Zack Snyder Explains Why He Used "Hallelujah" In The New 'Justice League' Trailer

There is no doubt that The Snyder Cut of Justice League panel at DC FanDome, a virtual convention for various media related to DC Comics, became a hot topic among the superhero movie fan community. Snyder’s interpretation of the 2017 film will be released in four parts, one hour each, on HBO Max. A trailer for Snyder’s version came out of the panel, set to the song “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. Oddly, there is no dialogue to go with the visuals, just this song.

This is actually not the first time that the song has been used in a superhero film helmed by Snyder. In the 2009 film adaptation of Watchmen, it was used during a sex scene between Nite Owl and Silk Spectre. If the use of that song over that scene sounds like it would be awkward… Well, it is. The song feels really out of place the way that it is used in that film. So when it appeared again in this trailer for Zack Snyder’s Justice League, that awkward scene may have come to mind for those aware of Snyder’s past work.

Regardless, the trailer did excite some people. Furthermore, it seems that Snyder has a personal connection to the song. Taking part in a Reel in Motion Roundtable session on YouTube, Snyder was asked why he decided to use “Hallelujah” for his Justice League trailer.

“It was a real personal song for our family... It's something that felt like, you know, it was right for this.”

Snyder was then asked whether his own version Justice League coming through was his own “hallelujah” moment. He confirmed the sentiment.

“Yeah and I think that that song in particular... really, for all of us... it has significance beyond just the movie. And I think we all love the song and it just felt like... that song was the right way to do it.”

It appears that the song represents Zack Snyder seeing that one of his goals has finally come to fruition. In 2017, he had to step away from Justice League due to a family tragedy, leaving the remaining work on the theatrical cut to Joss Whedon, who had previously directed The Avengers and Avengers: Age of Ultron. Since that film’s theatrical release, a sect of fans has shown support for Snyder via the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut movement. One can only imagine how gratifying it is for one to see their own vision on track to be seen by audiences. Regardless of the content of the final version, one cannot help but understand emotionally where Snyder is coming from by seeing this as a “hallelujah” moment. Even if the newer version is not accepted by everyone, it will be out there for anyone who wants it. In the end, those are the people for whom the version has been made.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League is set to be released on HBO Max sometime in 2021. It is unknown whether any direct continuation may result from this new cut, but this at least will be out there.

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Written By Steven Shinder

Syndicated from Culture Slate