Zack Snyder posted another behind-the-scenes image of Ben Affleck as Batman, but this time it lands in the middle of growing doubt about Netflix buying Warner Bros. Discovery.
“Standing in the freezing rain in Detroit with Ben Affleck as we brought Gotham to life for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” Snyder wrote on Instagram.
The shot shows Affleck’s Batman walking through rain and fire — a reminder of Snyder’s gritty Gotham — as corporate gamesmanship between Netflix and Paramount heats up.
Netflix-WBD Deal Faces Regulatory Wall
The bigger story right now isn’t just the image. It’s the deal drama.
As previously reported, the pendulum has swung back toward Paramount in the Warner Bros. Discovery sale talks. Prediction markets also now favor Paramount over Netflix.
New York Post’s Charles Gasparino added fuel to the fire, saying David Zaslav is playing both sides perfectly. According to Gasparino, Zaslav understands that Paramount needs WBD, Netflix needs growth, and the regulatory hurdles for Netflix are significant.
Gasparino claims Netflix may be downplaying just how difficult approval could be, especially in what he calls “Trump land.” He also says Zaslav could push valuation toward $31–$33 per share — nearly a $90 billion valuation — while holding leverage over both companies.
At the same time, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos recently stated: “We have a strong business without Warner.”
That comment doesn’t exactly scream confidence or confirmation that Netflix is buying WBD.
SnyderVerse back in play, especially with Paramount win
As we’ve previously been told, if Paramount wins — especially with Saudi backing — the SnyderVerse is back in full play.
Sources say Zack Snyder has new Justice League sequel ideas. We’re told most of the cast would return under the right circumstances, including Henry Cavill as Superman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Jason Momoa as Aquaman, and Ben Affleck as Batman (Snyder wants him back). Ezra Miller’s return as The Flash is said to be in doubt.
We’re also told that if WBD is sold, James Gunn would be out as head of DC Studios.
If Netflix somehow pulls it off, the talk has been Snyder adapting The Dark Knight Returns with Affleck as Batman (this year marks the 40th anniversary of the release of the comic book). But that scenario now appears less certain given regulatory uncertainty and Sarandos signaling Netflix doesn’t “need” Warner.
Snyder Keeps Posting — Coincidence?
Snyder has posted a steady stream of DCEU images: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Mera, Lois Lane, Steppenwolf, Justice League sequel storyboards.
We’ve been told this isn’t random.
The posts are said to gauge fan reaction and signal interest at a time when corporate decisions could determine the future of DC on screen.
We can also add that all those Seedance AI videos featuring characters from the SnyderVerse are being viewed millions of times by fans.
With Paramount gaining momentum and Netflix facing headwinds, the future of the SnyderVerse looks brighter than ever.
