Zack Snyder, the renowned filmmaker, has shared his thoughts on a recent Barbie joke that referenced his cut of the Justice League film. In the Barbie movie, Ryan Gosling’s Ken character brings the patriarchy into Barbieland after venturing into the real world. As the Barbies regain consciousness from their hypnotic state, Alexandra Shipp’s Writer Barbie quips, “It’s like I’ve been in a dream where I was really invested in the Zack Snyder Cut of Justice League.” Snyder, in a recent interview with Men’s Health, clarified that the joke was mainly about fandom but commended the cleverness of the line. He stated, “I thought Barbie was great, and I think the joke is pretty good.”
Snyder went on to reflect on the significance of having his name intertwined with such a massive pop culture phenomenon that it can be referenced in a Barbie movie as a joke. He urged his wife, Debbie, to pause and contemplate the magnitude of the situation, saying, “Your name is so seamlessly sewn together with a pop culture phenomenon so big it can exist as a joke in a movie about Barbie. That’s pretty insane. You just need to step back for a second and go like, ‘Whoa, what did we do? What happened? How is that a thing?'” This introspective moment highlights the unexpected reach and impact of Snyder’s work.
The Snyder Cut Phenomenon
The reference in the Barbie movie alludes to the “Snyder Cut” of Justice League, which refers to Snyder’s original version of the film before Joss Whedon took over as the director. When Snyder had to step away from the project, Whedon steered the film in a different direction, resulting in underwhelming performance at the box office. This led to an impassioned campaign by fans to “Release the Snyder Cut,” pushing for the release of Snyder’s vision. Eventually, the movement gained momentum, and in 2021, Zack Snyder’s Justice League was released on Max, giving fans the opportunity to see the director’s vision come to life.
The fact that the Barbie movie incorporated a joke about the “Snyder Cut” reflects the extent to which Snyder’s work has permeated popular culture. Barbie is an iconic brand loved by generations, and to have a reference to Snyder’s cut of Justice League within a Barbie film demonstrates how wide-reaching and influential his work has become. It serves as a testament to the cultural significance of Snyder’s films and the impact they have had on audiences worldwide.
Zack Snyder’s response to the Barbie joke showcases his ability to appreciate and embrace unexpected connections and references to his work. Despite the joke being primarily about fandom, Snyder recognizes the humor and creativity behind it. It also highlights his humility in recognizing the immense influence his work has had on pop culture.
The Barbie joke referencing Zack Snyder’s cut of Justice League serves as a testament to the far-reaching impact of his work. It reflects the unexpected connections his films have made and the cultural significance they hold. Snyder’s response demonstrates his ability to appreciate the humor and embrace the unexpected connections that arise from his films’ popularity. As his work continues to resonate with audiences, it is clear that Zack Snyder has left an indelible mark on the world of filmmaking and popular culture as a whole.