ZACK SNYDER'S JUSTICE LEAGUE Was Reportedly HBO Max's Third (Not Second) Biggest Debut Of 2021

While we know Godzilla vs. Kong beat Zack Snyder's Justice League in terms of viewership numbers, it's now being reported that the Snyder Cut is, in fact, only HBO Max's third highest-viewed 2021 title.

By JoshWilding - Apr 08, 2021 03:04 AM EST

Filed Under: Justice League

Zack Snyder's Justice League was far from a flop on HBO Max, but it is beginning to look like it didn't reach the lofty heights many fans expected. While the streaming service doesn't share official viewership numbers, Variety has accessed third-party data which goes some way towards clearing things up.

As we previously reported, Godzilla vs. Kong demolished every other title by pulling in almost as many viewers as Wonder Woman 1984 (that movie's release last December was somewhat unprecedented). It's 2021's highest viewed release, however, which we initially thought left Zack Snyder's Justice League in second place. Now, though, we know it was third.

Believe it or not, the release of Judas and the Black Messiah actually gained more viewers than the Snyder Cut, and in terms of subscribers, HBO Max's launch on Roku last year was vastly more beneficial than what Justice League did for the streamer.

As for the three-day debuts of 2021's HBO Max releases, Godzilla vs. Kong was #1, The Little Things was #2, and Zack Snyder's Justice League was #3.

While this data does come from outside companies, it's no secret that WarnerMedia is looking to move on from the "SnyderVerse," so if we're putting our tin foil hats on for a moment, we can't help but wonder if these numbers are being underreported in order to play down Justice League's success.

That's highly unlikely, though, and the sad reality is that while WarnerMedia's decision to #ReleaseTheSnyderCut was the right one, this is where the story ends.

Click on the "Next" button below to see what we think
did and didn't work in the "Snyder Cut" of Justice League!

10. Did Work: A Ferocious Wonder Woman

If you were left feeling underwhelmed by Diana Prince's portrayal in Wonder Woman 1984 (she didn't wield her sword or shield), then Zack Snyder's Justice League is the movie for you.

The original version of the Amazon Warrior taking out the criminals who plan to blow up those kids is violent, bloody, and a badass take on the character fans will definitely appreciate. This is a proactive Wonder Woman, something that's evident from when she later goes one-on-one with Steppenwolf.

Snyder clearly had a very specific idea for how Diana should be portrayed on screen, and it's one which lines up both with 2017's Wonder Woman more than last year's divisive sequel.

9. Did Work: Steppenwolf

The 2017 version of Steppenwolf was disappointing to say the least, and not just because he looked like a character who had been pulled straight from a video game cutscene. Thankfully, his appearance isn't the only thing that's been improved upon for the "Snyder Cut" of Justice League.

Spurned by Darkseid for a failure thousands of years earlier and forced to travel from planet to planet claiming them for his master (and a sneering Desaad), Steppenwolf's motivations make perfect sense now. He wants to return home, and the only way to do that is delivering the Anti-Life Equation.

This interpretation of the villain looks great in action, and feels like a legitimate threat to the team.

8. Didn't Work: A Little Too Much Overindulgence

Look, at four hours long, this was probably an inevitability. No one can blame Snyder for wanting to including everything he shot here, but there are moments which just aren't necessary.

For example, from how many angles do we really need to see Bruce Wayne riding a horse? This causes some scenes and moments to drag, and while they're few and far between (ultimately, the runtime goes as quick as Avengers: Endgame's), it's hard not to highlight them as a negative.

This is a minor flaw, and not one that's likely to bother anyone who wanted to see Snyder's full vision for Justice League without any cuts or changes. A slightly tighter version would be fun to see, though.

7. Did Work: Gods Among Men

The Marvel Universe's characters are more relatable than DC's, and for many fans, that's because the latter company's are God-like in terms of their powers. Of course, that's a big part of the Justice League's appeal, and Snyder effortlessly makes these heroes feel like mythological beings here.

That's particularly the case when the Flash, for example, taps into the Speed Force for the first time. It's a beautiful, jaw-dropping sequence which shows how powerful the Scarlet Speedster really is.

