Zack Snyder has reignited excitement for fans of his iconic take on the DC universe by urging viewers to experience the black-and-white edition of his Justice League film, available for streaming on HBO Max. This recent highlight comes nearly five years after the debut of Zack Snyder Justice League, a movie that continues to spark interest and debate among DC fans and the film industry.
Snyder Renewed Interest in His Justice League Vision
The release of the Snyder Cut on HBO Max in 2021 was the culmination of extensive fan campaigning and years of rumors, setting it apart as a significant chapter in the ongoing evolution of DC films. At four hours long, Zack Snyder’s version garnered a notably improved critical response, registering a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, in contrast with the 39% given to the 2017 release directed by Joss Whedon. The landscape of DC films has since transformed, with the DCEU being phased out and refreshed as the DCU, following several underperforming movie releases.
Despite the passage of time and diverging developments in the franchise, Zack Snyder Justice League has maintained its prominence as a cultural and cinematic milestone. Snyder himself has kept his creative legacy alive, routinely sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses and reflections on his DC universe entries, keeping the conversation active within the community.
Director Invites Fans to Watch ‘Justice Is Gray’ Edition
Most recently, Zack Snyder used social media to shine a spotlight on
“Zack Snyder’s Justice League: Justice is Gray,”
the monochrome version of his signature film. Through a post on his official social media account, Snyder directly encouraged his followers to revisit or discover the black-and-white edition on HBO Max.
“It’s the perfect night to watch the black-and-white cut of Zack Snyder’s Justice League on HBO Max. Justice is Gray. Turn the lights down, turn the volume up.”
– Zack Snyder, Director
The director paired his invitation with relevant hashtags such as #SnyderCut and #JusticeIsGray, although there was no clear anniversary or event tied to his post. Notably, the post simply served as a personal and passionate reminder for fans, rather than a traditional milestone celebration. In a 2021 interview with IGN, Snyder named the Justice Is Gray edition as his preferred cut, describing himself as a
“huge advocate of, and a huge admirer of [it].”
– Zack Snyder, Director
Mixed Performance But Cultural Significance
Upon its initial release, anticipation for Zack Snyder Justice League was high, but early streaming numbers reflected a more measured reception. According to Samba TV, approximately 1.8 million households in the United States sampled at least five minutes of the film during its first four days on HBO Max, whereas Wonder Woman 1984 drew a larger audience with 2.2 million households. Over the full first week, the Justice League Snyder Cut reached parity at 2.2 million households, yet only about 36%, or 800,000 viewers, watched the film all the way through, as reported by Samba TV via Slash Film.
Still, for Snyder, the film’s release marked a notable achievement. After years of delays and speculation, seeing his artistic vision come to life amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic was a deeply personal victory. In discussion with Josh Horowitz in 2024, Snyder reflected on the significance his version holds:
“I mean, listen, in the end, what it should mean is some triumph of pure creative freedom, for better or for worse. […] The only thing I would say about Justice League is, it’s really a pure… someday we’ll get into the weeds on how contentious it was. Having me during the pandemic, working on my own, no control like some psycho […] It was really amazing. But it really was us just doing it ourselves. Pure artistic exercise.”
– Zack Snyder, Director
Lasting Legacy in Pop Culture and the DC Universe
Zack Snyder Justice League remains available for viewing on HBO Max, inviting ongoing dialogue among fans and critics about its impact on superhero films and creative freedom in Hollywood. The film’s journey, from determined fan movements to finished project, demonstrates both the influence of audience-driven campaigns and the determination of its director.
As the DC brand continues to evolve through new forms and stories, Snyder’s definitive take stands as a reference point for future adaptations and discussions. The promotion of the Justice Is Gray cut further cements Zack Snyder’s continued engagement with his audience and highlights the enduring relevance of his vision in shaping the legacy of the Justice League on screen.
