Zack Snyder based his Snyderverse movies on Peter Jackson’s The Lord of The Rings franchise.

Zack Snyder is one of the most prolific filmmakers of today’s age. Having created epics like 300, Army of the Dead, Justice League, and more, the director is known best for creating action-packed, grim tales of adventure that are often characterized by intricate details. Whether it is his independent features or the Snyderverse, Snyder’s movies are a true treat to audiences who love bold and gritty themes.
Zack Snyder

Hollywood filmmaker Zack Snyder (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
While Snyder’s imagination and ability to craft fictional worlds are quite impressive, the director’s Snyderverse shares unmistakable similarities with Peter Jackson’s The Lord of The Rings franchise. The two different worlds have several distinct connections that are quite baffling.

Zack Snyder’s Snyderverse Shares Several Similarities with The Lord of The Rings

 
ZSJL – a vision of the Knightmare timelineZack Snyderʼs Justice League [Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures]


One is based on a set of comics, and the other is based on fantasy novels, yet Snyderverse and The Lord of The Rings’ live-action adaptation share several resemblances that are too uncanny to ignore. Although Zack Snyder himself is an ingenious filmmaker, it is quite baffling to know that out of all things, he would choose the Peter Jackson franchise as his inspiration for several shots.

 

 

The above video shows how much the former DC helmer loves Jackson’s LOTR franchise. From Justice League to Man of Steel, several shots of the movies are directly inspired by LOTR movies— The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King.

However, Snyder does not hide his connection with the acclaimed fantasy movies, instead while discussing the Justice League teaser, the filmmaker remarked that he wanted to create this sort of crazy sci-fi Lord of the Rings world for his DC superhero flick.

In an interview with Total Film, Snyder had also stated that he meant his Snyderverse movies (Man of Steel, Batman vs Superman, Justice League) to be like the LOTR trilogy. Apart from his DC movies, Snyder’s movies like 300 and Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole, too, share numerous likenesses with The Lord of The Rings movies.

How Snyderverse’s Lord of The Rings Connection is Significant

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power was not well received when it releasedA still from The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power 
In the vast realm of cinematic universes, it is uncanny yet intriguing that Zack Snyder would seek inspiration from Peter Jackson’s Lord of The Rings franchise to craft his world of DC. The epic tapestry woven by Jackson, based on the books by J. R. R. Tolkien 4⁴continues to serve as an inspiration to budding filmmakers. Yet to have a filmmaker like Snyder adapt Jackson’s movies is a significant move.

A filmmaker like Snyder, who differs greatly from Jackson in terms of genre and style, seeking inspiration in the fantasy world of Tolkien proves the reverence of the movies and the profoundness of Jackson’s talent. The compelling connection between the two demonstrates how, sometimes, seeking inspiration is not a sign of a lack of talent and vision but rather an act of respect for somebody else’s greater sight.

Snyder’s willingness to build upon the success of his predecessors, by imbibing the depth and resonance of Jackson’s movies is his way of perhaps honoring the legacy of the movies, and giving fans something more to look forward to. The nod to Jackson not only shows Snyder’s appreciation of the movies but also creates a distinct yet special connection between the two franchises.

Both Snyderverse and The Lord of The Rings franchise can be streamed on HBO Max.