David Ayer is striking back at his own supporters after expressing support for James Gunn’s new Superman trailer and the expanding DC Universe the Guardians of the Galaxy director is trying to establish.
On July 11, It Begins. Superman – Only in Theaters 2025 #Superman #FilmedForIMAX @IMAX
Watch the teaser trailer now and ❤️ this post to get updates from @Superman before it hits theaters this July. pic.twitter.com/ZaUfo1ekRn— Superman (@Superman) December 19, 2024
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This backlash comes from the same fanbase that fervently clings to Zack Snyder’s failed Snyderverse continuity and has been aggressively campaigning for Ayer’s cut of the 2016 Suicide Squad. Ayer himself supports the fan movement to bring his original cut of the film to life, however these overzealous fans clearly stepped over the line, eliciting a sharply-worded response.
Instead of fostering a collaborative environment, these fans are now portrayed as entitled detractors, undermining both Ayer and Gunn’s efforts to advance the DC franchise.
Days before Gunn released his highly anticipated Superman trailer, Ayer addressed his followers on social media, urging them to reconsider their aggressive campaign to push for his version of Suicide Squad at the expense of Gunn’s projects.
I didn’t realize James was dropping Creature Commandos when the last Ayer cut campaign hit.
The new Superman trailer is dropping soon and I know there’s intentions of another campaign for my version of Skwad.
As a film makers I want to support other film makers. I’m excited…
— David Ayer (@DavidAyerMovies) December 18, 2024
“I didn’t realize James was dropping Creature Commandos when the last Ayer cut campaign hit,” Ayer said on an X post dated December 17. “The new Superman trailer is dropping soon and I know there’s intentions of another campaign for my version of Skwad.”
By aligning himself with Gunn’s projects, Ayer signaled a shift away from catering to the demanding expectations of his fanbase.
Superman grimacing by a Stagg Industries sign in the trailer for James Gunn’s Superman – YouTube, DC
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Ayer continued his message, emphasizing his support for fellow filmmakers.
“As a filmmaker I want to support other filmmakers,” he noted. “I’m excited to see the trailer and have heard through the rumor mill it’s pretty incredible.” He further advised his supporters to “stay far clear of Thursday for any campaigning,” aiming to prevent their actions from overshadowing the release of Gunn’s Superman trailer. This plea highlights the persistent pressure exerted by fans who seem more interested in personal agendas than in fostering a healthy cinematic universe.
Many of Ayer’s fans responded to this call for civility and respect with equal levels of respect back, agreeing to follow the director’s wishes and voicing appreciation for his moral compass.
Others didn’t.
So disappointing to see this tweet. How much suckery are you going to do yo wb and Gunn? All the support we showed you. And you dot this.
— Mani (@Mani05499207) December 18, 2024
“So disappointing to see this tweet,” one X user called Mani stated. “How much suckery are you going to do yo [sic] WB and Gunn? All the support we showed you. And you dot [sic] this.”
That was one of the kinder responses rejecting Ayer’s call for civility. It apparently upset the director enough to respond directly to his vocal supporters.
On December 18, Ayer returned to X to address the mounting backlash resulting from his support of Gunn’s DC Universe endeavors.
My Lord. If supporting another film maker is so contentious, I’m just lost at this point.
When I was a kid I had a nightmare childhood. My best friends were comic books. They held me and gave me company when no one else did.
Batman spoke to my injured soul. Superman’s…
— David Ayer (@DavidAyerMovies) December 18, 2024
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“My Lord,” he said. “If supporting another filmmaker is so contentious, I’m just lost at this point. When I was a kid I had a nightmare childhood. My best friends were comic books. They held me and gave me company when no one else did.” These heartfelt sentiments reveal Ayer’s genuine passion for the genre, yet his alignment with Gunn has only deepened the rift with his once-loyal supporters.
Ayer didn’t hesitate to reinforce his enthusiasm for Gunn’s projects: “I cannot f****** wait to see James’s trailer. Real talk. And I cannot wait to see his film. And absolutely am sure he crushed it. Because that simple optimism of Superman is all over it. And the little kid in me needs that right now.” His candid support underscores a commitment to uplifting fellow creators, even at the expense of alienating a fanbase that once championed his work.
Harley Quinn in The Movie Suicide Squad – YouTube, Warner Bros. Pictures
In response to the growing tension, Ayer acknowledged the challenges of navigating fan expectations: “I’m a bad guy for that? So be it. I do troll [sic] what I can control. And can’t what I can’t. Gonna step back from all this for a moment.”
It remains unclear whether “taking a step back” refers to distancing himself from social media or stepping away from industry pressures. Regardless, Ayer’s continued activity on X suggests that the struggle to balance personal integrity with fan appeasement remains ongoing.
The core of this conflict stems from Warner Bros.’ Covid-desperation driven decision to release Zack Snyder’s Justice League, a move that has only empowered these fans to push their agendas further. By giving in to their demands, Warner Bros. inadvertently reinforced the notion that catering to an overzealous fanbase is the path forward, thereby emboldening them to attack creators like Ayer and Gunn.
Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Warner Bros. Pictures
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And much like Star Wars fans throwing daily fits over getting a second season of cancelled series The Acolyte, the so-called “Snyder bros” fail to realize that if Snyder’s vision for a DC universe actually made money then it would have continued. Even the release of the Snyder Cut of Justice League failed to generate any meaningful growth of movement for WB’s Max (HBO Max at the time) streaming service.
It also might be a good idea for fans wanting to see the Ayer cut of Suicide Squad to avoid making an enemy of James Gunn.
Any hope of the Ayer cut of being released heavily relies on James Gunn’s approval.
Jared Leto as The Joker in Suicide Squad – YouTube, Warner Bros. Pictures
As Ayer revealed in August 2023, “All I know is my unseen film plays much better than the studio release. The interest in my cut being shown seems real and organic. And Gunn told me it would have its time to be shared. He absolutely deserves to launch his DC universe without more drama about old projects. In a way I’m chained to this thing. I’m riding a tiger here and navigating this situation the best I can. Life is a very strange journey.”
With Gunn at the helm of the DC Universe, the power to release Ayer’s vision lies solely in his hands, making the fans’ attacks not only futile but also shortsighted.
Superman saves a little girl in the Superman teaser trailer – YouTube, DC
In a December 2023 interview with Total Film, Ayer reiterated his commitment to releasing his cut.
“It’s coming,” he said a year ago. “Something’s going to happen. Something’s going to be revealed. The truth always comes out. It always comes out.”
Do you want to see the Ayer cut of Suicide Squad? Do you think it will ever come out? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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