Aquaman and Wonder Woman also benefit from Snyder's vision, while Batman's actions make much more sense this time. However, it's Cyborg who gets the biggest upgrade in some ways because the way he taps into technology makes him a true Modern Day God Of The Digital Age.

6. Did Work: Everything Makes Sense Now

While Zack Snyder's Justice League follows the same basic direction as the theatrical cut, everything that didn't make sense in 2017 now does! For example, we learn that where the League meets isn't part of the Batcave, but a completely separate location in Gotham City. Batman also has a reason for building that massive troop transport, and is no longer on a suicide mission.

We've obviously talked about Steppenwolf and his motivations, but we're sure you'll be glad to learn that while Superman's resurrection is mostly the same, it's much better explained this time.

With the plot given room to breathe, Justice League massively benefits, and it's crazy to think that so many of these important beats were left on the cutting room floor. Thankfully, this is a far more cohesive experience.

5. Didn't Work: Martian Manhunter

In terms of his appearance, we can't fault Martian Manhunter. The design probably won't be to everyone's liking, but this is a cool take on the character and one many fans will love.

The bigger issue, unfortunately, is that he feels a little shoehorned in. The scene we've heard and seen so much about where he leaves Lois Lane's apartment disguised as Martha Kent probably would have worked better in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and feels a tad random in the wider context of the movie. We won't spoil his second scene, but that works much better.

Honestly, a Green Lantern cameo would have been even better, but for fans of Martian Manhunter, J'onn J'onzz's big screen debut in the "Snyder Cut" will definitely be welcomed.

4. Did Work: Ray Fisher's Amazing Take On Cyborg

Well, Zack Snyder wasn't kidding when he said that Cyborg was the "heart" of his Justice League movie.

For reasons known only to him, Joss Whedon tore that out in 2017, but this version restores Ray Fisher's original scenes (99% of which were reshot) and deliver a much better take on Victor Stone. When a Cyborg standalone feature was announced by Warner Bros., fans didn't get it. Well, after watching this movie, something tells us you'll wish that had ended up happening.

The portrayal of Cyborg's powers is particularly impressive, and a sequence which follows Victor as he contemplates the things he could (but perhaps shouldn't) do with his abilities is fascinating.

3. Did Work: Darkseid Teases

Darkseid doesn't get a leading role in Zack Snyder's Justice League, but he still makes one hell of an impact! Those flashbacks to Uxas' attack on Earth land much better this time around, while any time the villain speaks, he's in equal parts terrifying and feels every bit the big deal Thanos once did.

There's some great stuff nearer the end of the movie with him, but one sequence a little earlier in proceedings promises to be one which DC Comics fans talk about for many years to come.

We won't get into specifics, but suffice to say it involves the Omega Beams (which we saw in the latest trailer) and a glimpse ahead at what might happen should Darkseid conquer the Earth.

2. Didn't Work: Not Enough Superman

Another nitpick, but this lack of screentime for Superman will definitely disappoint the Man of Steel's fans.

He doesn't return until relatively late in the proceedings, and it's clear Snyder planned to give the hero a much larger role in the two sequels he had planned. Superman's battle with the League works better here, particularly when it comes to his confrontation with Batman. A couple of decent lines of dialogue Whedon added are missed, but not to a particularly significant extent.

Everything on the farm is infinitely better here, as are the hints about where Clark and Lois' relationship goes next. As for his role in the final battle, Henry Cavill definitely shines as this badass Supes.

1. Did Work: Batman Meets Joker

The "Knightmare" sequence Zack Snyder chose to add to this cut of Justice League is a lot of fun, and a great tease for a sequel...we probably won't ever see. Of course, we once thought that would be the case about the "Snyder Cut" itself, so it's way too early to write that off as a possibility.

Regardless, while Deathstroke doesn't bring much to the table (neither does Mera aside from a weird English accent), rest assured that Ben Affleck's Batman sharing the screen with Jared Leto's Joker is just as much fun as you might expect. The hatred they feel for one another is palpable, and there are some great comments about the past which will grab your attention.

