Zack Snyder addresses 'Batman vs. Superman' movie casting outrage, reveals shooting schedule and more

Director Zack Snyder returns to helm the Man of Steel sequel, known as Batman vs. Superman until further notice, but he has dealt with some backlash from fans who are unhappy with some casting choices (specifically Ben Affleck as Batman, Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman) and creative decisions.

In a recent interview with Hero Complex at The Los Angeles Times, Snyder addressed these concerns:

"We know the material; unfortunately, the fans don't know the material," he replied when asked how surprised he was at the fans' response. "So, we're casting according to what's happening in the script. And we're hoping that leads to enough originality, enough perspective on what we're doing that you get something fresh and exciting. I understand the canon. I'm not crazy. I know what these characters need from a mythological standpoint. I think Jesse is going to be an amazing Lex. Let's not forget he was nominated for an Academy Award. It's not like I just grabbed my friend to play the guy! This guy's the real deal. By the way, in looking at all the talk-back, you can get all different perspectives in there too. Some people are hating to hate. Some people - someone did some fan art. And you look underneath and someone wrote, 'I guess I can see it.' Honestly, are you kidding me? Just stop it! It's reassuring and frustrating at the same time." 

He also described how this sequel expands upon the world built in Man of Steel.

"[The movie] literally takes the Man of Steel and Batman universes and explodes them. You're not as tied to the mythology," he said. "In Man of Steel, we had to create an origin story, a mythology, and there's a lot of energy into that, which we love doing. Don't get me wrong. But when you think about how fun it is too - now that you've got these characters - to now let 'em loose. That's fun!" 

Finally, Snyder revealed that filming is about to get underway and expressed his enthusiasm for the project.

"We're getting ready to start shooting in a month or so," he said. "It's going great. I'm very excited. It's very fun to get into this world with different heroes coexisting in the same universe, but a lot of balls in the air as they say. As a fan, it's an amazing opportunity. You know, Superman and Batman in the movies have never existed in the same frame together. So it's an interesting historical thing. We were just testing the suits, right? The new Batsuit and the Superman suit. It wasn't even with the actors, right? It was just to see 'em. I was standing there, they were standing next to each other. And I was like, 'Guys, someone take a picture! This has never happened before.' We slightly dork out. Like, 'Are you kidding me?!'" 

What do you make of Snyder's comments? Let us know in the comments below.