Netflix Just Settled the Snyderverse's Future After Zack Snyder's Pivotal Move

There was a fresh round of chatter that Netflix might try to scoop up Warner Bros. Discovery, which of course sent some fans into full galaxy-brain mode about a Snyderverse comeback. The problem: Netflix just made a move that points the opposite direction.

Netflix pulls the plug on Twilight of the Gods Season 2

Despite landing decent marks last year, Zack Snyder's animated series Twilight of the Gods will not be moving forward with a second season. Netflix has canceled the follow-up in development, per What's on Netflix. For context, the show sits at a 7.3 on IMDb and 76% critics / 75% audience on Rotten Tomatoes. Not a flop... which makes the timing eyebrow-raising, especially since Snyder had been publicly upbeat about continuing the story and said they were already talking through plans for Season 2.

Is Netflix cooling on Snyder?

When Snyder left the DCEU, Netflix handed him the keys with 2021's Army of the Dead and the promise of creative freedom. Four years later, that partnership looks wobbly.

The big culprit is Rebel Moon. Both films were hammered by critics, the viewership conversation was rough, and Snyder's longer cuts didn't change the narrative much. This was supposed to be a long-haul franchise, too. Co-writer Kurt Johnstad said they had detailed outlines through a sixth movie. Movie 2 would locate the princess; Movie 3 would put her on the throne and actually ruling the Mother World. Then reality set in.

"With some luck and an act of God, we'll get to go back to that world."

That was Johnstad earlier this year (via I Minuteman), and it's not the kind of thing you say when a franchise is surging.

More smoke: The Last Photograph and reported tensions

Netflix has also stepped away from Snyder's next major feature, The Last Photograph, which is now being set up independently (via Word of Reel). Meanwhile, The InSneider reports things have allegedly gotten tense between Snyder and Netflix film chief Dan Lin. If that rift is real, it makes the Twilight cancellation make a lot more sense.

About that Snyderverse revival...

Even if Netflix and Snyder were still besties, a Snyderverse resurrection is a long shot. The DCEU had a devoted fanbase, but the broader run was commercially and critically mixed. The new DCU is off to a promising start with Superman and Peacemaker Season 2, and there is zero incentive for James Gunn and Peter Safran to get tossed out even in some hypothetical merger scenario. Most of the old DCEU cast has moved on anyway. And if the DCU face-plants down the line, the safer pivot would be more of The Batman-leaning, standalone projects rather than reviving a universe Warner Bros. already sunset.

Where things stand

• Twilight of the Gods Season 2 is no-go at Netflix, despite solid response and Snyder's interest (via What's on Netflix).
• Rebel Moon and its sequel were panned, and the extended cuts didn't repair the damage.
• Snyder and team had outlines through a potential sixth Rebel Moon movie, but even the writers are saying it would take a miracle (via I Minuteman).
• Netflix has walked away from Snyder's The Last Photograph, now proceeding independently (via Word of Reel).
• Reports claim friction between Snyder and Netflix film boss Dan Lin (via The InSneider).
• As for a Snyderverse comeback: unlikely given DCU's current momentum under Gunn/Safran and the DCEU cast dispersing.

Bottom line: the idea of Netflix buying WBD and handing the DC keys back to Snyder makes for fun message-board fuel, but the real-world tea leaves say Netflix is pumping the brakes on Snyder projects, not revving them up.

Twilight of the Gods is streaming on Netflix (USA).