanted to see it, then I think discussing what could have been is fine. If it was just there for them to meet like-minded people and get some closure that would be enough. Good for you, let’s all move on afterwards.

I mean, I really do think they should invest their time into a better director. Snyder’s movies are stylish messes, the best of which at least have the thin bit of coherent narrative that can make his video game cut-scenes-turned-live action filming watchable. But more often the director seems to be high on his own supply, plotting out overly ambitious plans for epic sci-fi spectaculars that simply won’t work once the rubber meets the road and audiences get to see his vision. Case in point: Army of the Dead. And Rebel Moon. Is there any reason to think (with evidence from the first cut of Justice League along since Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice) that Snyder’s big plan for the DCEU would have been any different? Probably not, and the WB getting cold feet and pulling out of his plan certainly makes sense. They did faff around for nearly a decade after for no good reason, but Synder’s vision likely wouldn’t have worked, much like his later visions haven’t worked either… but you can’t tell that to Snyderbros.

The issue with the r/snydercut channel is that it’s become an echo chamber. They aren’t just there to discuss their love for Synder’s works or what could have been for the Snyder DCEU or his other works. Instead they’ve become alt-right trolls targeting the new version of the DCEU, the DC Universe, and specifically have been laying hate towards James Gunn, the new co-head of DC Studios, and his upcoming film, Superman. And it is absolutely vitriolic… and incredibly stupid, if we’re being honest.

To his credit, James Gunn doesn’t really seem to care about the online community that has sprung up to hate on him and his films. Yes, he directed a DCEU film that wasn’t a massive success: The Suicide Squad. It was, however, a critical darling that did make okay money when it was released day-and-date on both HBO MaxThe oldest and longer-running cable subscription service, HBO provides entertainment in the force of licensed movies along with a huge slate of original programming, giving it the luster of the premiere cable service. Now known primarily for its streaming service, HBO Max (formerly Max, HBO Max, HBO Go, HBO Now, et al). and in theaters during the height of COVID. And his follow up, Peacemaker, is considered by most to be one of the best parts of the DCEU as well as one of the best shows on HBO. Plus, you know, he directed the single best trilogy in the Marvel Cinematic UniverseWhen it first began in 2008 with a little film called Iron Man no one suspected the empire that would follow. Superhero movies in the past, especially those not featuring either Batman or Superman, were usually terrible. And yet, Iron Man would lead to a long series of successful films, launching the most successful cinema brand in history: the Marvel Cinematic Universe. as well, starting with a little film called Guardians of the Galaxy. However you might feel about wanting to see Synder’s vision, a cool and collected head would say, “hey, maybe Gunn has earned the benefit of the doubt.”

Not for these Synder fans, though. They have gone right off the deep end, doing everything they can to tear apart Superman and build a following against it. They take stills from the trailers and try to illustrate how bad the movie looks. They talk crap about the characters, the settings, the story, and the dog all featured in the trailers even though trailers have only shown us, maybe, four minutes of a two-hour-plus film, so we know almost nothing really about what’s going on. They have harassed the actors in the film, as well as the director, and they’re starting to pick up steam to harass other people starring in other films connected to the DCU as well. It’s an online hate campaign.

And yes, some of their comments have gotten pretty ugly. Amazingly ugly. To the point that I’m not going to replicate the, here. It suffices to say that there’s a lot of overlap in their tone and tenor with the hard alt-right side of MAGA. That should tell you all you need to know.

They do all this in the name of their beloved Zack Synder. They feel like Gunn stole his crown, that by making his own Superman disconnected from Man of Steel and the old DCEU that he’s ruining Snyder’s name, and that he’s doing it as an act of hatred (even terrorism) towards Synder. This despite the fact that all signs point to Snyder not only being fine, happy even, to not be a part of DC’s films anymore, but that also he and Gunn are friends. Snyder has nothing but good things to say for Gunn and the future of the DCU, and while it’s not impossible for Snyder to come back and spearhead some kind of continuation (maybe animated films to finish out his series, or comics set in the world) there’s been no sign that he really has a desire to do so. Stranger things have happened, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

Not that you can say this to the Synderbros. Using logic, reason, and actual notes from the directors doesn’t stop them. In fact, going into their subreddit to try and talk reason to them, as nicely as possible even, will lead to you getting banned from their group. If you aren’t part of their echo chamber then, in their eyes, you are the enemy. Full stop, do not pass Go, do not collect two hundred dollars. And, certainly, do not post in r/syndercut again.

Why do I mention all this? I bring it up not to trash Snyder. Even though I don’t like his films, the dude does seem genuinely nice and really engaged with what he’s doing, and good for him. I bring it up not so we can all point and laugh at the Synderbros, either, even if that does sound like fun. Shine a light on them and try to make them flee like cockroaches. No, the real reason to mention this is because while Gunn has a firm grip on reality and isn’t paying any mind to the hard-right cultists yelling expletives at him, not even company feels the same way. These kinds of hardcore fans are in every fandom, and while it seems like the DCU won’t be influenced by their bile, the same can’t be said for other franchises.

Star WarsThe modern blockbuster: it's a concept so commonplace now we don't even think about the fact that before the end of the 1970s, this kind of movie -- huge spectacles, big action, massive budgets -- wasn't really made. That all changed, though, with Star Wars, a series of films that were big on spectacle (and even bigger on profits). A hero's journey set against a sci-fi backdrop, nothing like this series had ever really been done before, and then Hollywood was never the same. is all too easily influenced by the online fandom, with Disney bending over backwards to try to not piss them off, going so far as to minimize some characters, and even cancel some shows, based on what a thin minority of fans have to say. When the hate gets too big in one corner of the ‘net, Disney turns tail and runs. And you can find this kind of scurrying for fan approval all over the internet. Star Wars isn’t the only group controlled by vitriolic fans, it’s just the most prominent.

Hell, Warner Bros. had a similar situation even. The whole reason we have the Snyder Cut of Justice League is because the fans demanded it for years until finally WB gave in. And while the end result of the film is very watchable, all it did was embolden these bros to think they can harass and intimidate the studio until they get their way. The fact that they haven’t, yet, is driving them crazy, clearly. But still, they think they’ll win no matter what, which makes them just as toxic (if not more so) than all those Disney Star Wars fans. So yes, thankfully James Gunn isn’t listening.

The goal is to say, “don’t be like these guys, and don’t listen to them.” Assuming Superman is a success (and all signs point to yes, so far) then we can be assured that the DCU will be in good hands that know to ignore what the vile bros have to say. That’s for the best. The Synderbros in r/snydercut are gross and we shouldn’t have to listen to them. They don’t make policy and, if we’re lucky, that won’t change any time soon.