Whether it's a movie, anime follow-up, or comic book sequel, we need to see more of these two together.

Zack Snyder Says REBEL MOON - PART 2's Last Supper Scene Was Originally Conceived For JUSTICE LEAGUE Sequel

Recommended For You:

JUSTICE LEAGUE Director Zack Snyder Says He's "Pretty Excited" About James Gunn's DCU Plans

DISCLAIMER: ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and... [MORE]

ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

Do you have what it takes to write for us?

Want to contribute?

165 Comments

1 2 3 4 5

RandyOrtonLF - 4/8/2021, 3:40 AM

#ReStORetHeSnYdErVerSe that can't pull in more viewers than Judas and the Black Messiah!!

Can't wait to see what excuses Zaddy boys come up with now.

RageDriver2401 - 4/8/2021, 3:42 AM

The Little Things had a better debut than Justice League?

rexlincoln - 4/8/2021, 3:44 AM

Had to watch this in three parts. It was alright, not terrible. Not great either.

I've said this before but I'm a fan of Snyder's other work to a degree. I wouldn't hold him up there with other great directors but he does at least have his own style. I think the problem I have is that he keeps insisting his films are really deep, high art pieces when they're really not. In reality they're just schlocky action films. Nothing wrong with that but just call a cat a cat, y'know.

Either way, glad this is out of the way now, the guy didn't understand the characters. I am looking forward to Army of the Dead and whatever else he does outside of this.

GhostDog - 4/8/2021, 3:47 AM

ivan10 - 4/8/2021, 3:53 AM

I do not believe it, those data are false, with the only movie that the servers crashed is with the snyder cut, with the others that has not happened
Warner's problems with zack are well known, on other websites they say the opposite like blomberd, reelgood,
I am not a fan of Zack Snyder's vision, but it is evident that they lie, in google trends, the popularity of the snyder cut, it is very similar to all other films
I have investigated the movie is number 1 in google play, on itunes and other platforms
checking it in google is very easy

Kumkani - 4/8/2021, 3:59 AM

@ivan10 - Sure mate. We'll just take your word for it because comic book movies websites know better than industry experts.

BuzzKillington - 4/8/2021, 4:17 AM

@ivan10 -

RocketRed - 4/8/2021, 4:19 AM

@ivan10 - Yes, the ZSJL was a huge success made them a shitton of movie, and they, as a studio, decided to lie about it and say that it was a failure because they hate money now.

[frick]ing Joe Biden turned WB into a communist studio.

DoubleD - 4/8/2021, 3:57 AM

Moriakum - 4/8/2021, 3:58 AM

BuzzKillington - 4/8/2021, 3:58 AM

Moriakum - 4/8/2021, 4:02 AM

@BuzzKillington - One of the best gifs of all time!

BuzzKillington - 4/8/2021, 4:13 AM

@Moriakum -

Like it was made for this.

Matador - 4/8/2021, 4:27 AM

@BuzzKillington - choo choo

WakandanQueen - 4/8/2021, 3:58 AM

still haven't found the power to sit through this one

Matador - 4/8/2021, 4:27 AM

@WakandanQueen - same or the Josh one

Blergh - 4/8/2021, 4:28 AM

@WakandanQueen - it's a rough start as the movie has incredibly oversized scenes that could easily be trimmed down but after the first hour it becomes easier.

RandyOrtonLF - 4/8/2021, 4:32 AM

@WakandanQueen - Was a pretty difficult watch for me. Some of the dialogue and editing choices were just too cringe.

Blergh - 4/8/2021, 4:33 AM

@RandyOrtonLF - man and the characters, they all felt like hollowed out shells only put in there to fullfull their purpose. The acting was so off as well.
Better than the theatrical cut for sure but changed some parts for the worse

lordSTALE - 4/8/2021, 6:04 AM

@Blergh - "but changed some parts for the worse"

What you didn't like Flash wasting time cheering the people on as they went up stairs instead of just carrying them all out at super speed? Typical Snyder hating Marble fanboy 🙄

😉🙃

1 2 3 4 5

Related Headlines

Justice League (Animated)

CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS - PART 2 Spoilers: Batman Beyond Disappoints But Stage Is Set For Epic PART 3

JoshWilding

1 day ago

Justice League

Zack Snyder Says REBEL MOON - PART 2's "Last Supper" Scene Was Originally Conceived For JUSTICE LEAGUE Sequel

MarkCassidy

2 days ago

Justice League

JUSTICE LEAGUE Director Zack Snyder Says He's "Pretty Excited" About James Gunn's DCU Plans

JoshWilding

6 days ago

Related Headlines

Justice League (Animated)

CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS - PART 2 Spoilers: Batman Beyond Disappoints But Stage Is Set For Epic PART 3

JoshWilding

1 day ago

Justice League

Zack Snyder Says REBEL MOON - PART 2's "Last Supper" Scene Was Originally Conceived For JUSTICE LEAGUE Sequel

MarkCassidy

2 days ago

Justice League

JUSTICE LEAGUE Director Zack Snyder Says He's "Pretty Excited" About James Gunn's DCU Plans

JoshWilding

6 days ago

Justice League

JUSTICE LEAGUE Director Zack Snyder Open To Making Animated Sequels; Believes Some DC Fans Are "Brainwashed"

JoshWilding

Apr 11, 2024 01:04 PM

Justice League

Henry Cavill Jokes (We Think) That His JUSTICE LEAGUE Mustache "Nearly Ruined My Career"

JoshWilding

Apr 11, 2024 09:04 AM

Justice League

Westworld

WESTWORLD Star Thandiwe Newton Joins The Cast Of WEDNESDAY Season 2

MarkCassidy

5 hours ago

Spider-Man

Sam Raimi On AVENGERS: SECRET WARS Rumors And Potential SPIDER-MAN 4 Story

MarkCassidy

8 hours ago

Latest Headlines

Dune

DUNE: PART TWO Gets An Honest Trailer Which Doesn't Take It Easy On Denis Villeneuve's Sci-Fi Sequel

JoshWilding

16 mins ago

Westworld

WESTWORLD Star Thandiwe Newton Joins The Cast Of WEDNESDAY Season 2

MarkCassidy

5 hours ago

Spider-Man

Sam Raimi On AVENGERS: SECRET WARS Rumors And Potential SPIDER-MAN 4 Story

MarkCassidy

8 hours ago

Mad Max

FURIOSA Rated R For Strong Violence And Grisly Images; New "One Month" TV Spot Released

MarkCassidy

9 hours ago

X-Men '97

X-MEN '97 Showrunner Addresses Some Of The Biggest Moments And Easter Eggs In Today's Episode

JoshWilding

9 hours ago

Marvel Comics

WOLVERINE #50: Marvel Shares First Look At Benjamin Percy's Final Issue As Logan Celebrates 50th Anniversary

JoshWilding

10 hours ago

Hot Headlines

166 comments

MAN OF STEEL Director Zack Snyder Says Superman Would Be "Fake" If He Hadn't Killed General Zod

JoshWilding

1 day ago EST

100 comments

Former X-MEN '97 Showrunner Beau DeMayo Says Show Will Address Mr. Sinister's Racism

MarkCassidy

1 day ago EST

89 comments

DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE's Post-Credits Scene Said To Be "Mind-Blowing"

MarkCassidy

11 hours ago EST

74 comments

SHE-HULK: ATTORNEY AT LAW Guest-Star Megan Thee Stallion Sued For Workplace Harassment

MarkCassidy

1 day ago EST

62 comments

More Sci-Fi & Fantasy ►

TWILIGHT OF THE GODS Director Zack Snyder Shares First Look At His Animated Norse Mythology Series

More Cartoons & Animated ►

New DESTINY 2: THE FINAL SHAPE Trailer Takes Us Into The Pale Heart Of The Traveler

More Anime & Manga ►

28 YEARS LATER: Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson & Ralph Fiennes Officially Join Cast

More Horror ►

MONKEY MAN Exclusive Interview With Mask Designer Eddie Yang; Dev Patel Film Now Available On Digital HD

More Action Movies & TV ►

Jinder Mahal Reflects On Social Media Spat With AEW's Tony Khan And His WWE Day 1 Promo Alongside The Rock

