Zack Snyder has always been a divisive filmmaker, but when the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut Movement picked up steam and rumors that Warner Bros. might actually be considering a re-release of Justice League began to circulate, he seemed to become a more polarizing figure than ever - particularly among a certain contingent of film journalists/bloggers.
Many continually denied the existence of the "Snyder Cut," and even after it was officially announced, the more thin-skinned among them declared the studio's decision to revisit the film a "win for Toxic Fandom" because they'd had a few nasty Tweets sent their way.
Snyder has never really addressed this backlash, but took the opportunity to do just that while being interviewed for the upcoming book, Release the Snyder Cut: The Crazy True Story Behind The Fight That Saved Zack Snyder’s Justice League.
"I just think that’s sour grapes. There’s really no other way to say it," the director told author Sean O'Connell when asked for his response to the naysayers. "We know the people who were the architects of that narrative, and it’s pretty obvious what their agenda is. Those are people that I’ve been held back from confronting, by wiser people in the room. Because I’d love to get at some of these characters. Some direct conversation would be nice. Just to say, one, you don’t know shit about what you’re talking about. And we can break down everything they’ve ever [said]. I can make a list. There’s a few of these guys where I could just get a list of everything they’ve ever said, that they thought was right, and [I could tell them] every single thing they’ve said is wrong."
"And so, in what world do you have any credibility anywhere, to any- one?," he continued. "I would love the opportunity to just say to the world, and to fandom in general, who these fakers are and what should be done to them, or with them. It’s just a bunch of BS. In regards to that toxic fandom, or it’s ‘a win for toxic fandom,’ again, in what world does this ‘toxic fandom’ raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for suicide prevention? How is that toxic fandom? They’ve probably achieved more than any other fan base, [and done more] good than any other group. So I don’t understand."
Snyder certainly raises some valid points here, and even though the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut Movement did/does have its share of "fans" who engage in aggressive, often abusive behaviour online, the same can be said of every fandom.
What do you guys make of Snyder's comments? The Director's Cut of Justice League is set for release on HBO Max on March 18, and you can pre-order a copy of the Release The Snyder Cut book here.