Intergalactic Comics: Zack Snyder Steps Down from Justice League Due to Family Tragedy, Joss Whedon Taking Over

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Zack Snyder Steps Down from Justice League Due to Family Tragedy, Joss Whedon Taking Over

By: Michaela Bush

Zack Snyder, director of Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice, has stepped down as director of Justice League. His wife, Deborah Snyder, is also stepping away from her role as producer. Joss Whedon will be finishing up the film while the Snyders deal with a terrible loss. Their goal in stepping away from the movie is to focus on their family after the death of Zack Snyder’s daughter, Autumn. At 20 years old, she committed suicide in March.

Zack originally stated that he was eager to return to the film and delve into work, but has found it too difficult. “The demands of this job are pretty intense. It is all-consuming. And in the last two months, I’ve come to the realization…I’ve decided to take a step back from the movie to be with my family, be with my kids, who really need me. They are all having a hard time. I’m having a hard time,” Snyder stated during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter on Monday. On Tuesday, Snyder sent out a tweet thanking fans for the support he and his family has been given during this difficult time.

Though a screening of Justice League has already been performed, Snyder decided that more scenes were necessary. He originally brought Whedon on board to write the scenes, but decided to hand over the reins to Whedon when he realized that leaving home to shoot the scenes in England would be too much for his family. Whedon is sticking to the November 19 release date as he puts the finishing touches on the movie.

Autumn was a student at Sarah Lawrence College, and had written a sci-fi fantasy. The Snyders hope to see her manuscript published, allowing the proceeds from book sales to go to a charity. “In the end, she didn’t make it, but her character does, and I think there would be something cathartic for people,” Snyder said. Her main character, written in the first person point of view, was an outsider who found it difficult to fit in.

Please keep the Snyder family in your thoughts or prayers during this difficult time. Finally, remember that there are always better solutions than committing suicide. If you need help or are currently struggling, please seek it — there’s nothing wrong with doing so. The national suicide hotline is 1-800-273-8255, and Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers an online chat on their website.