Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) is one of the most divisive films in recent memory, and not just for its mixed reception from fans and critics alike. The film’s production was fraught with challenges, with one of the most notable battles being with the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) over its rating. In fact, Snyder revealed in a 2024 interview that the Rating Board initially wanted to slap an R rating on the film — and he wasn’t willing to back down.
Let’s dive into why the Batman v Superman rating debacle remains a crucial part of its legacy, and how Snyder’s vision eventually found its way to audiences, even if it wasn’t what everyone expected.
The Clash of Titans: Batman vs. Superman
When Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice hit theaters in 2016, it was met with a storm of controversy. Directed by Zack Snyder, it pitted two of DC’s most iconic superheroes — Batman (played by Ben Affleck) and Superman (Henry Cavill) — against each other in a gritty, dark, and philosophical take on the superhero genre. The concept was ambitious, the visuals stunning, but the execution? Well, that’s where things got complicated.
The film’s themes of power, responsibility, and justice were explored through a lens that was far from traditional. Snyder’s darker interpretation of the characters was polarizing, and the debate over whether it was “too much” rages to this day. But what most people don’t know is that Snyder’s vision was nearly derailed before it even reached theaters, thanks to an issue with the film’s rating.
The Battle for the PG-13 Rating
Zack Snyder is no stranger to criticism. His films, especially within the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), have always sparked a divided response. Batman v Superman was no different. In a candid interview on The Joe Rogan Experience in 2024, Snyder opened up about the battles he faced with the MPAA. Despite being a director with a clear vision, he was confronted with the Rating Board’s decision to give Batman v Superman an R rating.
“We were like, ‘What do you want us to cut out?’” Snyder recalled, explaining the conversations he had with the Rating Board. “They were like, ‘We just don’t like the idea of Batman fighting Superman.’”
This response might sound baffling, but it highlights the cultural disconnect between the traditional superhero movie formula and Snyder’s more mature, philosophical approach to the genre. The idea of these two titans of justice clashing on screen was so radical for the MPAA that they were hesitant to grant it a more accessible PG-13 rating, fearing the violence and the dark themes would be too much for a younger audience.
In response, Snyder held firm, arguing, “I can’t take that out, that’s the movie!” For Snyder, the battle between Batman and Superman wasn’t just a plot device — it was the core of the film. It was essential to the story’s larger themes about the nature of heroism, power, and responsibility.
The Director’s Cut: A Vision Restored
After some back-and-forth, the film was eventually given the coveted PG-13 rating, but Snyder’s fight didn’t end there. The theatrical release was met with mixed reviews, leaving many fans disappointed with the film’s choppy pacing, narrative gaps, and awkwardly edited scenes.
However, Snyder’s fans were soon treated to a new version of the film — the Ultimate Edition, also known as the director’s cut. Released for home media, the Ultimate Edition gave Snyder the opportunity to present his full vision of the film, restoring scenes that had been cut for pacing and runtime concerns. According to Snyder, this version was much closer to what he had originally intended.
In his own words, Snyder has described the Ultimate Edition as “a better representation” of his vision. For many fans of the filmmaker, it provided a sense of closure, offering a more complete experience of the world he had crafted. But even in its extended form, Batman v Superman remained a complex and challenging watch, full of thought-provoking ideas and dark, operatic moments that some critics still argue were too much.
Why Batman v Superman Still Divides Audiences
Despite the release of the Ultimate Edition, the film’s legacy continues to divide viewers. On one hand, the film was a visual spectacle — the CGI battles between Batman and Superman, the looming presence of Doomsday, and the moody atmosphere created a sense of epic scale rarely seen in superhero films. On the other hand, the film’s tonal complexity and narrative decisions left many scratching their heads.
The movie deviated significantly from the typical superhero formula, incorporating somber philosophical musings on justice, power, and morality. While some fans appreciated the depth and maturity of the storytelling, others found it pretentious or overly bleak.
One of the most infamous moments that has entered pop culture is the “Martha” scene, where the two heroes suddenly call a truce after discovering they have mothers with the same name. It’s a moment that has been both mocked and defended, epitomizing the film’s tendency to present complex, high-concept ideas that didn’t always land the way Snyder intended.
The film’s production budget was rumored to be between $250 million and $325 million (via The Hollywood Reporter), but despite the enormous financial backing, the film grossed only $874 million worldwide (via Box Office Mojo). This still represents a profit, but not the runaway success Warner Bros. had likely hoped for.
The critical reception was less kind, with Batman v Superman currently holding a meager 29% on Rotten Tomatoes. So why does this film continue to spark debate, even after nearly a decade of its release?
The Enduring Impact of Snyder’s Batman v Superman
The answer lies in Snyder’s willingness to take risks and challenge conventional expectations. By portraying Batman and Superman not as perfect, infallible heroes, but as flawed, complex individuals, he created a film that asked deeper questions about heroism and justice. His portrayal of Superman, for instance, was not that of the shining, hopeful icon seen in previous iterations, but rather a conflicted figure struggling with his own sense of purpose.
While the film’s darker tone and narrative choices alienated many, others appreciated the depth and operatic storytelling that was rarely seen in superhero films at the time. It was a film that, for all its flaws, left an undeniable mark on the genre, one that continues to resonate with fans who appreciate Snyder’s bold vision.
Whether you love or loathe Batman v Superman, one thing is clear: its place in cinematic history is cemented. It’s a film that, despite all the controversy, still sparks conversation, analysis, and passionate debate. For Snyder fans, the Ultimate Edition remains the definitive version of the film, but its initial release