2 Zack Snyder Movies David Ayer Claims Were "Unfairly Maligned"

David Ayer, the director of movies like Suicide Squad and Fury, recently expressed his support for Zack Snyder’s superhero films, Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, on X. Despite being financially successful, these movies received mixed reviews from critics and continue to cause some fan controversy. However, Ayer believes they were unfairly maligned from the get-go.

When they were first released, Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice both drew harsh criticism. Even while they undoubtedly have supporters, unfavorable reviews are a complicated subject with several underlying causes. Even though these films were among the best the DCEU has ever made, they were criticized for being stereotypical from the beginning and got mixed reviews when they were released.

Also read: Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice: Why It’s Better Then You Remember

David Ayer Stands Up for Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel and Batman v Superman

In a recent X thread, director David Ayer took a stand in defense of two Zack Snyder films: Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Ayer thinks both films should be revisited because they received differing reviews from critics and audiences when they were first released. Ayer’s tweet replied to a question that stated, “Do you think BvS or Man of Steel got unfairly maligned from the get-go?”, to which he replied, “Yes.”.

Ayer previously praised the visual style of both movies, calling Zack Snyder a master filmmaker, just like everyone else, and highlighting the films’ stunning action sequences and operatic scope. He also praises Henry Cavill’s and Ben Affleck’s work, saying that they gave these well-known characters more depth and nuance. Ayer does, however, acknowledge the accusations thrown at the movies, especially those that focus on their darker tone and alleged lack of comedy.

Also read: “We were just getting whiplash”: Henry Cavill’s Man Of Steel Writer Calls Batman V Superman A Mistake That Sank DCEU

Although these elements might not appeal to everyone, many believe they are essential to the film’s thematic weight. Despite this, a lot of DCEU supporters and fans still advise people to give the movies another chance and concentrate on their larger themes rather than tearing apart specific story aspects. Even though Ayer only wrote one word in his thread, it has a huge meaning: it calls for more diverse voices in superhero fiction.

Regardless of our opinion of Ayer’s evaluation, his defense of Man of Steel and Batman v. Superman serves as a reminder that these movies are more than just fun family movies. These are audacious pieces that tackle difficult subjects and make audacious creative decisions. We can better understand the depth and diversity of the superhero genre by taking a closer look at them, without prejudice.

Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Pillars of the DCEU?

Even though the DCEU has undergone significant changes since its inception, two movies—Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice—remain steadfast as timeless mainstays. Even though they weren’t without their critics, these films served as a catalyst for the franchise’s success at the box office, sparked debates among fans, and introduced thematic intricacies that still have resonance today.

Man of Steel served as a bold introduction to Superman, stripping away the familiar camp to depict a grounded, conflicted hero struggling with his place in the world. Superman gained a greater sense of gravity because of Henry Cavill‘s outstanding performance and Zack Snyder‘s gritty, operatic style of filmmaking. The movie’s over $670 million global box office take showed that people were ready for a more complex interpretation of the Kryptonian.

Also read: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: 14 Interesting Details That You Probably Missed

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice capitalized on this basis, thrusting the Last Son of Krypton into a world grappling with his potential threat. Superman’s idealism was fascinatingly contrasted with Ben Affleck‘s grizzled, disillusioned Batman, who created a riveting rivalry fueled by distrust and dread. Despite dividing critics with its darker tone and philosophical uncertainty, the movie made an amazing $874 million worldwide.

These movies have an impact that goes beyond their box office performance. They gave the DCEU a distinctive aesthetic and tone that affected following entrants like Wonder Woman and Aquaman. They also introduced important characters, such as Wonder Woman and Lex Luthor, laying the groundwork for upcoming group adventures. Crucially, Man of Steel and Batman v. Superman delve into difficult subjects like religion, accountability, and the conflict between hope and fear—themes that would recur throughout the DCEU.