The Struggles of Zack Snyder
Zack Snyder has faced a series of challenges in recent years, with several of his projects being canceled or put on hold. This includes the animated series Twilight of the Gods, which was recently canceled by Netflix. Additionally, the Army of the Dead franchise was also cut short due to the poor performance of the previous films. The future of Rebel Moon remains uncertain, as Snyder himself has expressed uncertainty about its fate.
Despite these setbacks, Snyder’s career has had its share of highs and lows. He rose to fame in the 2000s with films like 300 and Watchmen, but his post-2010s work has been inconsistent. His fans have remained loyal, defending him from criticism, but it’s clear that he is facing some significant hurdles in maintaining his creative vision.
Here are five notable canceled Zack Snyder movies that never made it to the big screen.
‘300: Blood and Ashes’
After the massive success of 300, Snyder was eager to create a sequel. Initially, he planned to explore the origin story of Xerxes, tracing his transformation into a god-king. However, by 2020, the script had evolved into a gay love story between Alexander the Great and his companion, Hephaestion.
Warner Bros. reportedly rejected the script, citing that it strayed too far from the original 300 franchise. Snyder believed the studio’s decision was influenced by the fallout from Justice League and the controversy surrounding the Snyder Cut. In December 2023, Snyder and his wife, Deborah, regained full rights to the script, giving them the opportunity to shop it elsewhere. So far, no major studio has shown interest, but the possibility still exists.
While the world may not need another 300 installment, there is a strong case for a proper Alexander the Great movie. A well-crafted production could bring this legendary figure to life, especially given the current appetite for historical epics. With Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2 proving that audiences still crave sword-and-sandal tales, it’s possible that Snyder might find a new home for his vision.
‘The Fountainhead’
In 2018, Snyder announced plans to adapt Ayn Rand’s classic novel The Fountainhead. The story follows Howard Roark, an architect who refuses to conform to industry standards, leading to conflicts with powerful figures. Snyder was deeply passionate about the project, seeing parallels between the film’s themes and his own approach to filmmaking.
However, the project was put on hold due to concerns about the politically charged content. In 2024, Snyder pitched the idea to Netflix as a series, but the streaming giant declined. This missed opportunity could have allowed Snyder to prove himself as a true auteur, rather than just a director known for CGI-heavy films. Drama films can be a double-edged sword, and while Snyder’s extreme style could have led to either an Oscar or a Razzie, it would have been a bold move.
‘Wolverine’
During the early 2000s, Wolverine emerged as a standout character in the X-Men franchise. Fox began planning a solo movie, and Snyder was among the directors approached. He pitched an R-rated film with an unknown plot, but the project eventually stalled. According to reports, two main factors prevented the movie from moving forward: scheduling conflicts and studio fears about the box office potential of an R-rated film.
Later, James Mangold directed Logan, an R-rated Wolverine film that was a critical and commercial success. While it’s unclear whether Snyder could have created a perfect movie, it’s worth noting that he was at his creative peak during this time. However, his recent superhero failures have raised doubts about his ability to deliver a compelling narrative.
‘Planet of the Dead’
In 2021, Snyder revealed that he and writer Shay Hatten were working on a sequel to Army of the Dead titled Planet of the Dead. The story would follow Vanderohe as the new alpha zombie, with a major outbreak occurring in Mexico. The project was confirmed when Snyder signed a first-look deal with Netflix, and additional spin-offs were planned, including one centered around Rolph.
However, in August 2024, it was announced that all future projects in the franchise have been shelved. Fans of the genre were disappointed, as Planet of the Dead was expected to be a groundbreaking zombie film. Reports suggested that the sequel would feature a time loop, combining Snyder’s signature cinematography with the unique setting of Mexico. It’s a shame that this project didn’t come to fruition.
‘Heavy Metal 3’
The Heavy Metal franchise, a five-part animated anthology, was a hit in the 1980s. A sequel was released in 2000, and plans were made for a third film featuring segments directed by Guillermo del Toro, David Fincher, James Cameron, Gore Verbinski, and Zack Snyder. A 2010 report indicated that the film was intended as a 3D reboot, which made more sense than a direct follow-up after the second film received poor reviews.
Snyder later stated that most of the involved directors weren’t interested in continuing the project. While great anthology films exist, they often remain under the radar. Wild Tales is a prime example of a film that everyone should see but isn’t widely known. Despite this, a Heavy Metal reboot featuring such big names would have been exciting, and it’s hoped that the project will be revived someday.
