Zack Snyder Eyes Bold Batman Adaptation for Netflix

Back in 2009, Zack Snyder made quite the impression with his adaptation of Watchmen, a film that’s still spoken about with a certain reverence among superhero enthusiasts. Years later, during a chat on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Snyder let slip his ambition to tackle another comic book heavyweight: Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns. His approach, he said, would be uncompromising.

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.

That remark, made some time ago, has taken on new significance now that Netflix has acquired Warner Bros. and, with it, the keys to the DC kingdom. Given Snyder’s established rapport with the streaming giant, the prospect of this adaptation seems less far-fetched than ever.

Blueprints and Inspirations: The Animated Precedent

Snyder’s reputation for delivering on dark, complex narratives is well-earned, and fans are understandably keen to see what he might do with one of Batman’s most unvarnished tales. There’s also a ready-made template in the form of the two-part animated film, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, which has already set a high bar for adaptations of Miller’s work. Directed by Jay Oliva, the animated version follows an older Bruce Wayne as he dons the cape once more to confront a Gotham in decline. The films, released directly to video in 2012 and 2013, were met with widespread acclaim for their unflinching tone and fidelity to the original material. Together, they pulled in over $10 million and earned strong ratings from both critics and audiences.

For Snyder, the existence of this animated adaptation offers both a challenge and a resource. If he’s looking for cues on how to translate Miller’s vision to the screen, he need look no further than these films, which have already demonstrated the story’s cinematic potential.

Netflix’s Opportunity: Leveraging Snyder’s DC Experience

With Netflix’s recent acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery for a staggering $82.7 billion, the streaming service now has unprecedented access to DC’s vast library of stories and characters. Snyder, who was instrumental in shaping the DCEU before his departure, stands out as an obvious candidate to spearhead new projects. It’s worth recalling that the DCEU’s fortunes took a noticeable dip after Snyder stepped away during the making of Justice League, leaving his broader vision unrealised. Now, with the franchise’s future still uncertain, Netflix has a chance to tap into Snyder’s deep familiarity with the source material, perhaps starting with standalone ventures before considering anything more ambitious.

Given his track record with darker, more mature comic book adaptations, Snyder seems particularly well-suited to bring The Dark Knight Returns to life in a way that would set Netflix apart in the crowded superhero landscape. The combination of his sensibilities and the raw material at hand could result in something rather special for the platform.

What’s Next for Batman and Netflix?

With all the pieces seemingly in place—Snyder’s interest, Netflix’s resources, and a classic story waiting to be reimagined—the question now is whether the streaming giant will seize the moment. The Dark Knight Returns, with its brooding atmosphere and complex protagonist, could be just the project to showcase what both Snyder and Netflix are capable of post-acquisition. For those eager to revisit the story in its current form, both parts of the animated adaptation are available to stream on Amazon Video in the US.

Whether Snyder can recapture the unique energy of Watchmen remains to be seen. But the possibility alone is enough to get fans talking.