Summary:
- Zack Snyder chose to focus on Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice instead of a direct Man of Steel sequel to explore Batman’s perspective on the events of the first film.
- Although Brainiac was hinted as a potential antagonist for Man of Steel 2, its fit within the evolving DCEU tone remains uncertain.
Zack Snyder, the director of Man of Steel, recently explained why he chose to make Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice instead of a direct sequel.
Despite overseeing several DCEU films, including those featuring Superman and Batman, Snyder’s tenure faced criticism, particularly due to mixed reactions to Batman v Superman following the well-received Man of Steel.
In an interview with GQ, Snyder revealed that he felt compelled to explore Batman’s response to the events of Man of Steel, leading to the decision to prioritize Batman v Superman.
This also meant delaying solo Batman and Man of Steel sequels until after Justice League. The full statement is as follows:
Once you talk about the fact that Bruce Wayne exists in the same world as Superman, right? Then you are into a Batman concept. You have to finish that thought.
Now, Man of Steel 2, if you were to make it, you know with Brainiac or whatever you’re gonna do, which it certainly could have been…and maybe that’s it, you hold it off for a movie, and that’s possible.
“I just felt like I needed to know what Bruce’s take on this was, like, Bruce’s take on the near-destruction of the world. And it really depends on how important you think Batman is in the Trinity.”
Insight into the Plot of Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel 2
While Snyder doesn’t explicitly confirm this as the original plan, his remarks hint at Brainiac being the intended antagonist for Man of Steel 2, aligning with reports of Steven Knight crafting a script featuring the iconic villain.
Brainiac’s potential cinematic debut would have marked a significant shift for the DCEU, considering his absence from live-action adaptations apart from Smallville and Krypton.
However, Brainiac’s complex motives, centered around absorbing knowledge and shrinking cities, pose challenges for a grounded live-action portrayal.
Whether this narrative direction would have fit within the evolving tone of the DCEU, especially with the franchise trending towards a lighter atmosphere, remains a topic of speculation.
As work on Man of Steel 2 picked up, the emergence of the DCU brought hope for future DCEU projects. Henry Cavill had hinted at his return before ultimately departing, leaving questions about his potential comeback as a different character.
With David Corenswet set to play Superman in 2025, Cavill’s future in the DCU remains unclear, but the stage seems set for Brainiac’s debut.
