A simple social media post from Netflix France featuring Henry Cavill's Superman has sent DC fans into a frenzy, especially with major reports swirling that Warner Bros. Discovery is looking to sell. Could the #Snyderverse truly be restored?
TL;DR: Quick Takes on the Snyderverse Buzz
- Netflix France posted a viral image of Henry Cavill's Superman from Black Adam, reigniting fan calls to #RestoreTheSnyderVerse.
- Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is reportedly exploring a sale, with Netflix, Comcast, and Paramount Skydance showing interest.
- While a sale could make a Snyderverse return possible, Netflix has previously stated challenges in acquiring IP it doesn't own, and James Gunn's new DCU is already in motion.
Alright, DC fans, buckle up! You know how passionate the #SnyderVerse community is, right? Well, things just got even more intense. Recently, Netflix France dropped a seemingly innocent post on X (formerly Twitter) featuring Henry Cavill's iconic Superman going head-to-head with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's Black Adam. The caption? A simple, yet loaded question: "1 vs 1, who wins?"
What followed was an absolute explosion of fan excitement. This wasn't just about promoting Black Adam finally landing on Netflix in France; it quickly morphed into a renewed, massive campaign from fans demanding the return of Zack Snyder's DC universe. Hashtags like #RestoreTheSnyderVerse, #SellSnyderVerseToNetflix, and #HenryCavillSuperman immediately started trending, with fans dreaming big about what this post could possibly mean. It’s a classic example of how a single image can spark a wildfire of hope and speculation.
Warner Bros. Discovery on the Auction Block: What's the Latest on a Potential Sale?
This isn't just a random social media moment. The timing of Netflix's post is incredibly significant because it coincides with some truly massive news in Hollywood: Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), the parent company that owns DC Studios, is reportedly up for sale. According to reports from Bloomberg and The Hollywood Reporter, WBD has received "unsolicited interest" from "multiple parties" looking to acquire the media giant.
Who's in the running for this colossal acquisition? Well, the big names being tossed around include Netflix, Comcast, Paramount Skydance, and even tech titans like Amazon and Apple. Paramount Skydance apparently even made a formal offer, initially at $20 a share, then a reported $24 per share, but WBD declined, deeming it "too low." WBD later confirmed that its board of directors "initiated a review of strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value," which is basically corporate speak for, "Yeah, we're open to selling."
This potential sale is huge because if Netflix, or any other company, were to buy WBD, they would gain access to DC's entire movie and TV property library. And that, dear readers, is why Snyderverse fans are buzzing like crazy. Imagine Netflix, a platform where Zack Snyder already has an overall deal, suddenly owning the very IP that currently sits with James Gunn's new DC Universe plans.
Zack Snyder's Netflix Home: Exploring the Director's Current Relationship with the Streamer
It's no secret that Zack Snyder has found a creative home at Netflix since his departure from DC. He's been busy developing big franchises like Army of the Dead and Rebel Moon for the streamer. He also has upcoming projects like the war drama The Last Photograph and the UFC flick Brawler in the pipeline. This existing relationship is a huge part of why fans are so keen on the #SellSnyderVerseToNetflix campaign – there's a clear connection there.
Back in 2024, Scott Stuber, who was Netflix's Head of Films at the time, even addressed the possibility of bringing the Snyderverse to the platform. While he tempered expectations by stating, "That's always tricky because you don't own it," he also made it clear that Netflix has a positive view of the director, adding, "The more Zack we have, the better we are." This indicates that if the "ownership" hurdle were removed – say, by Netflix buying WBD – the desire to collaborate with Snyder is certainly there.
"That's always tricky because you don't own it... The more Zack we have, the better we are."
— Scott Stuber, Former Netflix Head of Films (2024)
The Journey So Far: A Brief History of the DCEU and Snyder's Vision
To understand the current fervor, it's worth a quick recap of how we got here. Zack Snyder kicked off what would become the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) with 2013's Man of Steel, introducing Henry Cavill as Superman. He followed it up with 2016's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, a film that divided critics and audiences but further cemented his unique, darker vision for the DC pantheon.
The original plan was for a grand Justice League trilogy, but things went sideways during the production of the first Justice League film. Snyder had to step away due to a personal tragedy, and Joss Whedon took over, making significant changes that resulted in a widely panned 2017 theatrical release. This led to years of fan campaigning, ultimately resulting in the release of Zack Snyder's Justice League on HBO Max in 2021, which finally showcased Snyder's intended vision.
After the Whedon cut, Henry Cavill's Superman was largely sidelined for five years. His surprise return in the post-credits scene of 2022's Black Adam (filmed just a month before the movie's release) offered a glimmer of hope for fans. However, those plans were quickly scuttled when James Gunn and Peter Safran took the reins of DC Studios, announcing a full reboot with David Corenswet cast as the new Superman.
Could We Really See a Snyderverse Revival, or Is It Still Just a Dream?
Now for the million-dollar question: could Netflix buying WBD actually #RestoreTheSnyderVerse? While the idea is electrifying for many fans, it's also important to manage expectations.