More Pro Wrestling ►

THE LITTLE MERMAID: Ariel Gets An R-Rated Makeover In First Trailer For New Live-Action Adaptation

More Sci-Fi & Fantasy ►

More Cartoons & Animated ►

More Anime & Manga ►

More Horror ►

More Action Movies & TV ►

More Pro Wrestling ►

ZACK SNYDER'S JUSTICE LEAGUE Was Reportedly HBO Max's Third (Not Second) Biggest Debut Of 2021

While we know Godzilla vs. Kong beat Zack Snyder's Justice League in terms of viewership numbers, it's now being reported that the Snyder Cut is, in fact, only HBO Max's third highest-viewed 2021 title.

10. Did Work: A Ferocious Wonder Woman

9. Did Work: Steppenwolf

8. Didn't Work: A Little Too Much Overindulgence

7. Did Work: Gods Among Men

6. Did Work: Everything Makes Sense Now

5. Didn't Work: Martian Manhunter

4. Did Work: Ray Fisher's Amazing Take On Cyborg

3. Did Work: Darkseid Teases

2. Didn't Work: Not Enough Superman

1. Did Work: Batman Meets Joker

Zack Snyder Says REBEL MOON - PART 2's "Last Supper" Scene Was Originally Conceived For JUSTICE LEAGUE Sequel

JUSTICE LEAGUE Director Zack Snyder Says He's "Pretty Excited" About James Gunn's DCU Plans

CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS - PART 2 Spoilers: Batman Beyond Disappoints But Stage Is Set For Epic PART 3

Zack Snyder Says REBEL MOON - PART 2's "Last Supper" Scene Was Originally Conceived For JUSTICE LEAGUE Sequel

JUSTICE LEAGUE Director Zack Snyder Says He's "Pretty Excited" About James Gunn's DCU Plans

CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS - PART 2 Spoilers: Batman Beyond Disappoints But Stage Is Set For Epic PART 3

Zack Snyder Says REBEL MOON - PART 2's "Last Supper" Scene Was Originally Conceived For JUSTICE LEAGUE Sequel

JUSTICE LEAGUE Director Zack Snyder Says He's "Pretty Excited" About James Gunn's DCU Plans

JUSTICE LEAGUE Director Zack Snyder Open To Making Animated Sequels; Believes Some DC Fans Are "Brainwashed"

Henry Cavill Jokes (We Think) That His JUSTICE LEAGUE Mustache "Nearly Ruined My Career"

JUSTICE LEAGUE Director Zack Snyder Suggests His Fans Campaign To #ReleaseTheSnyderCut Of SUCKER PUNCH

Popular Headlines

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE: Rumored New Details About [SPOILER], [SPOILER], And [SPOILER]'s Roles Revealed

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE: Rob Liefeld Responds To Trailer's Shot At His Apparent Inability To Draw Feet

DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE's Post-Credits Scene Said To Be "Mind-Blowing"

X-MEN '97 "Bright Eyes" Recap: An Unexpected New Villain Revealed As [SPOILER] Makes Shock Return

DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE Rumored To Feature An Appearance From [SPOILER] As [SPOILER]

DUNE: PART TWO Gets An Honest Trailer Which Doesn't Take It Easy On Denis Villeneuve's Sci-Fi Sequel

WESTWORLD Star Thandiwe Newton Joins The Cast Of WEDNESDAY Season 2

Sam Raimi On AVENGERS: SECRET WARS Rumors And Potential SPIDER-MAN 4 Story

DUNE: PART TWO Gets An Honest Trailer Which Doesn't Take It Easy On Denis Villeneuve's Sci-Fi Sequel

WESTWORLD Star Thandiwe Newton Joins The Cast Of WEDNESDAY Season 2

Sam Raimi On AVENGERS: SECRET WARS Rumors And Potential SPIDER-MAN 4 Story

FURIOSA Rated R For Strong Violence And Grisly Images; New "One Month" TV Spot Released

X-MEN '97 Showrunner Addresses Some Of The Biggest Moments And Easter Eggs In Today's Episode

