The creative force behind the DCEU could be gone for good

Snyder isn’t completely done with the DCEU, and will apparently receive a producer’s credit for future movies, but his days as the main force leading the universe are likely over. Which also means Snyder’s creative aesthetic present in Man of Steel, Batman v. Superman, Suicide Squad and Justice League will also take a back seat.

Snyder’s slow separation from the DCEU began earlier this year when he stepped way from Justice League due to a family tragedy. The latest report essentially removes him from the driver’s seat, and will see him replaced by DC Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns. Johns will reportedly work closely with Joss Whedon, who is handling the Justice League reshoots and will direct Batgirl, Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins, The Batman director Matt Reeves and Aquaman director James Wan will also reportedly stick around.

The report also cites the success of Wonder Woman as playing a role in the shift away from Snyder’s vision. His darker aesthetic never truly connected with fans, while Wonder Woman’s more hopeful outlook was universally praised by fans and critics. High ranking studio officials may have felt that it was best to build off the momentum created by Wonder Woman rather than the rejected tone Snyder favored.

Amidst the shuffling seems to be the exclusion of Suicide Squad director David Ayers. His first go-around in the DCEU proved to be financially successful but was ravaged by critics. He was reportedly in talks to direct Gotham City Sirens, featuring the return of Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, but those plans may now be scrapped.

As the direction of the DCEU continues to shift, it’ll be interesting to see where exactly it goes. With Snyder taking a back seat, it wouldn’t be too surprising to see Whedon become the main force within the DCEU given his experience leading the Marvel Cinematic Universe through its first two phases.

Still, it’s a sad occasion if Zack Snyder does indeed see his role diminished, as he played a big part in developing the DCEU. His take on Superman and Batman proved to be quite divisive, but it can’t be said that his movies weren’t inventive or successful.

Snyder’s latest and possible last DCEU project as a director, Justice League, will hit theaters November 17.