Zack Snyder Is Stepping Down From Justice League To Deal With His Daughter's Suicide, Joss Whedon Will Finish The Movie
The Hollywood Reporter-Snyder tells The Hollywood Reporter he is stepping away from Justice League, Warner Bros.’ all-star DC Comics superhero mega-movie that is in postproduction, in order to deal with the sudden death of his daughter. Snyder’s wife, Deborah Snyder, who is a producer on Justice League, also is taking a break to focus on the healing of their family.
Snyder’s daughter Autumn Snyder died by suicide in March at age 20. Her death has been kept private, with only a small inner circle aware of what happened, even as the movie was put on a two-week break for the Snyders to deal with the immediate effects of the tragedy. Zack Snyder says he initially was eager to return to the film, which stars Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa and Ezra Miller.
“Here’s the thing, I never planned to make this public,” he says. “I thought it would just be in the family, a private matter, our private sorrow that we would deal with. When it became obvious that I need to take a break, I knew there would be narratives created on the internet. They’ll do what they do. The truth is…I’m past caring about that kind of thing now.”
I’m not really sure how to start this blog, I’ve never “covered” anything like this before, but since I’m the nerd guy and this kinda relates to the biggest nerd movie of the year, I’m “covering” the story.
This is just so incredibly devastating. Every single thing about it. I highlighted Zack’s one quote about narratives created on the internet, because that’s one of the saddest parts to me. His daughter tragically took her own life at the young age of 20, and he knew he couldn’t take some time to deal with that without untrue headlines about his firing due to unsuccessful movies popping up all over the internet.
I really don’t have a lot to say on this matter, because what is there to say, but I will say this. Suicide is never the answer. Ever. I fucking know. I had a rough few years with clinical depression and had many times the thought of suicide ran through my head, and I’m openly talking about this with the hope that I’m a great representation of “it gets better” for someone out there. Depression sucks and I’ve been there. The smallest things weigh the heaviest, and they seem like a much bigger deal than they really are, and it feels like a hole you can’t get out of. I’m telling you, I understand. Go get help, talk to someone, talk to me, my DMs are open (@RobbieBarstool) and I will talk to you about it. I got help, and I still get help, and I’m living my dream at 18 years old. It gets better. I promise you that.
Advertisement
Thoughts with Zack and his entire family at this time.
The silly superhero movie is the least of everyone’s worries, but for those that will ask, Justice League was done filming and a cut of the movie was already screened. Joss Whedon is going in to polish things up and do the already scheduled reshoots. This movie will still be Zack’s vision, and I’m very glad about that, because I’m genuinely a huge fan. I loved Watchmen, Batman v Superman, and Man Of Steel despite their glaring flaws. Zack Synder’s a visual genius and brought comic panels to life on the screen. I’m a comic nerd through and through, and seeing the final fight from The Dark Knight Returns actually take place was enough for me.
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255