WOLVERINE #50: Marvel Shares First Look At Benjamin Percy's Final Issue As Logan Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Hot Headlines

MAN OF STEEL Director Zack Snyder Says Superman Would Be "Fake" If He Hadn't Killed General Zod

Former X-MEN '97 Showrunner Beau DeMayo Says Show Will Address Mr. Sinister's Racism

DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE's Post-Credits Scene Said To Be "Mind-Blowing"

SHE-HULK: ATTORNEY AT LAW Guest-Star Megan Thee Stallion Sued For Workplace Harassment

Sam Raimi On AVENGERS: SECRET WARS Rumors And Potential SPIDER-MAN 4 Story

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

THE LITTLE MERMAID: Ariel Gets An R-Rated Makeover In First Trailer For New Live-Action Adaptation

STAR WARS: TALES OF THE EMPIRE Clip Sees General Grievous Attack Dathomir's Nightsisters

DUNE: PART TWO Honest Trailer Isn't Afraid To Point Out The Flaws In Denis Villeneuve's Sci-Fi Masterpiece

FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA Has Been Rated R For "Strong Violence And Grisly Images"

APPLE TV+'s NEUROMANCER Casts Callum Turner As Series Lead Case

DUNE: PART TWO Director Denis Villeneuve Breaks Down The Sequel's Ending And Teases MESSIAH Plans - SPOILERS

Cartoons & Animated Features

TWILIGHT OF THE GODS Director Zack Snyder Shares First Look At His Animated Norse Mythology Series

THE LITTLE MERMAID: New Live-Action Movie Rated R For "Violence & Nudity" - Check Out The Trailer

X-MEN '97 Showrunner Breaks Down Cameos, Easter Eggs And More In "Bright Eyes" - SPOILERS

X-MEN '97 Finally Reveals Its True Villain In "Bright Eyes" As We Get A Few Shocking Returns - SPOILERS

X-MEN '97: "Bright Eyes" Unleashes Rogue And Features TWO Huge Marvel Universe Cameos - SPOILERS

X-MEN '97: Rogue Is Out For Revenge In First Clip From Tomorrow's New Episode, "Bright Eyes"

Gaming

New DESTINY 2: THE FINAL SHAPE Trailer Takes Us Into The Pale Heart Of The Traveler

GTA 5 Voice Actor Reveals Plans For "Agent Trevor" DLC Before Rockstar Apparently Scrapped It

TALES OF THE SHIRE: A LORD OF THE RINGS GAME Official Announcement Trailer Released

FALLOUT Series Showrunners Strongly Hint Season 2 Will Take Us To An Iconic Location From The Games

Billie Eilish Headlines FORTNITE FESTIVAL Season 3

LaKeith Stanfield To Star In Film Based On EL PASO, ELSEWHERE Vampire Video Game

Anime & Manga

Netflix's ONE PIECE Season 2 Finally Gets A Release Window

UniVersus Reveals New MY HERO ACADEMIA: GIRL POWER Set

New Trailer For GAROUDEN: THE WAY OF THE LONE WOLF Released Ahead Of Netflix Debut

Netflix's ONE PIECE Finds New Showrunner In PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS' Joe Tracz

DRAGON BALL SUPER Interval Special Announced By Jump While Manga Remains On Indefinite Hiatus

New Teaser And Key Art For Live-Action TRILLION GAME Movie

Horror

28 YEARS LATER: Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson & Ralph Fiennes Officially Join Cast

WEDNESDAY Season 2 Adds WESTWORLD Star Thandiwe Newton In Mysterious Role

BLINK TWICE: Channing Tatum Invites You To "Pussy Island" In First Trailer For Zoë Kravitz's Directorial Debut

THE WATCHERS New Trailer Sees Dakota Fanning Terrorised In Ishana Night Shyamalan's Directorial Debut

EVIL DEAD RISE Director Lee Cronin Shares Gruesome New BTS Photos To Mark Movie's One-Year Anniversary

Happy 4/20! Check Out The Red Band Trailer For New Stoner Horror Movie TRIM SEASON

Action Movies & TV