Firstly, the Netflix France post, while powerful in its effect, was likely a marketing move to promote Black Adam's streaming availability in that region. It probably wasn't a secret signal from Netflix's top brass about future DC plans. Major corporate decisions like acquiring WBD would come from much higher up than an international social media account.
Secondly, even if Netflix does acquire WBD, it doesn't automatically mean they'd reverse course on James Gunn's carefully laid-out DC Universe plans. Gunn's DCU has a 10-year plan in motion, with new casting already announced (like David Corenswet as Superman). A new owner would likely be hesitant to disrupt a new, strategic creative direction, especially if Gunn's initial projects prove successful.
However, there are a few glimmers of possibility. Zack Snyder himself has previously expressed a willingness to finish his Justice League trilogy plans in an animated format. This could be a brilliant way for the Snyderverse to co-exist with Gunn's live-action DCU, offering fans an epic conclusion without clashing with the new continuity. DC has a rich history of standalone animated movies, so this wouldn't be unprecedented.
There are also insider whispers that Snyder might be open to returning to DC specifically to adapt The Dark Knight Returns, Frank Miller and Klaus Janson's classic story featuring an older Batman and Superman. This could potentially bring back fan-favorites like Ben Affleck's Batman and Henry Cavill's Superman for a final, self-contained send-off. But, these are currently just rumors circulating in certain fan circles and not officially confirmed plans.
The Unyielding Fan Passion for Snyder's DC Vision
The sheer volume and intensity of the fan campaign for the Snyderverse prove that Zack Snyder's unique vision for DC characters, particularly Henry Cavill's Superman and Ben Affleck's Batman, continues to resonate deeply with a dedicated global audience. From intricate theories to relentless social media pushes, these fans have shown incredible loyalty and a strong desire to see Snyder's original saga completed.
This passion isn't just about nostalgia; it's about connecting with a specific artistic take on these iconic heroes. The release of Zack Snyder's Justice League in 2021 was a testament to the power of fan voices, showing that sometimes, against all odds, a director's original vision can indeed see the light of day. This historical success fuels the current optimism that, perhaps, with the right corporate maneuvering, anything is possible.
What's Next for DC's Cinematic Future? The Road Ahead is UnclearSo, where does this leave us? The potential sale of Warner Bros. Discovery is still in its early stages. There's no guarantee Netflix will be the buyer, nor is there any official word on what a new owner would do with the DC IP. Netflix boss Ted Sarandos even sidestepped direct questions about buying WBD, stating, "Nothing is a must for us to meet our goals that we have for this business."
For now, James Gunn's DCU is moving forward, and unless it significantly underperforms, a new owner might choose not to interfere with a new creative direction. However, the possibility of a Snyderverse return, perhaps in an animated or standalone capacity, remains a tantalizing "what if" for millions of fans. The conversation continues, and as long as posts like Netflix's stir the pot, the dream of #RestoreTheSnyderVerse will keep flying high.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Snyderverse & Netflix When did Henry Cavill last appear as Superman? Henry Cavill last appeared as Superman in the post-credits scene of the 2022 film Black Adam, which premiered in September 2022. Has Netflix officially commented on buying Warner Bros. Discovery? Netflix's leadership, including CEO Ted Sarandos, has generally dodged direct questions about acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery, stating that no such acquisition is "a must" for their business goals, but they haven't explicitly ruled it out either. What is James Gunn's role in the DC Universe currently? James Gunn, alongside Peter Safran, is the co-CEO of DC Studios. They are currently spearheading a complete reboot of the DC Universe (DCU), with new films, TV shows, and casting for iconic characters like Superman already announced. Could Zack Snyder's Justice League sequels be animated? Zack Snyder has previously mentioned that he would be open to finishing his Justice League trilogy plans in an animated format. This idea is popular among fans as a way for the Snyderverse to potentially continue without conflicting with the new live-action DCU. Sources- ScreenRant - Netflix Is Reportedly Interested In A Major Studio
- ScreenRant - Netflix's Former Movie Executive Already Addressed The Snyderverse's Return Chances
- ScreenRant - Amid Warner Bros. Sale Reports, Netflix Ignites Snyderverse Return Hopes With Henry Cavill Superman Post
- Yahoo News - Netflix’s Black Adam Movie Post Reignites SnyderVerse Hope
- UNILAD - Could Netflix buy Warner Bros. Discovery and restore the Snyderverse?
- Cosmic Book News - Netflix Teases Black Adam vs Superman – SnyderVerse Fans Go Wild
- FandomWire - Netflix Teases Henry Cavill's Superman Cameo, Sends #RestoreTheSnyderVerse Fans Into Meltdown With WBD Sale Rumors
- Bloomberg - Warner Bros. Discovery Receives Unsolicited Acquisition Interest (mentioned in articles)
- The Hollywood Reporter - Warner Bros. Discovery Board Reviewing “Strategic Alternatives” After Receiving “Unsolicited Interest” (mentioned in articles)