Zack Snyder's Superman Posts: Cavill vs. Corenswet & Snyderverse Future

Director Zack Snyder's recent Instagram debut brought a nostalgic wave of never-before-seen photos of Henry Cavill's Superman and Joe Manganiello's Deathstroke, sending DC fans into a passionate discussion about the past and future of the DC Universe.

TL;DR

Zack Snyder recently joined Instagram and shared exclusive behind-the-scenes photos of Henry Cavill as Superman and Joe Manganiello as Deathstroke.
These posts instantly sparked renewed calls from #SnyderVerse fans to see a continuation of his vision, despite the new DCU being well underway.
While fan reactions are divided, Snyder himself has reportedly been supportive of James Gunn's DCU, focusing his own future efforts on other projects like "The Last Photograph."

Zack Snyder's Instagram Debut Stirs the DC Fandom Pot

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Well, if you've been on social media at all recently, especially if you follow anything related to DC Comics or movies, you've probably seen the buzz! Director Zack Snyder, known for kicking off the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) with his distinctive vision, has finally joined Instagram. And let's just say, he wasted no time making an impact.

Just three weeks into his Instagram journey, Snyder dropped a photo that instantly became a hot topic: a moody, black-and-white image of Henry Cavill suited up as Superman from the set of 2016's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The caption? Short, sweet, and to the point: "Henry Cavill is Superman." Oh, and he also gave us a cool shot of Joe Manganiello as Deathstroke, a character many felt was short-changed in the original DCEU plans.

“Henry Cavill is Superman. From BvS shot with my monochrome 50mm Noctilux. 3 weeks on Instagram thanks to everyone.”

— Zack Snyder on his Instagram post featuring Henry Cavill

The Posts That Sparked a Million Conversations and Fan Hopes

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These aren't just any old behind-the-scenes photos. Snyder, a known photography enthusiast, highlighted his choice of equipment, mentioning he shot the Superman pic with his "monochrome 50mm Noctilux" and the Deathstroke one with his "Leica monochrome and my modified 50mm dream lens." This attention to detail, combined with the raw, unseen nature of the images, gave fans a fresh look at the world Snyder had built.

For many "Snyderverse" loyalists, these posts were more than just nostalgia; they were a rallying cry. It felt like a direct affirmation from the director himself about who he believes is the definitive Man of Steel. This, understandably, sent shockwaves across social media, leading to a passionate resurgence of the #RestoreTheSnyderVerse and #SellSnyderVerseToNetflix movements.

Snyder's DC Legacy: From "Man of Steel" to "Justice League"

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Let's take a quick trip down memory lane. Zack Snyder's journey with DC began in 2013 with Man of Steel, introducing Henry Cavill as Superman and laying the groundwork for the DCEU. He followed that up with the epic Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016, which famously brought Ben Affleck's Batman into the fold. Then came Justice League in 2017, a film that faced significant behind-the-scenes challenges, leading to a theatrical cut that diverged from Snyder's original vision.

However, thanks to persistent fan campaigns, we eventually received Zack Snyder's Justice League in 2021 on HBO Max, a four-hour epic that delivered his complete artistic vision. While that was a huge win for fans, the DCEU officially wrapped up in 2023 with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, paving the way for a whole new era.

A New Era: James Gunn's DCU and David Corenswet as Superman

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Fast forward to today, and we're seeing the dawn of a completely new DC Universe, spearheaded by James Gunn and Peter Safran as co-CEOs of DC Studios. Their ambitious slate kicked off with Creature Commandos, and perhaps most notably, features David Corenswet stepping into the iconic red and blue suit as the new Superman in Gunn's highly anticipated Superman movie, which hit theaters just a few months ago in 2025 and has already been a commercial and critical success.

Snyder's "Henry Cavill is Superman" declaration comes at an interesting time, highlighting the ongoing, often heated, debate within the fandom. On one side, you have the unwavering fans who believe Cavill embodied the hero perfectly and want to see Snyder's original saga continue. On the other, you have those embracing the new direction, excited for Corenswet's fresh take on the Last Son of Krypton. And let's be honest, there are still plenty of fans who hold Christopher Reeve's classic portrayal as the gold standard!

Beyond the Fan Wars: What Snyder and Gunn Are Really Saying

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It's easy to look at Snyder's posts and think he's throwing shade at the new DCU. However, the reality seems to be a lot more collaborative and respectful than the internet debates suggest. Snyder himself has publicly expressed support for James Gunn's new vision, even stating that he's "excited for the DCU" as long as the characters are treated "with reverence, and mythologically correct." Gunn has confirmed this mutual respect, revealing that Snyder has "texted me" and "been incredibly supportive throughout this process."

