Snyder Pitches Gritty Batman Film to Netflix After Watchmen Success
The director behind the acclaimed superhero adaptation wants to bring Frank Miller's darkest Batman story to life using his signature visual style, and Netflix's recent acquisition might make it possible.
Director Zack Snyder made waves in 2009 with his adaptation of Watchmen, widely considered among the finest superhero movies ever created. During a past appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Snyder revealed his ambition to tackle another iconic comic book property: Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.
I think it would just be its own thing. I would do it 100 percent Watchmen style. I don't even think it'd be that expensive, to be honest. It's pretty gritty.
Those comments came years ago, before Snyder's departure from the DC Extended Universe. Now Netflix controls Warner Bros. after their successful takeover bid. Given the streaming giant's existing relationship with Snyder, this adaptation looks increasingly feasible.
Animated Blueprint Already Exists
Snyder wouldn't be starting from scratch. The DC Animated Universe already produced a two-part animated version of The Dark Knight Returns that serves as a proven template. Jay Oliva directed these direct-to-video releases in 2012 and 2013, capturing the raw brutality of Miller's original vision.
The animated films earned critical acclaim for their faithful adaptation of the source material. Both parts combined generated roughly $10.2 mn in revenue, proving audience appetite for this darker take on Batman. The story follows an aging Bruce Wayne who returns to crime-fighting in a decaying Gotham City.
Critics praised the animated version's commitment to the graphic novel's mature themes. Part one scored 100% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, while part two maintained a 94% audience score. These numbers demonstrate the story's potential when handled properly.
Netflix's DC Opportunity
Netflix's $82.7 bn acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery puts them in control of the entire DC catalog. This includes access to decades of comic book properties and existing film adaptations. Snyder's expertise with DC characters makes him a natural choice for future projects.
The DCEU began struggling after Snyder left during Justice League's troubled production. His original vision never reached completion, leaving fans wondering what might have been. Netflix could capitalize on this unfinished business through standalone projects that don't require extensive universe-building.
Snyder's track record with dark, complex superhero stories speaks for itself. Watchmen proved he can handle mature themes while maintaining visual spectacle. The Dark Knight Returns offers similar opportunities for psychological depth and stunning action sequences.