When Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) finally arrived on HBO Max, it was seen as the end of a long and unlikely journey.
What followed, however, has been far less definitive. Years later, the film — and the trilogy it completes alongside Man of Steel (2013) and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) — continues to dominate conversations about the future of DC on screen.
“Restore the Snyderverse” Gains Momentum
The turning point wasn’t the release itself, but what led to it. The #ReleaseTheSnyderCut campaign proved that sustained fan demand could influence studio decisions on a massive scale. That campaign led to Snyder returning to fully rework the original Justice League (2017) following negative reviews and an underwhelming box-office run.
That same energy has since shifted toward a new goal, with #RestoreTheSnyderVerse now gaining some traction across social media platforms. The message is consistent: audiences are not finished with Snyder’s interpretation of characters like Superman and Batman.
Related: James Gunn Confirms DC’s New Direction With Surprising ‘Batman’ Requirements
Zack Snyder has done little to quiet that momentum. Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast recently, he reflected on the staying power of his work, describing his trilogy as “a weed that just won’t die.” He added that it “grows on its own” and “has its own life,” a sentiment that aligns with the continued online activity surrounding the films.
Snyder's celebratory anniversary posts tied to Batman v Superman (2016) and Justice League (2021) have only added to speculation about what could come next.
James Gunn's DCU Off to a Rocky Start
All of this unfolds while DC Studios continues to move forward with a new direction. The DC Universe (DCU), launched under James Gunn and Peter Safran, officially began last year with Superman (2025).
The film brought in $618.7 million worldwide, but its reception was mixed, with some viewers pointing to similarities with Gunn’s earlier work on Guardians of the Galaxy (2014–2023) and The Suicide Squad (2021). Upcoming projects such as Supergirl (2026) and Lanterns (2026) remain in development, but early reactions suggest the new slate has yet to fully win over audiences.
That contrast has become increasingly difficult to ignore. While the DCU attempts to establish a new identity, Snyder’s trilogy continues to benefit from a loyal and vocal fanbase. Interest in his unused plans for Justice League 2 and Justice League 3 has grown, with discussions ranging from comic adaptations to animated features.
Warner Bros. has not announced any continuation of the Snyderverse, and the studio’s focus remains on the DCU. Even so, the history of Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) serves as a reminder that fan-driven movements can reshape expectations.
