A new fan-made video has reworked promotional footage from James Gunn’s upcoming Superman reboot, transforming it into a Zack Snyder-style trailer that merges darker tones with moments of hope. Released recently, the fan trailer sets clips from Gunn’s film to Leonard Cohen’s song Hallelujah, altering the mood to echo Snyder’s signature cinematic style known from his Justice League work.
The video showcases a mix of intense action sequences and reflective character moments, paired with color grading that mirrors Snyder’s distinct visual palette. This creative remake provides a fresh perspective on the promotional materials previously seen in the official Superman campaign.
How the Fan Trailer Connects to Zack Snyder’s DC Legacy
This fan video skillfully repurposes footage from Gunn’s Superman, blending his portrayal with the epic, somber atmosphere typical of Snyder’s films. Fans can witness how Gunn’s fresh take on Superman shares visual and thematic links to Snyder’s vision, particularly from his era overseeing the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).
Zack Snyder was the original architect of the DCEU, which started with Man of Steel, a film that launched a shared universe for DC characters but faced challenges regarding reception and production. The theatrical release of Justice League remains controversial due to rewrites and reshoots managed by Joss Whedon, leading to a fan campaign that successfully pushed for the release of Snyder’s original cut on HBO Max in 2021.
James Gunn and Zack Snyder: Collaboration and Influence Between DC Universe Heads
Although James Gunn now co-heads DC Studios and guides the new DC Universe, he maintains a positive relationship with Zack Snyder. The two were recently seen together, highlighting their friendly rapport amid the changes at DC. Gunn was fully aware that the fan trailer would create buzz.
“We knew full well what we were doing,”
—James Gunn, Co-Head of DC Studios
Additionally, Gunn sought Snyder’s input during the design process for Kal-El’s suit in the new Superman film, indicating mutual respect and influence between the former and current leaders of the on-screen DC universe.
Examining Tonal Similarities and Differences Between Gunn’s and Snyder’s Supermen
While Gunn’s version of Superman is expected to diverge from the darker, grittier portrayal established by Snyder, there are subtle tonal echoes reminiscent of that earlier imagining. Key promotional images featuring Superman in moments of introspection, such as calmly facing a crowd of protestors, evoke familiar themes found in Snyder’s Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
This suggests that Gunn’s reboot will explore how a hero integrates into today’s complex world, a subject Snyder’s films repeatedly addressed. The fan trailer highlights these parallels, revealing how Snyder’s work might have left an imprint on Gunn’s approach despite differences in overall tone.
Future Directions: Potential for Darker Stories Within the New DC Universe
The chance of Zack Snyder directing another DC film under the new regime appears slim, but the evolving franchise could still embrace Snyder’s style in future projects. Gunn has expressed a desire to incorporate a range of genres into the DC Universe, including more mature, intense storytelling. For example, the upcoming Clayface movie will feature R-rated body horror elements, marking a significant tonal shift from mainstream superhero fare.
Additionally, David Corenswet, the actor playing Superman, has suggested the possibility of an R-rated Superman film that dives deeper into darker themes. Success with Gunn’s Superman reboot could open the door to experimenting with such projects, indicating a flexible and varied future for DC characters on screen.
James Gunn and Zack Snyder Argue About Superman on Rick & Morty
—Unknown Attribution
The Enduring Impact of Zack Snyder’s Style on the DC Film Landscape
Ultimately, this fan-made Zack Snyder Superman trailer underscores how influential Snyder’s work remains within the DC universe, continuing to shape audience expectations and artistic interpretations. As James Gunn takes the helm, blending multiple genres and tones, fans remain eager to see how the legacy of Snyder’s distinctive vision will inform or contrast with upcoming releases.
The new Superman film and broader DCU initiatives are positioned at a crossroads, balancing hopeful renewal with echoes of darker storytelling that once defined this franchise’s cinematic identity.
