In the world of comic book movies, few director’s names are as synonymous with a distinct vision as Zack Snyder. His 2021 re-release of Zack Snyder’s Justice League (often referred to as the “Snyder Cut”) revitalized both the director’s legacy and the narrative direction of the DCEU (DC Extended Universe). But for many fans, the story didn’t end there. Justice League: Part 2, a continuation of Snyder’s intended arc, is a subject of passionate debate and speculation. While an official release date is still uncertain, Snyder’s vision for the future of the franchise remains a tantalizing prospect.
To understand the significance of Justice League: Part 2, it’s essential to first examine the tumultuous journey of the original Justice League movie (2017). Snyder, who had directed the previous films Man of Steel (2013) and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), was initially set to helm the entire Justice League saga. However, after a family tragedy in 2017, Snyder stepped down from the project, and Joss Whedon was brought in for extensive reshoots and to complete the film.
The resulting theatrical release was a disjointed product that disappointed fans and critics alike, with many feeling that it lacked the depth and darker, more complex tone that Snyder had established in his earlier DCEU films. Fans rallied for years, demanding the release of Snyder’s original version of Justice League. Their persistence paid off in 2021, when HBO Max unveiled Zack Snyder’s Justice League, a four-hour epic that showcased Snyder’s original vision, including extended scenes, new characters, and a more intricate plot. The release was met with widespread acclaim from fans who appreciated the grittier, more mature tone and the deeper development of key characters, especially Cyborg and The Flash.
In the aftermath of the Snyder Cut’s success, fans began to wonder: What happens next? Could Justice League: Part 2 still be made? Snyder has been vocal about his plans for the DCEU, particularly in relation to his vision for a two-part Justice League story. While an official continuation has not been greenlit by Warner Bros., Snyder has hinted at the broader scope of his narrative in interviews and on social media.
One of the most significant plot points left unresolved in Zack Snyder’s Justice League was the looming threat of Darkseid. The film introduced the tyrannical ruler of Apokolips as a central antagonist, but his full power was only hinted at. Snyder’s vision for Part 2 would have escalated Darkseid’s role, with the villain launching a full-scale invasion of Earth. According to Snyder, Darkseid’s plan was to “find the Anti-Life Equation” and reshape the universe, a narrative thread that connects not only to the Justice League saga but also to the larger cosmic mythology of the DC Comics universe.
The first part of the Justice League arc established the heroes’ struggle to stop Steppenwolf, Darkseid’s lieutenant, from conquering Earth using the powerful Mother Boxes. However, Darkseid’s involvement was largely set up for the sequel, with the heroes’ victory only delaying the inevitable conflict. In Part 2, Darkseid’s army would have clashed directly with Earth’s defenders, leading to a climactic battle that could rival the final showdown in Avengers: Endgame.