Zack Snyder's directorial journey began in the mid-2000s, marking his debut with the horror film "Dawn of the Dead," which is currently available for streaming. This initial success was swiftly followed two years later by what many consider his most iconic work, "300," a period action epic starring Gerard Butler, solidifying his distinct visual style and storytelling approach. Snyder continued to expand his cinematic portfolio in 2009 with "Watchmen," a superhero and sci-fi movie that remains highly regarded to this day, leaving fans still eager for a potential sequel.

In 2013, Snyder ventured into the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) by collaborating with Henry Cavill on "Man of Steel." This film, also featuring Russell Crowe and Amy Adams, proved to be one of the most controversial superhero movies of its time, sparking extensive discussion among audiences and critics alike. Following "Man of Steel," Snyder was entrusted with significant creative control over a broader range of DC narratives, leading him to direct "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice." This installment famously introduced Ben Affleck as a darker, grittier iteration of Batman, and it too faced considerable controversy from both critical reviews and fan reception.

The challenges in Snyder's DC tenure intensified with "Justice League." During its production, he was tragically forced to step away due to the suicide of his 20-year-old daughter. Consequently, Joss Whedon, known for directing "The Avengers" and "Avengers: Age of Ultron," assumed directorial duties for the film's original theatrical cut. This version of "Justice League" was widely panned by both critics and audiences, leading to years of fervent discussion and a passionate fan campaign.

Years after the original "Justice League" failed to resonate, a dedicated fanbase launched the viral #ReleaseTheSnyderCut campaign. This movement gained immense momentum, accumulating enough public and fan pressure to compel Warner Bros. to greenlight Zack Snyder's own version of the film. This unprecedented decision allowed Snyder to complete and release his original vision, a testament to the power of fan advocacy.

Ultimately, in 2021, "Zack Snyder’s Justice League" was released, not in theaters but as a record-breaking streaming event on HBO Max, becoming one of the platform’s biggest movies ever. With a formidable runtime of just over four hours (242 minutes), the film saw the return of key cast members including Henry Cavill as Superman, Ben Affleck as Batman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, and Jason Momoa as Aquaman. The film, released on March 18, 2021, with Chris Terrio as writer and Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder as producers, continued to demonstrate its enduring popularity by charting in the top 10 on HBO in various countries, cementing its place as a significant cultural phenomenon within the superhero genre and Snyder’s career legacy.