Moon Knight Director Shares an Unfiltered Take on Zack Snyder’s DC Legacy

Summary

• Zack Snyder’s impact on the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) is undeniable, despite mixed reactions to his films.
• Mohamed Diab, director of Marvel’s Moon Knight, expressed optimism about James Gunn’s work for DC and his upcoming projects.
• Diab had critiques of Snyder’s directorial choices and expressed a longing to explore Batman through a Noir lens, emphasizing drama and tragedy.

Superhero tales have been the cinematic talk of the town, with DC and Marvel in a perpetual battle for box office accolades. Amid this backdrop, Marvel’s Moon Knight director Mohamed Diab shared his thoughts on both the MCU and the DCEU in a recent interview.

Through films such as Man of Steel and both Justice League versions, Zack Snyder‘s innovative vision of DC characters became evident. Snyder’s cinematic creations stirred diverse reactions, yet his significant impact on the DCEU is undeniable.

The 2017 Justice League film became a particularly contentious project. Although Snyder was initially at the helm, Joss Whedon eventually took over reshoots, resulting in a cinematic release that hardly resembled Snyder’s original vision. Consequently, audiences were treated to Zack Snyder’s Justice League, a comprehensive four-hour rendition of Snyder’s original vision.

Snyder’s overarching plan for the DCEU may never fully come to fruition, with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom signaling the franchise’s conclusion. Whether they’re adored or spurned, his films have established their historical significance in cinema.

In his chat with Arabic Marvel (via The Cosmic Circus), Diab touched upon James Gunn’s forthcoming work for DC. Beginning on a complimentary note, Diab recognized Gunn as a “great artist,” expressing optimism about the director’s upcoming projects. Yet, when reflecting upon the DCEU’s recent past, particularly the Snyder epoch, Diab admitted to being less than enthralled. While he acknowledged that Zack Snyder’s Justice League improved upon its predecessor, Diab confessed that Snyder’s directorial choices simply weren’t to his taste.

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Comparing the two directors, Diab’s esteem for Gunn was evident. He hailed Gunn as a “greater artist” and a “very clever writer,” forecasting great things for Gunn’s tenure within the DC universe. Expanding upon his superhero affinities, Diab declared Batman as his top pick, showing appreciation for both Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight series and Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Diab expressed a longing to explore Batman through a Noir lens, emphasizing the deep-seated drama and tragedy inherent to the character.

Beyond his critiques of Snyder’s work, Diab has been vocal about other DC films, particularly when they intersect with his Egyptian heritage. His disapproval of Wonder Woman 1984 stemmed from its misrepresentation of Egypt. Furthermore, he expressed disappointment with Black Adam for its choice to set the narrative in a fictional Middle Eastern land rather than tapping into authentic Egyptian representation.

Diab’s Egyptian origin was mirrored in the genuine representation he brought to Moon Knight. His criticisms, rooted in his love for his homeland and its rich history, underscore the broader industry need for authentic representation and cultural respect.

While opinions in the cinematic realm will forever be subjective, with each director and viewer carrying their unique perspectives, discussions like these highlight the spectrum of thoughts and preferences within the industry. There’s an undeniable ardor these universes instill in everyone, from their creators to their enthusiasts.

For those interested in diving into Diab’s work or revisiting Snyder’s tales, Moon Knight is available for streaming on Disney+, while the Snyder-directed DCEU films can be found on Max.

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