Excitement for Zack Snyder Batman v Superman was at a peak before its March 2016 release, as comic book fans eagerly anticipated seeing two iconic DC Comics heroes share the screen. Despite a record-breaking opening, the film faced sharp criticism from both fans and reviewers, which led to a steep decline in box office revenue shortly after.
This backlash contributed to Warner Bros. altering their direction for the DCEU, even prompting major last-minute changes to films like Suicide Squad. Nevertheless, many fans look back fondly on Snyder’s tenure, especially valuing Ben Affleck’s portrayal of Batman, regarded by some as the definitive cinematic version of the Caped Crusader.
Snyder’s Favorite Batfleck Photo Unveiled
Zack Snyder recently posted on Instagram a previously unseen photograph of Ben Affleck as Batman, describing it as one of his favorite images of the character. Explaining the photo’s origins, Snyder shared,
“one of [his] favorite Batman photos.”
He also revealed,
I took it with my Leica Monochrom. We built that little set especially for these portraits.
In this rare shot, Batman wears his Knightmare outfit, which fans first encountered during a dream-like sequence in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. This scene depicted a dystopian future ruled by Superman and his army, after the hero had seemingly taken control of the world.
The Complex Knightmare Vision and Its Role in Snyder’s DCEU
During the Knightmare sequence, Batman is confronted by a future version of The Flash, who attempts to warn him about impending events. This cryptic scene was intended by Snyder to be developed further in his Justice League films, where Superman falls under the influence of Darkseid, forcing Batman to rally a team of heroes to challenge the corrupted Man of Steel.
Snyder’s original plan involved Barry Allen traveling back in time to save Lois Lane from Darkseid’s attack. Tragically, Batman would take her place and sacrifice himself heroically. This storyline also included a future where Lois raises their son alongside a resurrected Clark Kent, adding emotional depth and complexity to the arc.
Despite its intricacy, this Knightmare timeline was absent from DC’s broader theatrical releases until its brief return during the final moments of Zack Snyder’s Justice League.
Reception and Impact of Batman v Superman
While Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice earned only 28% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, it received a more favorable 63% from audiences and grossed $874.4 million worldwide. This commercial performance marked the DCEU’s first attempt at building a shared cinematic universe similar to the MCU, despite mixed reviews.
Snyder’s latest Instagram post highlights a side of the film’s production rarely seen by fans, offering a glimpse into his personal admiration for Affleck’s Batman and the creative efforts behind some of the movie’s most iconic imagery.
