The release of Zack Snyder's Justice League solidified the Snyderverse fandom's presence in pop culture, causing some upset among critics and Warner Bros. executives. However, the Barbie movie doesn't seem to be overly concerned, as evidenced by a lighthearted joke.
This is not the first time the Snyderverse fandom and the Snyder Cut of Justice League have been acknowledged or referenced. Examples include Zack Snyder appearing in Teen Titans Go, The Harley Quinn Show poking fun at the Snyderverse fandom (with series producer Justin Halpern applauding fans for their positive response and charitable endeavors), and even The Boys. The fan-driven campaign to release the director's vision of Justice League was a hard-fought battle, but thanks to Snyder's support, WB eventually relented, particularly during the height of the pandemic.
The joke's specific content is not explicitly mentioned, but during an interview with Nerdist, Barbie director Greta Gerwig was asked if she is concerned about the potential impact of the joke on a specific online fan base. Gerwig briefly ponders this question before the interviewer asks if she is given leniency due to Margot's involvement in the DCEU. Various social media sources confirm that this joke ties in with the Snyder Cut and the fandom, aligning with the notion that Gerwig's reaction stems from the joke targeting WB on behalf of Snyderverse fans.
Considering that Barbie is a WB production, this joke may be uncomfortable for the company. However, it aligns well with the film's meta themes, which draw inspiration from The Truman Show and other movies. Notably, the marketing campaigns for Barbie and Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer are intertwined as they are both released on the same day, creating further awareness for both films.
Nolan, a producer involved in the Snyderverse aspects of the DCEU, apparently played a role in the decision for Snyder to kickstart the DC franchise with Man of Steel. Therefore, it is interesting that Barbie, while aligning with Universal's Oppenheimer, would make a joke that targets WB and simultaneously distances herself from the studio. This might suggest that Barbie is against the established authority. According to audience reactions, those familiar with the pop culture reference and those who advocate for artistic integrity and oppose studio interference are likely to appreciate the joke. Barbie is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 21, 2023.
Source: Nerdist
