Lol are studios intentionally screwing up Snyder movies to get a second go? Feels like it. Rebel Moon was exceptionally mid, seems like this cut will improve it but probably not enough to propel it to "good".
I have this theory that Netflix wanted a shorter, sanitised version for a larger, family audience. When I watched the film, seeing all the bloodless kills, it was obvious the film had been "censored" in some way.
What I don't get is why go through all the director's cut stuff, when they could've set expectations before production on what they want to see, so the director doesn't waste their time making a film that will be cut down because it doesn't meet the rating the production company wants? In the end they all look like losers because the theatrical cut is terrible, then Snyder releases a director's cut that turns out to be meh at best.
Take Denis Villenueve for example. All his films have no director's cut, because for him, the theatrical cut IS the director's cut and his vision of the film. Snyder isn't some small name director, so I'm pretty sure he can do an R-18 movie if he wants to.
If studios are intentionally screwing up his films to get a second go as OP suggested, then why would Snyder agree to tarnish his name by agreeing to make a film only to have it cut down? I guess it's all $$$? Because he earns more for a second release?
For the record I don't actually think it's intentional. Truly believe the studios mess up the films to meet a runtime or rating, then call him back to correct it. And after the Snyder cut outrage, his versions practically have marketing built into it.
I definitely agree, I mean it was dreamed up and pitched as a star wars story which is pg/pg-13 so I can sort of understand the expectations. But after it was decided to be an independent franchise it should have had the freedom to break that mold from the beginning.
Snyder's going all out! End of the month, there's a podcast, although I think it's more of an audio drama, it has a cast list. Its a six part series explaining the history of the first Jimmy robot.
I think there's also books, comics and a video game still to come.