Zack Snyder has set his sights on his next project, and it’s quite different from his previous work. After attempting to make his own Star Wars on Netflix with Rebel Moon the past few years, Snyder is landing back on planet Earth with a new film on the streamer that will tackle a “grounded” concept. The Man of Steel director is set to direct an action thriller revolving around cops, taking a cue from fellow DC director David Ayer.
The Hollywood Reporter exclusively reports that Snyder has signed on to helm a movie set in the Los Angeles Police Department for Netflix. The currently untitled feature will be co-written by Snyder and his frequent collaborator Kurt Johnstad, who previously worked on 300 and Rebel Moon. Details are scarce surrounding the project, but it was being described as his first “truly grounded” endeavor. Snyder has procured a cult following and several well-acclaimed films over his tenure, but this may be the biggest turning point in his career thus far.
Despite Rebel Moon and his animated series Twilight of the Godsreceiving mixed responses from critics and audiences alike (the latter faring better), Netflix is keen on continuing its partnership with Snyder. The streamer also debuted his long-awaited Dawn of the Dead follow-up, Army of the Dead, which was received well but was not made into a franchise after the animated prequel series was canceled. Now, Netflix looks to bet big on Snyder again with a genre that is booming right now, especially after the smash-hit success of Rebel Ridge, which featured a former Marine battling cops in a small town.
Yes, this is Zack Snyder’s Most “Grounded Work”
It may sound quite silly at first, but Netflix’s untitled LAPD film does seem to be Zack Snyder’s most grounded project yet. From creating the DCEU to adapting celebrated graphic novels like Frank Miller’s 300, Snyder has been known for his high-concept work that often dips into mythology. Whether it’s sci-fi or the superhero genre, Snyder has been deemed the “dark and gloomy” director while also helming some of the most fantastical films in recent memory. With the LAPD project, the director is indeed veering off course from what his fans (and many detractors) have been used to ever since he jumped on the scene with the cult-classic Dawn of the Dead remake.
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No doubt many a Snyder fan would love to see this movie happen.
In some respects, Snyder is taking a page out of David Ayer’s playbook post-Suicide Squad. The Beekeeper director has been hard at work in the action thriller genre for his last few projects, after directing several LAPD-focused films like End of Watch and Netflix’s Bright. And now, Snyder is set to tackle a similar realistic concept that we’re sure will still feature his signature slo-mo action beats. It’s unclear if the Snyder cop flick will be R-rated, but it’s safe to say that it will also share that aspect with Ayer’s work.
No casting news has been revealed thus far, so perhaps Snyder could reunite with his previous actors to fill out the LAPD. Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck team-up film, anyone? This could be the chance to make things right after Batman v. Superman. Make it happen, Snyder.
The untitled LAPD film from Zack Snyder does not have a release date.