The #ReleaseTheSnyderCut movement came about because a group of dedicated, passionate fans wanted to see Zack Snyder's original vision for Justice League, free from studio interference and Joss Whedon's much-maligned reshoots. Of course, as is the case with any fandom, toxic elements did creep in, and the targeted harassment of certain online journalists and bloggers did become a problem.
Unfortunately, this led to the entire fanbase being tarred with the same brush, which obviously did the movement no favors in the long run.
During a recent interview to promote the HBO Max release of his director's cut of Justice League, Snyder chose to call attention to the positive things his loyal fans have achieved, but was criticised for failing to address the negative side of the movement. However, the filmmaker has now made his feelings on abusive online bahaviour very clear while speaking to Vanity Fair.
“I 100 percent think it’s wrong,” he says. “I don’t think that anyone should be calling anyone anything. I’ve always tried to give people in the fandom attention who do good things.”
Later in the piece, Deborah Snyder brings up the half a million dollars to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut movement raised through donations, sales of merchandise, and auctions of props.
“People have been saying, ‘Oh, they attack people,’ but this fan base has saved lives. As much as they wanted something for themselves, they’ve come together for this amazing cause. You feel so helpless trying to help someone, and you don’t know what to do. It’s literally life or death. And I felt like we didn’t really know where to turn.”
Whether you happen to agree with the Snyder Cut devotees or feel Warner Bros.' decision to revisit the film is a "win for toxic fandom," there's no arguing with the results, and Zack Snyder's Justice League is now set to hit HBO Max on March 18.