Zack Snyder & James Gunn’s 2004 Movie Shows Exactly What Their DC Universe Collaboration Could Look Like

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Though it was released in 2004, the film by Zack Snyder and James Gunn hints at the exciting possibilities of their future collaboration within the DC Universe. The shift from the DCEU to the DC Universe seems to be a successful one, evidenced by the positive reception of the 2025 film Superman, though the change wasn’t without some criticism from fans.

A lot of the criticism stemmed from fans wanting to see Zack Snyder’s original ideas for the DC Universe come to life. This led to questions about whether he could be involved in the new DC Universe, especially since it’s planned to include more mature, R-rated films – a style Snyder is known for. While it’s still unclear what will happen, one movie offers a good look at how Snyder’s vision could potentially fit in.

2004’s Dawn Of The Dead Is An Early Collab Between James Gunn & Zack Snyder Before Their Respective DC Movie Debuts

Most people now know James Gunn and Zack Snyder as directors from different phases of DC movies, but they actually collaborated earlier in their careers. Their joint effort resulted in a particularly memorable film: the 2004 remake of the horror classic, Dawn of the Dead.

This shift meant Zack Snyder directed the movie while James Gunn worked on the script. However, the film still reflects the unique styles of both directors, particularly their shared talent for creating exciting and visually striking action sequences – something they’ve both successfully done in their previous films.

Dawn Of The Dead Shows A DCU Collaboration Between James Gunn & Zack Snyder Could Still Really Work

A lot has changed since the 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead. Director Zack Snyder went on to make several films for the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), but that franchise recently concluded to make way for a complete reboot. Now, James Gunn and Peter Safran are leading DC as co-CEOs, launching a new DC Universe timeline.

Considering how distinct Zack Snyder’s and James Gunn’s visions for DC have been, it’s understandable why many thought they couldn’t possibly collaborate on a DC Universe movie. The stark contrast between Snyder’s Man of Steel and Gunn’s Superman films really highlighted this perceived divide.

In contrast, Zack Snyder’s 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead suggests a promising future collaboration with James Gunn. Their previous work together indicates they could work well on a new project, and the film’s success proves they have the potential to create something truly great for the DC Universe.

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2026-01-14 15:59