The Snyderverse, consisting of Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League, remains a divisive era in superhero filmmaking due to rushed storytelling and excessive world-building. Now, with James Gunn DCU reboot underway, the new leadership aims to restore unused Snyderverse characters by focusing on a character-driven, paced universe that allows heroes to grow authentically.
A New Direction for the DC Universe
Following the decline of the DC Extended Universe that descended after the Snyderverse, James Gunn and Peter Safran are reshaping the DCU with a fresh strategy that values character development over franchise spectacle. This reorientation slows down the narrative timeline, enabling standalone stories to mature independently and ensuring the eventual formation of the Justice League feels natural rather than forced. The approach is already evident in the recent Superman film, which introduced David Corenswet as Clark Kent alongside notable performances by Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor and Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen. Additionally, the forthcoming Mister Miracle series will set the stage for Darkseid to emerge as a formidable cosmic villain before directly confronting Earth’s heroes. As the DCU grows, it intends to breathe new life into Snyderverse figures left underdeveloped or squandered.
Deathstroke’s Untapped Potential
Perhaps one of the most glaring examples of squandered promise in the Snyderverse is Joe Manganiello’s Deathstroke. Introduced merely in a post-credits scene in Justice League, where he conversed with Jesse Eisenberg‘s Lex Luthor about assembling their own league, Deathstroke’s strong visual design did not translate into meaningful screen presence or combat displays. The character’s depth as an elite military tactician remained unexplored, especially after the cancellation of Ben Affleck’s planned Batman film that would have cast Slade Wilson as a key antagonist. Another lost opportunity came when a Deathstroke solo film, intended to be directed by Gareth Evans, was shelved. In the DCU’s new framework, Deathstroke is expected to transcend minor roles or teasers, assuming a central part as a lethal assassin who presents a profound physical and psychological threat to the Bat-family. Fortunately, the current production of a Deathstroke and Bane movie offers a chance to redeem the character.
Overlooked Depth of Martian Manhunter
Harry Lennix’s Martian Manhunter was mostly concealed behind the facade of General Swanwick throughout the Snyderverse, a choice that inadvertently marginalized the character’s importance. Although Zack Snyder’s director’s cut attempted to retroactively explain the alien’s presence, the reveal lacked the emotional resonance that a proper introduction would provide. As a foundational member of the Justice League, J’onn J’onzz was noticeably absent from major conflicts like the battle against Steppenwolf or the Kryptonian invasion. This sidelining eliminated opportunities to explore his loneliness as the last survivor of his race and his role as a telepathic bridge between Earth and the cosmos. The fleeting interaction where he disguised himself as Lois Lane further diminished his potential for genuine connection. The reboot should treat Martian Manhunter with the gravity he deserves, highlighting his tragic backstory to serve as the empathetic heart of the DCU.
The Problematic Portrayal of Barry Allen
Ezra Miller’s iteration of Barry Allen gave the Flash a considerable presence in the Snyderverse and his standalone film, yet the character’s portrayal strayed from the respectful, mature forensic scientist that fans expect. The Flash was often reduced to awkward comic relief with hyperactive energy that wore thin as the franchise progressed. The 2023 Flash movie aimed to delve deeper into Barry’s emotional struggles through its Flashpoint storyline but was hampered by inconsistent tone and technical issues. The reckless humor undercut the moments of genuine grief and growth. For the DCU to succeed, it must present a Flash who balances youthful enthusiasm with a heroic spirit and responsible leadership, embodying the title of the Fastest Man Alive without slipping into caricature.
Doomsday’s Misused Threat
Doomsday’s appearance in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice stands out as a regrettable narrative shortcut, where one of Superman’s deadliest foes was reduced to little more than a disposable monster in the climactic fight. In the comics, Doomsday’s arrival marks a cataclysmic event requiring desperate struggle, but the film used him simply as a quick means to kill Superman. Furthermore, the film’s depiction of General Zod, played by Michael Shannon, stripped the villain of his usual depth and cunning, presenting him as a mindless, grey monster with no clear motivations. This downplaying of major antagonists prevented them from becoming persistent, overarching threats within the story world. The new DCU has the opportunity to restore Doomsday as a conscious, terrifying force with mystical connections to Kryptonian biology and to craft more enduring villains that haunt the universe’s heroes.
Jared Leto’s Joker: A Missed Opportunity
Among the Snyderverse characters, Jared Leto’s Joker is widely seen as the most underwhelming due to controversial styling and lack of narrative foundation. Instead of the iconic arch-nemesis whose philosophical conflict with Batman defines Gotham’s dark core, this version appeared as a tattooed crime boss or a post-apocalyptic survivor, neither of which captured the character’s essence. The Joker’s role was fragmented, with no full confrontation against Bruce Wayne, leaving a significant void in the Gotham saga. Despite various Joker portrayals in films and television since then, the character remains Batman’s greatest adversary. James Gunn’s DCU presents a critical moment to return the Joker to his traditional roots, focusing on the psychological tension and theatrical flair that have made him one of fiction’s most chilling villains.
The Significance of Reimagining Snyderverse Characters
The Snyderverse’s approach delivered distinctive visuals but ultimately failed to develop key characters in ways that resonated with broader audiences, often relegating beloved heroes and villains to cameo appearances or incomplete arcs. James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DCU reboot intends to shift away from hastily constructed global events toward a more deliberate, character-focused narrative that offers meaningful growth and redemption. By prioritizing depth and emotional complexity, the new DCU has the potential to revitalize figures like Deathstroke, Martian Manhunter, Barry Allen, Doomsday, and the Joker, ensuring they receive the nuanced portrayals fans have long awaited. This reboot strategy could heal the frustrations and confusion left by the Snyderverse, promising a more cohesive and compelling future for DC Comics’ cinematic universe.
