Zack Snyder, director of Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, has recently shared previously unseen black-and-white photos from his work on the DCEU via his new Instagram account. Among these, he revealed a rare image of Ben Affleck during his first test of the Batman costume, a key moment in the creation of the iconic Dark Knight look. Snyder described the experience as
“Everything I hoped it would be.”
The Legacy of Affleck’s Batman Costume
For many devoted fans, Ben Affleck’s Bat-suit remains one of the most memorable live-action renditions of the Caped Crusader’s emblematic attire. Its design captured the darker, grittier tone Snyder aimed for in the films, resonating deeply with viewers who appreciated this distinct portrayal of Batman.
Potential Implications of Snyder’s Photo Sharing
While Snyder’s decision to post these images has sparked speculation about his future involvement in DC films, there is little indication that this signals an imminent return behind the camera. The #RestoreTheSnyderVerse community, eager for more Snyder-directed projects, has welcomed these glimpses, though they likely reflect the director’s desire to share some of his favorite moments from his tenure in the DCEU rather than a concrete plan.
Ongoing Relationship Between Snyder, Gunn, and DC Studios
Since the announcement of the transition from the DCEU to the new DCU, Snyder has maintained contact with James Gunn. Although returning to direct seems improbable, Gunn and DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran are exploring Elseworlds projects, leaving room for unexpected developments. Snyder has expressed openness in the past regarding the new direction for DC’s cinematic universe.
You know, I’m a pretty open book. I really feel like, you know, if the characters are treated with reverence, and mythologically correct, then I’m down. I’m in,
Zack Snyder said when discussing the DCU relaunch.
Let’s see what happens. I’m pretty excited. I mean, we’re going to get Superman pretty soon, so we’ll see what that’s like.
Gunn himself acknowledged their communication about the relaunch on Threads, stating,
I didn’t, but I knew it already because he’s texted me. He’s been incredibly supportive throughout this process.
Ben Affleck Reflects on His Tenure as Batman
In a recent interview, Affleck shared his feelings about playing the Dark Knight, recalling his enjoyment and the creative ambitions he held. He highlighted a vision of an older, damaged Bruce Wayne, which played a major role in shaping Batman v Superman’s tone. However, this approach met challenges with certain audience segments.
I had a really good time. I loved doing the Batman movie. I loved Batman v Superman,
Affleck remarked.
And I liked my brief stints on The Flash that I did and when I got to work with Viola Davis on Suicide Squad for a day or two.
In terms of creatively, I really think that I like the idea and the ambition that I had for it, which was of the sort of older, broken, damaged Bruce Wayne. And it was something we really went for in the first movie. What happened was it started to skew too old for a big part of the audience. Like even my own son at the time was too scared to watch the movie. And so when I saw that I was like, ‘Oh shit, we have a problem.’
Then I think that’s when you had a filmmaker that wanted to continue down that road and a studio that wanted to recapture all the younger audience at cross purposes.
The Broader Impact on the DC Universe
The unveiling of Affleck’s initial Bat-suit test by Zack Snyder brings renewed attention to the creative journey behind the DCEU’s interpretation of Batman. It highlights the tension between artistic vision and audience reception that shaped these films. As DC Studios continues to evolve with new leadership and the prospective expansion of Elseworlds content, Snyder’s openness and his ongoing dialogue with James Gunn suggest that while a direct return is unlikely, his influence remains part of the larger conversation around the future of DC’s cinematic stories.
