Betting Odds on Zack Snyder Directing a Justice League Sequel

On March 18th, HBO Max unveiled the “Snyder Cut” version of Justice League via their streaming platform.

The 2021 director’s cut of the 2017 film had received a lot of attention since news first broke last year that Zack Snyder would return to create the film he envisioned before he stepped down during production and Joss Whedon took over.

The release of Snyder’s Justice League has been met with the general consensus that this version was better than the 2017 theatrical release, which fell well below expectations from fans and at the box office.

As someone who’s on the verge of completing the four-hour Snyder cut for a second time since its release, I absolutely agree that this version is far superior to the hot garbage that came out in 2017.

Since the favorable buzz has increased, fans and critics have wondered if there will be a sequel. If you watched the four hour film then you would know that it leaves the door open for a sequel and other spinoffs.

Additionally, online sportsbooks have also speculated on the possibility of a Justice League 2 as they released a prop bet asking this very question. The following wager is courtesy of Bovada.

Warning, this article will contain spoilers!

Will DC Announce A Justice League Sequel By Zack Snyder In 2021?

• No (-500)
• Yes (+300)

The odds from entertainment betting sites clearly favor that Snyder won’t direct a sequel to his entertaining version of Justice League. However, when it comes to Hollywood, never say never.

With that said, before we can decide which option to wager on, we must take a closer look at the Snyder cut.

Key Differences Between Snyder’s Cut and Whedon’s Version

In addition to the Snyder’s cut running twice as long as the theatrical release of Justice League, here are some of the key differences between the two films:

Filming and Tone Differences

The first Justice League was shot in 1.78:1 widescreen ratio. Snyder went with a 1.33:1 full frame ratio due to his affinity for the IMAX look.

This new version was also created as if it was seven episodes rather than one long film. In a society where binge watching is the norm, this idea was a successful one.

The tone of this release was much darker and edgier which included extended fight scenes and Rated R language like when Cyborg dropped the “f-bomb.”

The Movie’s Score

Danny Elfman replaced Thomas Holkenberg for the 2017 film. However, Holkenberg returned for the Snyder cut and did a wonderful job complementing the storyline with musical selections that mostly captured the moment.

A Change to the Opening

In the 2017 film, the world had already lost Superman and Batman was fully aware of this new alien invasion. We see our first Parademon in the beginning as well.

The 2021 version starts with the death of Superman as his final scream reverberates around the world and eventually awakens the Mother Boxes. Then we shift to Bruce Wayne in remote mountainous location for Aquaman as searches for allies.

This new opening was much more impactful as it starts us off with the emotional and tragic death of Superman.

New Characters in the Film

One of the best things about the Snyder cut is the addition of major DC characters that weren’t in the first film. Darkseid and his right hand man DeSaad had profound appearances in this film. They both looked great and really went a long way to making this version much more appealing.

Additionally, Jared Leto’s version of the Joker also had an appearance in the epilogue which was my favorite portion of the film. Lastly, The Martian Manhunter makes a couple of appearances and hints that he could play a bigger role in potential sequels.

Some Characters Get a Makeover

One of the best things about the Snyder cut was Superman dressed in all black. Combine that black suit with his aggression and we have a highly enjoyable version of the Kryptonian.

Steppenwolf got a complete makeover and looked more menacing than the first film. He now gave off an alien vibe rather than a silly humanoid looking creation.

Other Characters Get More Screen Time

Of the members in the Justice League, Cyborg and Flash benefited the most from Snyder’s cut. Cyborg went from a small role to a prominent story arc throughout the film.

His value was debatable and laughable in the first film, but Snyder wasn’t laughing when he made Cyborg a major character in his version.

Flash was a goofy character in both films, but the Snyder version also gave him more value throughout the movie. From saving Iris West to saving the world, Flash went from a goober to a true superhero.

A Few Scenes are Restored

The entire exchange between Lex Luthor and Deathstroke on his yacht was put back in after only a few seconds of this interaction was originally in the post credits of the 2017 film. This scene was supposed to set up another Batman movie.

As mentioned, Barry Allen saves Iris West in the beginning of Flash’s appearance in the film as she was almost killed in a car accident. This scene was taken out of the theatrical release from Whedon.

Another scene that was put back into the storyline was a clip between Aquaman and Vulko who was played by Willem Dafoe.

An important scene for Cyborg and STAR labs was axed from the first film, but brought back to life in the Snyder cut and it added to Cyborg’s overall storyline with his technology and his father.

Lastly, although it’s small (pun attended), the Snyder cut revealed Silas’ lab assistant as Ryan Choi who is also known as The Atom.

Snyder Originally Planned for a Justice League Trilogy

Zack Snyder had originally planned on making a Justice League trilogy, which the epilogue was a peek into what he envision.

The epilogue of the Snyder cut was the 7th segment of this film and it took place in a post-apocalyptic world referred to as The Knightmare. We see a few stragglers of heroes (Flash, Batman, Cyborg) and villains (Joker, Deathstroke) teaming up trying to avoid something.

This world had been conquered by Darkseid after he killed Lois Lane and seduced a broken Superman to his evil empire.

Apparently, Superman had tasked Batman with protecting Lois Lane while he went off to fight Darkseid away from earth. However, Darkseid found out that Lane was Superman’s weakness and he would eventually find her and kill her after Batman somehow hesitated.

A grieving Superman blamed Batman and ended up joining Darkseid by helping him conquer earth. We find out that this conquest resulted in the deaths of Aquaman and Harley Quinn.

After escaping from Superman finding them in the Epilogue, Batman and Cyborg would team up with Flash to send him back in time to prevent Lois Lane from dying which resulted in Superman being corrupted by Darkseid.

Utlimately, Batman would have to die in order for Lois Lane to live. And at the end of the trilogy, we would find out that Clark and Lois are having a baby.

These ideas would’ve been really cool!

Will There be a Justice Leauge Sequel?

Unfortunately, when you look at the comments from Snyder and WarnerMedia there’s very little hope that we’ll get to see a Snyder Justice League sequel.

The studio viewed this as an opportunity for Snyder to complete his trilogy of DC films and share his vision. They didn’t view it as an opportunity to launch a franchise. In other words, this is the end to the “Snyderverse.”

Snyder has resigned himself to the fact that there won’t be a sequel. The studio has already moved on with other directors creating new DCEU films and Snyder isn’t a part of that future.

As for this wager, I’m taking the options of “no” at my favorite online betting site. It seems like all signs and Bat-signals are pointing towards “no.”