Let's Go To Fly Forward: Snyderverse fans need to give James Gunn’s DCU a Chance

Warner Bros. Discovery has moved on. The Snyderverse is over. Yet, its most vocal fans refuse to let it go, clinging to hashtags and conspiracies that only drag the DC brand down. With Superman: Legacy (2025) a box office and critical success, even the most ardent Snyder supporters must confront a troublesome question:

What is the purpose of this ongoing battle, and what is the ultimate price?

A Quick Recap: The Snyder Era’s Rise and Fall

Zack Snyder undeniably crafted a bold, often divisive vision for DC, with films like Man of Steel, Batman v Superman, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League earning fervent praise for their mythic, operatic tone. For a time, it seemed DC had found its distinctive identity in darkness and slow motion.

However, over time, cracks emerged. Following the original disappointing release of Joss Whedon’s Justice League, Warner Bros. shifted its approach. A series of inconsistent films followed, leading to declining box office returns and a faltering brand.

Despite these developments, the Snyder faithful continued to demand restoration. The #RestoreTheSnyderverse movement transcended a simple hashtag, becoming a powerful force. Yet, movements must either grow or risk calcifying into echo chambers. The Snyderverse is not being suppressed; its time has passed, and a new era has now begun.

Enter James Gunn–and a New Hope for DC

James Gunn, known for his success with Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy and DC's Peacemaker and Suicide Squad, has taken the helm of DC Studios with Peter Safran. Their mission: to build a cohesive, emotionally resonant cinematic universe, starting with Superman: Legacy.

Superman: Legacy debuted to critical acclaim and audience enthusiasm, grossing a remarkable $122 million domestically in its opening weekend—one of the highest in Superman film history. Its bright, hopeful, and emotionally grounded tone was widely praised. The film even inspired a surge in dog adoptions, leading many rescue dogs to find homes. The film's sincerity mended the long-standing divisions within the DC fandom.

Gunn himself acknowledged the high stakes, stating, "There was a lot riding on this… If it came out and it’s crap, and that just sucks."

But Superman: Legacy was far from a failure; it was a success that has reignited DC's momentum. Given this triumph, why do some fans continue to hope for its downfall?

When Fandom Becomes Sabotage

As the release of Superman: Legacy approached, a disturbing trend emerged among Snyderverse fans: sabotage. Videos and posts revealed "Snyder cultists" review bombing the film online and even reserving tickets they didn't intend to use, all to harm the box office.

Threads user @idontbeatgames succinctly captured the sentiment: "Imagine hating a movie so much that you buy tickets just to make it look like a flop. You’re not a fan. You’re a saboteur."

@bentelligent further emphasized the irrationality of this behavior, noting: "You don’t get to hold a franchise hostage because you liked three movies from a guy who left years ago".

James Gunn has addressed this online negativity with remarkable poise. When a Snyder supporter threatened to leak spoilers, Gunn simply responded: "We’ll survive."

And Superman: Legacy has indeed done more than just survive—it's thriving.

What Snyder Fans Are Missing

In my previous article, Stronger Than a Bullet, Softer Than a Heartbeat, I argued that Superman’s true strength lies not in his powers, but in his humanity—his capacity for restraint, compassion, and empathy. Snyder’s portrayal, though ambitious, often overlooked this essential aspect, presenting Clark Kent as a somber, almost alien figure, more messiah than man.

James Gunn, however, grasped this missing element. His interpretation of Kal-El is defined by inner turmoil, yet also by kindness. He is imperfect, relatable, and deeply emotional, saving others because he genuinely cares. This isn't saccharine; it's quintessential Superman.

When fans insist that only Snyder's dark aesthetic is legitimate, they disregard decades of narratives that established Superman as an emblem of hope, not cynicism. They reduce the vibrant, multifaceted history of DC to a monochrome palette.

Gunn’s DCU Isn’t Just a Reboot–It’s a Reinvigoration

James Gunn is not simply recounting the tale of Kal-El. He is constructing an expansive, interconnected universe, akin to what his long-time colleague and former superior, Kevin Feige, accomplished with Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe over nearly two decades. Upcoming projects show this vision, such as.

• Peacemaker: Season 2 (August 2025)
• Lanterns, a cosmic mystery series (early 2026)
• Supergirl (2026)
• The Brave and the Bold, a new Batman narrative
• Booster Gold, Swamp Thing, Creature Commandos, and additional titles

This is not a chaotic endeavor, but a clear vision. While it contrasts with the Snyderverse in tone, it matches it in ambition. Gunn is crafting a DC universe that equally embraces myth, emotion, and the eccentric.

Why the Snyderverse Can’t–and Shouldn’t Come Back

Snyder's DC Universe ultimately proved unsustainable. It alienated casual viewers, resulted in inconsistent box office performance, and divided the fanbase. Franchises are built on profitability and broad appeal, not nostalgia.

Beyond business, it's about tone, balance, and accessibility. While Zack Snyder's Justice League can be admired as a singular epic, it wasn't a sustainable model for the future. Gunn's DCU introduces new talent and energy, with a welcoming tone. This isn't betrayal; it's evolution.

A Challenge to Snyder Fans: Be Better Fans

You supported Zack Snyder's vision, and many shared that sentiment. However, a deep appreciation for something shouldn't translate into undermining everything that follows. James Gunn's DCU merits the same initial trust that Snyder's vision received in 2013.

Consider these questions honestly:

• Did you genuinely give Superman: Legacy a fair chance?
• Did you watch the film before criticizing it online?
• Is your desire for DC as a whole to succeed, or solely for Snyder's projects?

If your allegiance rests with a director rather than the characters, the narratives, or the broader fanbase, then you've ceased to be a constructive force. Instead, you've become a contributor to DC's prior struggles.

Final Thoughts: Letting Go is How You Fly

In Stronger than a Bullet, Softer Than a Heartbeat, I explored Kal-El's remarkable ability to forgive and move forward, even when faced with pain, rejection, and misunderstanding. He doesn't dwell on the past; he rises above it.

Perhaps it's time fans embraced a similar outlook.

Zack Snyder's era had its moment; it was significant. But now, James Gunn is at the helm, and he's already shown that DC has a wealth of interesting stories yet to be told—stories filled with hope and humanity.

So, let's stop clinging to the past and instead embrace the future. Give Gunn's DCU a chance.

Sources & Further Reading:

• James Gunn Reacts to Superman Box Office Opening–YouTube
• DC Fans Divided Over Spoiler Campaigns–Threads via @idontbeatgames
• Why Gunn’s DCU Is Already Working–IGN
• Box Office Success of Superman (2025)–Superman Homepage
• My Previous Article–Stronger Than a Bullet, Softer Than a Heartbeat