Amidst bad reviews, collection problems and the continuity of the superhero universe, Zack Snyder has commented that the genre is on the wane.
In a world where superhero movies have dominated the box office for more than a decade, Zack Snyder, one of the genre’s most popular directors, shares his vision for the future of these stories on the big screen. In an interview with CulturaOcio.com, Snyder, known for his key role in the launch of the DC Extended Universe, dives into a detailed analysis and reveals key insights into the current state and future of superhero movies.
“It wouldn’t be surprising if the graph changed,” Snyder said of the recent drop in box office receipts for superhero movies. This observation comes from a veteran who has seen the genre grow and change over the years. After fifteen years of constant presence in their analysis, it is natural for the public interest to improve.
The key to the revival of the genre
Snyder doesn’t believe the superhero genre is “completely over.” According to him, the challenge is the ability of filmmakers and curators of these intellectual properties to deliver high-quality material. “The public is sophisticated and knows the stories; now you have to surprise them again,” Snyder emphasized, emphasizing the need for innovation and quality in future products.
In terms of his contributions, Snyder was the engineer behind films such as “Man of Steel” (2013), an adaptation of the Superman franchise and a cornerstone of the DC Extended Universe. He also directed the sequel, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016), which introduced Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Cyborg and Aquaman into this shared universe. Despite being left out of “Justice League” (2017) during production, the film version was finally released in 2021 following a successful fan campaign known as #ReleaseTheSnyderCut.
Snyder does not rule out the possibility of returning to DC when the shared universe “Rebel Moon” is released on Netflix. He expressed his desire to adapt “The Dark Knight Returns” faithfully as long as it is a “true representation of the graphic novel.”
In addition to his work at DC, Snyder has directed comic book adaptations such as “Watchmen” (2009), the acclaimed series by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, and “300” (2006), an adaptation of the action novel Thermopylae based on the work of Frank Miller and Lynn Varley.
Superhero cinema in recent years
Snyder’s take on the superhero genre reflects not only his experience, but also his desire to tell stories that connect with audiences. Their vision of quality and creativity may be the key to the rebirth of a genre that has captivated millions around the world.
It is worth noting that there have been some notable setbacks in this genre in recent years. Despite their popularity and previous success, many superhero films have failed to meet the expectations of the box office and critics. This phenomenon can be attributed to several reasons.
One of the main challenges is market saturation. With an abundance of superhero movies released every year, audiences are beginning to experience a form of ‘superhero fatigue’. This saturation has dampened the excitement and anticipation surrounding these releases.
Other reasons for failure
Another important factor is the lack of creativity and innovation in the narratives. Many recent films have followed predictable formulas without offering new elements that connect with audiences. This repetition has affected the films’ ability to stand out and attract audiences.
Unfulfilled expectations and mixed reviews also played an important role. Some highly anticipated productions have not lived up to expectations due to the quality of the story, special effects or character development. These failures affected the general perception of the genre and led to its box office failure.
The recent challenges of superhero cinema highlight the need to reinvent itself and adapt to audiences seeking deeper, more original and surprising stories. This context reinforces Snyder’s comment on the importance of quality and creativity in the genre and its success.