Zack Snyder’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” sparked controversy not only for its divisive reception but also for the battle over its rating. In a recent interview with Joe Rogan, Snyder revealed that the movie was nearly given an R rating by the MPAA solely for the premise of Batman and Superman’s showdown.
The movie, which marked Ben Affleck’s debut as Batman and the second installment in the now-defunct DCEU, faced challenges from the ratings board due to the idea of two iconic superheroes engaging in combat. Despite Snyder’s efforts to maintain a PG-13 rating, the board insisted on an R rating, citing discomfort with the concept of Batman and Superman fighting each other.
Snyder recounted the dilemma, stating that he couldn’t compromise on the central conflict of the movie. Ultimately, the theatrical release maintained a PG-13 rating, but Snyder later released an Ultimate Edition with the desired R rating.
While R-rated superhero movies like “Joker” have seen immense success, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” couldn’t afford to take the same risk. Released three years before “Joker,” the landscape for R-rated superhero films was different, with limited precedent for their box office success.
Moreover, the characters of Batman and Superman are inherently more family-friendly and appeal to a broad audience, including younger viewers. Restricting access to the film with an R rating would have alienated a significant portion of its fan base and disrupted the coherence of the broader DCEU narrative.
In the end, maintaining a PG-13 rating was essential for “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” to reach its intended audience and align with the tone and appeal of its iconic characters. Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding its release, the movie remains a pivotal moment in the evolution of the superhero genre on screen.
FAQ
Why was “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” nearly given an R rating? The MPAA raised concerns about the premise of Batman and Superman engaging in combat, which they believed warranted an R rating due to its intensity.
Did Zack Snyder compromise on the movie’s rating? Snyder initially fought to maintain a PG-13 rating but later released an Ultimate Edition with the desired R rating.
How does “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” compare to other R-rated superhero movies? Unlike R-rated superhero movies like “Joker,” “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” couldn’t afford to take the same risk due to the family-friendly appeal of its iconic characters.
Why was it important for “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” to maintain a PG-13 rating? Maintaining a PG-13 rating was essential to reach its intended audience, which includes younger viewers, and to align with the tone and appeal of its iconic characters, Batman and Superman.