Community Backlash and Moderation Actions on the SnyderCut Subreddit
The moderators of the SnyderCut subreddit recently took swift action after a controversial post called for fans to orchestrate a review bombing campaign against the upcoming Superman film. The post urged supporters to flood review sites with negative ratings, spoil plot details across platforms, and even hold back on purchasing tickets online—actions aimed at sabotaging the movie’s success.
In response, the subreddit moderators deleted the post within a couple of hours of its appearance, citing minimal engagement at the time. However, the screenshot of the call to action spread quickly across social media, eventually reaching DC Studios’ head, James Gunn.
James Gunn Responds to Fan Campaign and Social Media Outcry
On Monday, James Gunn publicly dismissed the significance of the post and its potential impact on the Superman movie’s performance. When a user on social media platform Threads brought the matter to his attention, Gunn responded with a dismissive comment, saying, “Lol I think we’ll survive. I’m not sure the eight people that listen to that guy (and I’ll guess it’s a guy) will influence the course of events.”
Gunn’s lighthearted reply highlighted his confidence that such fan actions would not derail the film’s success. Meanwhile, the moderators clarified that they did not endorse the original post and reiterated their stance on maintaining community standards.
Official Statement from Moderators
The moderators explained that they removed the post shortly after it was posted, emphasizing that it did not reflect the views of the moderation team. They stated, “Our staff never approved that post and does not endorse what it said. This is a public subreddit where posts are made by community members, not pre-approved by us. Any post that violates our policies or Reddit’s rules is promptly deleted.”
They further clarified their position by saying, “The post was not controversial but was universally disapproved of. We support everyone’s right to decide whether to see a movie or not, but we oppose dishonest or manipulative campaigns intended to influence others’ choices.”
Historical Context of Snyderverse Fandom Activism
This incident is not isolated. Snyderverse fans have a history of passionate activism, notably contributing to the release of the Snyder Cut of Justice League in 2021. Last year, controversy also erupted when director David Ayer, known for the 2016 Suicide Squad, responded to online backlash after expressing support for Gunn’s Superman project and its trailer.
Director David Ayer’s Response to Fan Backlash
Initially, Ayer took to social media to ask fans not to escalate campaigns like the “Ayer Cut” during the trailer release. His plea was prompted by the toxic reactions he observed online, and he subsequently announced he would step back from the discourse to avoid further conflict.
James Gunn on Fan Reactions and the Future of DC Films
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, James Gunn addressed the phenomenon of fans rooting against his DCU projects, including Superman. He remarked, “I don’t mind it. It’s actually healthy to have some opposition. You don’t want everyone to root for you all the time.” Gunn also shared insights into how negative reactions—such as the controversy surrounding Superman’s portrayal—are part of the creative process.
He revealed that some actors involved in the new Superman film are sensitive to online reactions, but Gunn reassured that positive feedback overwhelmingly outweighs the negativity. “Every time a trailer drops, there’s nearly 98% positive response, which is incredibly helpful,” he said. “The occasional controversy, like the sun causing Superman pain, is just part of the game.”
Changes in Film Presentation
Additionally, Gunn explained why he decided to remove subtitles from the upcoming Superman movie and next summer’s Supergirl film, opting for a more streamlined presentation to better connect with audiences.
Wesley is Director of News at IGN. Follow him on Twitter at @wyp100 or contact him via email at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com.
Derek Shaw
Derek is a seasoned film critic and cinephile with a deep appreciation for storytelling, cinematography, and character development. He covers everything from mainstream blockbusters to indie films and international cinema. With a unique voice and thoughtful perspective, Derek offers reviews, deep dives, and behind-the-scenes insights that resonate with both casual viewers and hardcore movie fans.
