In the wake of a tremendous family tragedy, of course Zack and Deborah Snyder have taken a step back from DC Films. Soon after their tragedy this past May, Mr Snyder and Warners asked Joss Whedon to take the helm on Justice League. Ms Snyder, Zack’s wife and producing partner also stepped back from Justice League, though with less publicity. The Snyders naturally need some time to come to come to grips with their new situation and heal emotionally. When they are ready to work again, they’ll probably want to work on some smaller, more personal projects. A statement a from Warner Bros. suggests that Zack and Deborah will still have seats at the DC Films table.
“The Snyders remain an important part of the Warner Bros. family and are actively involved in several upcoming DC pictures, including their continued creative input on Justice League. We are excited about our partnership and look forward to our continued collaboration.”
–Toby Emmerich, Pres. of Warner Bros. Pictures Group
Meanwhile, Warners may be putting together a new team to chart the future of the DC Expanded Universe (DCEU). Some websites have speculated that Geoff Johns, Patty Jenkins, Joss Whedon and others may form a new brain trust to guide the DCEU.
All of that said, until Warners or DC Films issue a press release or an executive makes a statement, there’s no there there. Besides, until something gets reported in Variety or The Hollywood Reporter, it hasn’t happend in Hollywood. Without Variety, or THR publishing it, it’s like a tree falling in the woods with no one there to hear. Did it make a sound? Did it even happen? And the trades have reported none of this speculation about Joss Whedon’s expanded role at DC Films or Zack and Deborah Snyder’s diminished role. So, at this point, it’s all just gossip.
There’s much ado. The Snyders lost a child earlier this year. Losing a child is a tragedy few can even think about, let alone really understand. They’re taking time off to heal. Comic and scifi mastermind Joss Whedon has stepped up to ensure Justice League is the smash success fans want. Warners are backing him on reshoots and post production to the tune of $25 Million. And that’s the way it was.
