At New York Comic Con, insiders revealed that Zack Snyder is interested in returning to the DC universe with a specific project: an adaptation of Frank Miller and Klaus Janson’s legendary Batman comic, The Dark Knight Returns. This development comes after Snyder’s involvement in the DCEU Justice League movies appears to have concluded, with sources confirming that neither Snyder nor the studio plans to revisit those films.
The interest in The Dark Knight Returns adaptation aligns with Snyder’s own statements about his future in superhero filmmaking. Although Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) faces uncertainty due to potential acquisition talks involving Netflix, Snyder’s current relationship with Netflix may create new opportunities for a revitalized DC universe, albeit with some doubts about the acquisition finalizing. Meanwhile, insiders indicate that recent delays in DCU projects have been influenced by creative direction changes involving James Gunn.
Zack Snyder’s Vision to Conclude His Superhero Career with a Groundbreaking Graphic Novel
In December 2023, Snyder made it clear that he intends to end his work in superhero films by adapting The Dark Knight Returns in a way that stays true to the original graphic novel’s tone and message. As he described, this story offers a deeply personal and complex look at iconic heroes such as Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, making it a fitting capstone to his superhero filmography if the project moves forward following WBD’s future.
If you look at Watchmen where Alan [Moore] took like basically iconographic characters that you could superimpose over a lot of, you know if Night Owl is Batman and Doctor Manhattan has Superman-ish qualities, you can make all these different sorts of archetypical hero analysis over the top of those heroes,
Zack Snyder said.
The thing asbout Dark Knight Returns is it is literally Batman and Superman and Wonder Woman and the deconstruction is so obvious and so palpable. For me, it was like comics grew up in a single moment. When I read that book I was completely laid bare, everything I thought about superheroes. For me, it’s the greatest comic book ever written. If I could do that then I will have done Watchmen and Dark Knight Returns and I would be pretty much done with superheroes.
Snyder added.
The Future of DC Projects and Snyder’s Role Amid Industry Changes
While the idea of Snyder returning to helm new DC projects has stirred excitement, insiders emphasize that his comeback would focus solely on The Dark Knight Returns. The earlier phases of the DCEU have closed, and creative leadership has shifted under James Gunn, leading to stalled or redirected projects. The evolving ownership status of Warner Bros. Discovery remains a key factor in what will be possible for Snyder’s envisioned adaptation.
Should the acquisition by Netflix or other changes in corporate structure occur, Snyder’s existing ties to Netflix could open the door for a fresh take on the DC universe, centered on his distinct storytelling approach. Until then, fans and industry watchers await official confirmation and updates on this promising but uncertain chapter for Zack Snyder and the DC franchise.
