Today through their official Twitter account, HBO Max has just published a video with the message “Welcome to the streaming home of DC,” and a mention to DC Comics’ official Twitter account. In the trailer, we can see images of the most successful movies and series on the platform and The Batman, which will arrive on the platform on April 19. Something that is not leaving the platform’s users indifferent is the absence of images from the Justice League, both Joss Whedon’s version (2017), and Zack Snyder’s cut (2021).
The New HBO Max DC Comics Streaming Trailer
A few hours after the trailer’s release, it already has much impact on social media. In the short promotional video, we can see images of Birds of Prey, Wonder Woman 1984, The Batman, Peacemaker, Titans, Shazam!, Man of Steel, Doom Patrol, among others. The 57-second trailer shows the HBO Max DC Comics Streaming catalogue, with powerful music, phrases from the movies/series, and the tagline “Every hero needs a place to call home.”
Welcome to the streaming home of DC. @DCComics pic.twitter.com/hWlP8dVNCJ
— Max (@StreamOnMax) April 4, 2022
This trailer gives more prominence to The Batman movie, which has a special distinction, being the movie that includes the most scenes. Everything seems to indicate that it is action-oriented to promote DC content in general and the imminent release of The Batman in particular. The film stars Robert Pattinson as Batman and is directed by Matt Reeves. The Batman also stars Paul Dano as Edward Nashton / Riddler, Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot / Penguin, and Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle / Catwoman. The film is on its way to surpassing 700 million at the worldwide box office, making it one of DC’s greatest successes.
Controversial Absence of Both Justice League
Something that Twitter users have been quick to point out in the HBO Max Tweet is the absence of images of one of the most played products of the platform, the Justice League, both Joss Whedon’s version released in 2017 and Zack Snyder’s cut released exclusively on the platform in 2021.
How do y'all not put the literal HBO Max original DC film in the ad? 💀 pic.twitter.com/whdJhZGdIj
— Grayson 🔻 (@KnightFleck) April 4, 2022
Anything to do with DC Films brings controversy, and it’s mainly due to the division of fandom into those who support Zack Snyder’s vision and those who don’t. This director’s perspective for the DC universe began with Man of Steel in 2013 and continued with Batman v Superman in 2016. This trilogy was going to culminate with Justice League; however, a series of unfortunate events took Snyder away from the project, leaving Joss Whedon in charge of finishing the production. Whedon’s version of Justice League was not to the liking of many and ignited the #releasethesnydercut movement, which called for Zack Snyder’s original version to be finished. In 2021 to the surprise of many, the cut was released, with its consequent controversy between fans and detractors.
Image via HBO Max.
With this new trailer, the controversy has not been long in coming, and fans have highlighted the absence of promotional material for this film, in its two versions. One of the most-watched superhero movies of last year is not in this promotional trailer. However, we must not forget that this trailer is focused on The Batman, and this same character is in Justice League, played by a different actor. Perhaps those responsible for the promotion did not want to overshadow this premiere with another character version.