In a recent interview with Joe Rogan, director Zack Snyder dropped a bombshell about his film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The movie, a cornerstone in the now-defunct DCEU, faced the unexpected threat of an R rating from the MPAA, not due to explicit content, but simply because the ratings board “just don’t like the idea of Batman fighting Superman.”
Snyder shared the behind-the-scenes struggle to secure a PG-13 rating for the movie. The MPAA consistently resisted, expressing discomfort with the central premise of the film – the epic showdown between two iconic superheroes.
Snyder recounted the challenging conversation where he asked the board what to cut to secure the desired rating, only to be met with their insistence on the inappropriateness of Batman and Superman engaging in combat.
“I’m like, ‘I can’t take that out!’ That’s the movie!” Snyder emphasized, highlighting the integral nature of the titular conflict to the entire storyline.
Ultimately, the director had to compromise, and the theatrical release aimed for a PG-13 rating. However, Snyder later addressed the MPAA’s concerns by releasing the “Ultimate Edition” of the film, which carried the originally contested R rating.
While R-rated superhero movies like Joker achieved tremendous success, Snyder’s decision to avoid an R rating for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was grounded in strategic considerations.
Released in 2016, the movie predated the R-rated superhero trend and couldn’t afford to risk alienating a significant portion of its audience. Unlike characters like Joker, Batman, and Superman have a broader appeal, particularly among younger audiences.
Snyder’s revelation provides a fascinating glimpse into the intricacies of navigating the MPAA’s rating system and the unexpected challenges directors may face, even with superhero blockbusters that seem tailor-made for a broad audience.
As fans reflect on the turbulent journey of Batman v Superman, Snyder’s commitment to preserving the core elements of the film, despite rating concerns, adds an intriguing layer to the movie’s backstory.
