The end of Zack Snyder's Justice League includes a tribute that says "For Autumn," which is in reference to Snyder's daughter, Autumn Snyder. Sadly, Autumn died by suicide on March 12, 2017, which played a crucial role in Snyder's decision to step away from 2017's Justice League, but his triumphant return to the franchise also serves as a beautiful tribute to the director's late daughter.
Since its debut with 2013's Man of Steel, the DC Extended Universe had operated largely according to Snyder's vision. Because of that, it came as a shock when Snyder stepped down from Justice League in May 2017, after the film had already completed principal photography. Of course, the circumstances were extraordinary; Snyder distanced himself from the film in order to be with his family as they endured an unthinkable tragedy. And in the years since Autumn's passing, the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut movement dedicated itself not only to Snyder's unfinished work, but to suicide prevention and awareness. Snyder's fans and supporters ultimately helped raise over half a million dollars for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
For years, the chances of Warner Bros. actually releasing the Snyder Cut seemed slim. However, around the second anniversary of the original film's theatrical release, Snyder and Warner Bros. Pictures chairman Toby Emmerich began discussing the possibility of releasing Zack Snyder's Justice League. The project was officially announced in May 2020, offering vindication for both Snyder and his ardent followers. Because the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut movement did so much work for the AFSP in Autumn's honor, the legacy of the Snyder Cut became more and more deeply intertwined with that of Snyder's late daughter. It was her tragic passing that resulted in Snyder stepping away from Justice League, but also her lasting memory that helped facilitate his return.
Dedicating the Justice League Snyder Cut to Autumn makes sense in more ways than one. Obviously, Snyder's personal journey over the last few years has been predominantly defined by his own grief. But his film even further informs the grieving process, making its "For Autumn" tribute more appropriate and powerful. Just about every character in Zack Snyder's Justice League is grieving in some way. Batman grieves the loss of his parents, while Wonder Woman grieves for Steve Trevor. Cyborg's expanded backstory deals heavily with grief and loss, and supporting characters like Lois Lane and Martha Kent grieve for Superman. If Zack Snyder's Justice League is a story of loss and rebirth, then it's no wonder Snyder's own tragedy so strongly influenced the film.
Snyder even pays tribute to Autumn earlier in the film as well, lingering on a billboard promoting the AFSP. It's a lovely moment, one that speaks to the unique circumstances surrounding the Snyder Cut. Indeed, it's a comic book movie, culling together decades of comic book lore as part of Snyder's singular vision. But perhaps more importantly, the Snyder Cut is the culmination of a community's hard work. It is a gift from Snyder to the fans who supported his family through such a difficult time. It is also a gift to Snyder, who was finally able to realize his vision and pay tribute to his daughter Autumn. It is even a gift to Autumn herself, whose legacy will live on as a result of her father's touching tribute at the end of Zack Snyder's Justice League.
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