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Searching for the Snyder Cut: Conceptions of the Sacred in Superhero Fandom

Presenters

Matt Griffin

Abstract

Drawing on Durkheim’s conception of the “sacred,” this presentation examines the ways in which certain texts become sacrosanct objects in superhero fandom. Fan Studies scholars have previously highlighted how “controversy and struggle” can stem from differences between fan expectations and producer decisions, and this work offers a Religious Studies perspective on the same topic. A recent example of this issue is the 2017 superhero film Justice League: The highly anticipated film’s troubled production process reportedly led to significant changes just before release, resulting in a seemingly diluted version of the film. A vocal group of fans has since been pressuring producers to release the originally intended, “pure” version (or the “Snyder Cut”) which may not exist. This discourse around Justice League echoes that of Christians who protest nontraditional depictions of Jesus and makes a case for the concept of “blasphemy” within superhero fandom. By comparing such fan activities to traditionally religious practices, it is possible to see the way that fans imbue certain objects with sacred properties.