Why Snyder Fans Want James Gunn to Fail: The Pattern of Failed Replacements

The recent fan reactions surrounding the appointment of James Gunn to direct the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) films have raised questions about the motives of Snyder's fans. It's not simply a personal conflict but a recurring pattern that has played out multiple times in the history of the DCEU. This article delves into the reasons behind the fan protests and the underlying dynamics that drive this phenomenon.

The Ongoing Battle for Creative Control

Warner Bros. could replace James Gunn with anyone else, and that individual would likely face the same level of scrutiny and criticism as Gunn is currently receiving. This is because Snyder's fans are not exclusively focused on James Gunn; they are also vocal about directors like Zack Snyder, Chris Nolan, or Matt Reeves.

Snyder's fans are deeply invested in his vision for the DCEU. Despite Snyder's public statements about moving on to other projects, his fans seem to be holding on to false hopes. This is partly because the last time a replacement director failed to meet expectations, Warner Bros. brought Snyder back to the table. This trend has become a pattern, and Snyder's fans are simply continuing to follow this historical cycle.

Failed Replacements: A Pattern in the DCEU

Zack Snyder was originally the director of 2013's Man of Steel, a film that set the tone for the DCEU. The success of The Avengers in 2012 led Warner Bros. to expand the DCEU, with Snyder taking on the role of architect. His plans for a sequel to Man of Steel were scrapped in favor of a crossover film with Batman and Wonder Woman, titled Dawn of Justice. However, Snyder had to pass the baton to Joss Whedon due to a family tragedy.

Dawn of Justice's theatrical cut was a significant disappointment for fans. The 2017 film, Justice League, further exacerbated the divide when Snyder, who directed the Man of Steel sequels, was pushed aside by Warner Bros., leading to a different directorial vision.

However, the theatrical version was just one take on Snyder's vision. A fan petition led to the release of the four-hour extended cut in 2021, titled Snyder Cut, which garnered a much more positive reception. This confirmed that faithful to Snyder's original vision, the film became a success, proving that the divisive narrative in Justice League could have been avoided with proper creative control.

The Fans' Desire for Snyder's Vision

For many Snyder fans, the appointment of James Gunn, while talented in his own right, represents a shift from the vision that Snyder had for the DCEU. Gunn's style, while popular, is markedly different from Snyder's. His version of the characters, as seen in the Guardians of the Galaxy films, is more light-hearted and action-packed, which is not what Snyder was aiming for.

There is a pervasive sense that if Gunn fails to deliver the same brand of storytelling, Warner Bros. might be more inclined to return to Snyder or another director who aligns more closely with his vision. The fan protests are driven by a persistent hope that the original vision will be realized, regardless of the success of the current director.

This pattern of replacing failed directors with those who can potentially bring back the original vision has become a staple of the DCEU. Snyder's fans, therefore, see James Gunn's appointment as a gamble. If Gunn were to fail, the DCEU might have a better chance of returning to a more faithful interpretation of Snyder's vision.

Conclusion

While James Gunn's appointment to the DCEU is based on his talent and success, his directed films are a departure from Snyder's original vision. The fan protests against him are part of a larger pattern in the DCEU, where failed replacements often lead to a restoration of the original director's vision. If Gunn fails, it might bring hope to Snyder's fans that their preference for the original vision can be realized.