Fabled ‘Snyder Cut’ of ‘Justice League’ to be released

NEW YORK — For several years, the slogan “Release the Snyder Cut” has reverberated online as a rallying cry both genuine and ironic — a “Vive la revolution” for comic book movie fans. On Wednesday, they finally got their wish.

Warner Bros. Pictures announced that a director’s cut of Zack Snyder’s 2017’s DC Comics film “Justice League” will next year debut on the streaming service HBO Max. Snyder first announced the news himself in a live video conference commentary for his Superman film “Man of Steel.”

The so-called #ReleaseTheSnyderCut movement began around the release of “Justice League,” a movie that Snyder directed but was replaced in post-production by Joss Whedon. The “Avengers” director, who was credited as co-writer, oversaw extensive reshoots, editing and visual effects.

By then, Snyder’s stewardship of the DC Comics films had drawn much criticism; his previous film “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” rated 28 percent fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. But some fans remained loyal, even as Warner Bros. reshuffled their approach to DC films.

At the time of his departure, Warner Bros. said Snyder was stepping away to be with his family. Snyder remained the sole credited director of “Justice League” and it was likewise panned by critics (40 percent fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) and considered a disappointment by most fans. But some have maintained that Snyder’s vision of the film would have been better.

“Since I got here 14 months ago, the chant to #ReleaseTheSnyderCut has been a daily drumbeat in our offices and inboxes. Well, the fans have asked, and we are thrilled to finally deliver,” said Robert Greenblatt, chairman of Warner Media Entertainment, in a statement.