Zack Snyder is Open to Bringing ‘Dark Knight Returns’ to Life in James Gunn’s DC Universe

Zack Snyder revealed that he is interested in a true adaptation of ‘Dark Knight Returns’ within James Gunn‘s DC Universe.

According to Snyder, he is waiting for James Gunn’s call to be invited back to DC, not for ‘Snyder’s Justice League 2,’ but to work on a ‘Dark Knight Returns‘ adaptation, emphasizing the desire for “a true representation of the graphic novel.”

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Snyder discussed James Gunn taking over at DC. Snyder said, “I called him and said I wish all the best for him.” Snyder would later say about Gunn moving into his old Fortress of Solitude. “I told him I wanted it to work.” He says if Gunn invited him back to DCU, he would only be interested in doing a true adaption of ‘Dark Knight Returns’.

In 2021, Zack Snyder revealed in an interview with Vanity Fair that ‘Justice League’ was meant to be part of a ‘five-part trilogy,’ starting with ‘Man of Steel’ and concluding with two sequels. The entire storyline, developed by Snyder and DC Comics artist Jim Lee, included plans for ‘Justice League 3,’ featuring the death of Bruce Wayne and the emergence of a new Batman.

Snyder’s Justice League introduced plot points for future films, such as Martian Manhunter, Lex Luthor meeting Deathstroke, and the exploration of Bruce Wayne’s Knightmare scenario.

Snyder said, “When I made the film originally, it was part of a five-part trilogy.” Snyder added, “There were two more episodes of the Justice League to be shot.”

Jay Oliva, the storyboard artist for several DCEU movies and director of the acclaimed DC animated film “Flashpoint Paradox,” revealed that Snyder’s original plan for the DCEU’s conclusion was “Flashpoint.” In Zack’s Darkseid quadrilogy or similar structure, the intention was to evolve into a ‘Justice League Unlimited’ version of the Snyderverse. Then, a ‘Flashpoint Paradox’ scenario would unfold, turning friends into enemies in a world unfit to exist. This approach would allow a universe reboot and the introduction of a new cast, as after a decade, actors would naturally move on to other projects.

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