Zack Snyder’s Relentless Pursuit: The Justice League Cut Saga

Few film releases have sparked as much global chatter as Zack Snyder’s take on Justice League. While the world watched the campaign unfold, not many realised just how much effort went on behind closed doors. Composer Tom Holkenborg, who worked closely with Snyder, recently shared a glimpse into the intense nine-month grind that defined the project. According to Holkenborg, the pressure was immense, with both he and Snyder feeling the weight of expectation from fans everywhere.

Unyielding Standards and Relentless Work

Holkenborg described the process as a test of endurance, with Snyder constantly questioning every detail.

So when this project got greenlit, there was massive pressure on Zack to deliver the real deal. And there was massive pressure on my shoulders as well. Like “you better step it up because, you know, the fans are now waiting for us.” So we both had to turn our bodies inside out to find the best we had, which meant that Zack had to look at the cuts that he had and figure out what could be better. “Can that be better? Can this be longer, or should it be shorter?” Feeling like a maniac. He was working on that for nine months.

The result was a version of the film that, upon its release on HBO Max, left punters genuinely surprised by its quality and scope. The Snyder Cut quickly became a standout in the superhero genre.

Refusing to Compromise on Vision

For years, fans and even some big-name directors pushed for Snyder’s version to see the light of day. It turns out, Snyder himself was just as determined to stick to his guns. During a panel at JusticeCon 2020, he made it clear that he wouldn’t have released anything that didn’t match his vision.

I would destroy the movie, I would set it on fire, before I would use a single frame that I did not photograph [in my version]. That is a f*cking hard fact. I literally would blow that thing up, if I thought for a second…Anything you see in this movie that reminds you of the theatrical release — which again, famously, I literally have never seen — would be because that was a thing that I had done, and was being borrowed for whatever, that Frankenstein’s monster that you got in the theater.

That level of commitment is rare, and it’s no wonder the final product felt so different from the earlier 2017 release, which Snyder himself didn’t hold in high regard.

A Cultural Moment That United Fans

The road to the Snyder Cut was anything but smooth. The campaign to get it released became a worldwide movement, with fans from all corners rallying together. The buzz around the film crossed borders and languages, showing just how much people cared about the DCEU and Snyder’s vision. Even other major productions, like 2023’s Barbie, couldn’t resist taking the mickey out of the whole saga, a nod to just how much it had seeped into pop culture.

What really stood out was the way the community came together. Their shared passion made what seemed impossible a reality, turning the Snyder Cut into a genuine pop culture milestone. The film’s impact went beyond the screen, inspiring fans and filmmakers alike.

Key Details and Lasting Impact

Here’s a quick look at the essentials: Zack Snyder’s Justice League features a cast including Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Ray Fisher, Jason Momoa, and Ezra Miller. The film scored 71% and 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, though box office numbers aren’t available. It’s now streaming on HBO Max in the US.

What did you reckon about Snyder’s version? Let us know your thoughts. Zack Snyder’s Justice League is available to stream now.