Sean OConnell - Release the Snyder Cut

W hen Zack Snyder revealed HBO Maxs plan to release the Snyder Cut of Justice League, he gave this book its best possible ending. The announcement provided closure to the three-year-long fight to convince Warner Bros. to collaborate with Snyder once again. And it personally gave me a celebratory punctuation mark to place at the end of this narrative. The victory lap has been run. The story of the RTSC movement has now been told.

That wasnt always going to be the case. Prior to Snyders historic May 20, 2020, event, I wrote this book with an open-ended but optimistic finale. And at the time, I came up with an idea that Im choosing to retain, even though the story has a concrete ending. Back before the Snyder Cut announcement, I turned the books conclusion over to the people whose emotional, mental, and physical contributions made this journey possible: Zack Snyders passionate fans. The perpetual uncertainty swirling around the status of Snyders cut forced me to pivot, midproject, and make Release the Snyder Cut less about the actual movie (which we feared we might never see) and more about the people fighting for it. Why do they do it? What keeps them engaged? What have they accomplished so far? I hope the book answered those questions and raised a few more.

The last word, however, should still belong to the RTSC community. That feels right. So I asked the Release the Snyder Cut family members to send me messages theyd want Zack Snyder to read. I wanted them to have an opportunity to tell him what his films mean, what the movement means, and how both have affected them in their daily lives. They spoke from the heart. Ive amplified their voices. This is what they had to say:

Eduardo Candelaria: Thank you, Zack, for saving my life. I wouldnt be here if it wasnt for Batman v Superman. You literally gave me a reason to keep going with my life, that the brighter stars shine in the darkest nights. Thank you for inspiring me to be better, to do better. Youre a role model for me. I love you and your films. Thank you, Zack Snyder. #ReleaseTheSnyderCut.

Jack Farrelly: I dont know how to put into words how much youve changed my life. Everything you put into your work has inspired me to think deeper for everything I do. All forms of media must evolve to stay relevant and to do better, whether that involves modernizing mythology or holding a mirror to society and politics. It all adds so much more to a movie or book that some fail to realize. None of this even begins to tell you how much you inspire me, and I could go on forever. Thank you, Zack Snyder.

Julius Tora: Id like to say that Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice came at a pivotal time in my life. I was battling a mental illness diagnosed as clinical depression. And the weight of the world was crushing me beneath it. Then I saw your Supermannot lighthearted, but heavy-hearted by the world, and it clicked to me that I can be like Super-man and survive the weight of the world too. Thank you so very much. I believe in your art, and I believe in the Snyder Cut.

Jacob Sackleh: Zack Snyder. Through Batman v Superman and Man of Steel, you permanently changed the way I view these characters, the comic book film genre, and comic books as a whole. Batman v Superman is an absolute masterpiece that will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for giving so much of yourself to this arc for these characters and in turn giving me such remarkable films that only become richer and deeper every time I watch them.

Daryn Kirscht: You are the single biggest inspiration in my life and have made a significant positive impact on my life. I will be forever grateful for it. You and your films have given my life a much greater sense of meaning, understanding, and importance. Your films, particularly Man of Steel and BvS, have completely altered and enhanced the way I view filmsthank heavens! To you and your amazing cast and crew, I say: Thank you for giving me and the rest of your fans an ideal to strive toward and, for the record, #ReleaseTheSnyderCut.

Eric Blake: Mr. Snyder, its truly been an honor to take part in all these efforts to help ensure that youll be able to see your vision through. As it stands, your Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Ultimate Edition have both filled me with a deep passion and interest for these comic characters I didnt have before. Your works have opened my mind to new horizonsand to that end, I wish to do whatever it takes to help ensure that you will reach the horizons once denied you, yourself. Thank you so much, sir, for doing what you do. Heres to the release of your Justice Leagueand God willing, your Justice League 2, and beyond.

Sam Martin: Thank you for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. When I could no longer cope in this new world, this film gave me back hope and control again. I fight for the Snyder Cut because you fought for me, and I want to feel that light again.

Richard Lynn: I remember sitting in the movie theater watching Zack Snyders Watchmen back in 2009 in Manhattan. I loved everything about it and had never seen a comic book come to life quite like this. The colors, characters, and imagery. I remember walking out of the theater thinking Zack Snyder needs to do Justice League. Years later (especially after MOS and BVS), I still think he needs to do Justice League. #ReleaseTheSnyderCut.

Thomas Gemmell: I like all superhero and comic book movies, but many of them are about the humans dealing with their skills or powers. Lacking superpowers, I cant relate, although I can enjoy the thrill ride. Man of Steel and Batman v Superman are thrill rides which are really about characters struggling with mortality, love, family, friendship, identity, regrets, loss, grief, and the battle to be better. In short, they are about what its like to live life as a human. I can relate to that. Thanks, Zack.

Kyle Ericksen: I knew Zack was something special and unique when I walked out of that theater the FIRST of many times seeing Dawn then 300 came along and flipped my world upside down in the best way possible, and I never looked at movies the same after that. Thank you again Zack for your out-of-this-world filmmaking style and movies.

Keith Davis: Zack, your interpretations of my childhood-favorite DC characters have been amazing (as the theatrical release of JL shouldve been). Awaiting the release of Zack Snyders JL has truly been one of my superhero-lifes passions. When Im finally able to see it, it will be one of the milestones of my superhero life. Many thanks to you for making my super-hero dreams come true. Good luck to you with this and all future endeavors. Be safe and be well.

Scott McClellan: While I talked elsewhere about how much I appreciate your movies artistically and how theyve inspired me creatively in podcasting, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for providing me countless opportunities to spend quality father/son time with my dad. We saw 300 together for our first time. I took him to see Watchmen in theatres and used that as an opportunity to inspire him to read the graphic novel. But it was seeing the Thursday night previews for both Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice that have led to countless conversations between us over the years. Thank you for that. As Ive gotten older, seeing movies with my dad have not been as frequent as they once were, but thanks to you and your movies, I will also have some special times with him to cherish.

Matt Morris: Zack, no one can imagine what you and Debbie have gone through over the years, but as you already know, the community is 100% behind you guys. We love you and hope to one day see your vision for the DCEU come to light. I want the Anti-Life Equation. I want Darkseid. I want Jonn Jonnzz, the Green Lantern, and everything else you had planned that was robbed from us. All the best in your future endeavors and, as always, #ReleaseTheSnyderCut.