James Gunn has also been vocal about his choice for the new Man of Steel, praising David Corenswet not just for his acting, but for his genuine character. Gunn mentioned in an interview that Corenswet "treated everyone with kindness and respect" on set, reflecting the very essence of Superman. He even humorously noted Corenswet's "nerdiness" and love for "old jazz standards," suggesting he's a "simple man in complicated times," much like Clark Kent himself.

The #SnyderVerse Movement: Hopes, Rumors, and Netflix Dreams

Despite the official end of the DCEU and the launch of the new DCU, the Snyderverse faithful remain a force to be reckoned with online. They've consistently rallied under hashtags like #RestoreTheSnyderVerse, advocating for Warner Bros. to sell the rights to Snyder's continuity, with Netflix often suggested as a potential platform for its continuation.

Recent industry whispers about Netflix or Paramount potentially acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery have only fueled these hopes, with fans dreaming that a change in ownership could somehow pave the way for a Justice League 2 or even a Ben Affleck Batman movie in Snyder's style. However, official statements from studio leadership have consistently indicated that all parties involved, including Snyder himself, have "moved on" from the original DCEU saga. While Snyder has expressed a willingness to return to DC specifically for an adaptation of Frank Miller's iconic graphic novel, The Dark Knight Returns, which would ideally reunite Ben Affleck's Batman and Henry Cavill's Superman in older roles, this remains a hypothetical "what if" rather than a concrete plan.

Where to Catch the Man of Steel (and the Rest of Snyder's DC Heroes)

If all this talk has you wanting to revisit Henry Cavill's Superman or Ben Affleck's Batman, you're in luck! The entire run of Zack Snyder's DCEU films, along with other DC legacy titles, are readily available to stream. Your go-to spot for all of this heroic action is HBO Max.

On HBO Max, you can dive back into the foundational film, 2013's Man of Steel, witness the epic clash and uneasy alliance in 2016's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and experience the director's ultimate vision with 2021's Zack Snyder's Justice League. Subscriptions for HBO Max start from $9.99 a month (Basic With Ads), offering thousands of movies, shows, and documentaries to explore.

Key Snyder-Era DC Films Available on HBO Max:

Man of Steel (2013)
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
Wonder Woman (2017) - Snyder co-wrote the story

Snyder's Next Chapter: Beyond the DC Universe

While his DC legacy continues to be a hot topic, Zack Snyder hasn't been idle. He's moved on to several exciting new projects, often with Netflix. You've likely seen his space opera saga, the Rebel Moon films, and his zombie-heist flick, Army of the Dead, both available on the streaming platform. He's also got an animated series called Twilight of the Gods in the works for Netflix.

Currently, Snyder is deeply involved with a long-gestating passion project: a drama film titled The Last Photograph. This movie will follow an ex-DEA operative on a journey to South America to find his missing niece, with a screenplay co-written by Kurt Johnstad (who worked with Snyder on 300 and Rebel Moon). No release date has been announced yet, but it's clear Snyder's creative drive extends far beyond superheroes.

Meanwhile, the new DCU is also busy building its future. Following the success of James Gunn's Superman, fans can look forward to upcoming projects like Lanterns, Supergirl, and Clayface, all expected to premiere in 2026, though firm release dates are still under wraps. It's an exciting time for DC fans, whether they're looking back at the Snyderverse or forward to the new DCU!

Frequently Asked Questions About Zack Snyder, Superman, and the DC Universe

Is Henry Cavill still Superman in the main DC Universe?

No, Henry Cavill is not currently playing Superman in the new DC Universe (DCU) being developed by James Gunn and Peter Safran. David Corenswet has been cast as the new Man of Steel for Gunn's film, which premiered in 2025.

Where can I watch Zack Snyder's DC movies with Henry Cavill?

You can stream Zack Snyder's DC films, including Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Zack Snyder's Justice League, on HBO Max.

What is the new DCU and how is it different from the DCEU?

The new DCU (DC Universe) is a rebooted shared cinematic and television universe for DC Comics characters, headed by James Gunn and Peter Safran. It officially started with Creature Commandos and features new casting for iconic roles like Superman (David Corenswet). This is distinct from the previous DC Extended Universe (DCEU) that Zack Snyder initiated with Man of Steel and concluded in 2023.

Is Zack Snyder returning to direct any future DC projects?

While Zack Snyder has been publicly supportive of the new DCU, he has stated that he and the previous cast have "moved on" from the Snyderverse. He has, however, mentioned that if he were to return to DC, it would only be to adapt Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns graphic novel. Currently, he is focused on other projects outside of DC.

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