Zack Snyder‘s work has always walked a tightrope between adoration and criticism – and earning both in droves – due to the polarizing nature of his cinematic endeavors. That being said, fans can sometimes take things a little too seriously, a point that Zack felt the need to highlight.
During his interview on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Snyder mentioned how he struggles to fathom the personal animosity, saying, “Hate me? For a movie?” We can understand why Snyder would be baffled by the intensity of the backlash that extends beyond his cinematic creations to the creator himself.
Given how superhero stories have become a big part of pop culture these days, Snyder’s work takes on a sanctity to some fans, which results in reactions akin to religious fervor. “It’s not just a movie… it’s a lifestyle, a religion,” Snyder stated, acknowledging the deep-seated passion fans hold for these larger-than-life figures.
Although the American filmmaker understands the devotion of fans that transcends mere spectatorship, he finds their inability to separate fiction from reality confusing. Some of the biggest fandoms in the world come from films, specifically those in the superhero genre.
Unfortunately, a (hopefully) small section of these fans often exhibit toxic traits that paint the entire fandom in a bad light. Back in 2021, Wyatt Russell received death threats from toxic fans who were outraged by his role as John Walker in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier.
After temporarily taking on the mantle of Captain America and tarnishing the superhero’s iconic name by murdering an innocent character, several ‘fans’ harassed the actor online to the extent that he left social media entirely. Snyder has not faced such attacks, but he’s had his fair share of personal abuses levied against him.
Despite all this, Snyder can’t seem to stop provoking fans. In the same podcast, the Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice director addressed concerns over his take on Batman in the DCEU, declaring that Batman being unable to kill makes him “irrelevant.” Of course, there’s more context to this, but to give such an unpopular opinion on a character as beloved as Batman is to invite the wrath of DC fans.
His latest venture, Rebel Moon, wasn’t well received by critics or audiences, and its sequel, Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver, doesn’t look like it will fare any better. Zack can only hope that fans will be able to make a clear distinction between the art and the artist.
