Cosmic Book News continues to fuel rumors that the Snyderverse will return — Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, and Jason Momoa included.

On Monday, the site claimed that Saudi Arabia is the frontrunner to buy Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), owner of DC Studios. They cited Hollywood producer Patrick Caligiuri, who recently said a deal between the kingdom and studio was “about one signature away.” However, Puck’s Matthew Belloni suggested Comcast CEO Brian Roberts was working with Saudi Arabia to back a bid.

Zack Snyder via Joe Rogan Experience YouTube

The situation became even more chaotic when Variety reported that Saudi Arabia was actually backing a bid from Paramount Skydance. A spokesperson for Paramount quickly released a statement, saying “The information Variety published is categorically inaccurate.” As the industry anxiously awaits an official decision and speculation runs at a fever pitch, it seems nothing is outside the realm of possibility.

But from where Cosmic Book News sits, one thing is certain: “If the Saudis back Paramount and win, Snyder wins. If they back Comcast and win, Snyder still wins. Either way, Snyder comes out ahead.” Their reasoning comes from the fact that Snyder has been quietly strengthening ties with the Saudi entertainment industry.

Snyder, the Saudis, and Superman

Last March Snyder signed a deal with the UFC to produce Brawler, with chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, Turki Alalshikh, serving as an executive producer.

Since then, Snyder has been posting pictures on Instagram reminiscing about the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). His “pure Superman” post two weeks ago set the stage for a new round of theorizing. Many fans commented on the picture of Cavill expressing hope for his return to the role and faith that Snyder could still “complete his vision.”

According to Cosmic Book News, that faith won’t be in vain. And it’s not just fans of Cavill’s Superman that will be happy. Along with his return to the Snyderverse, their sources reportedly claim that “Gal Gadot is back as Wonder Woman. Jason Momoa will be back as Aquaman. Ray Fisher will be back as Cyborg.”

It should be noted that Jasom Momoa is already back in DC, playing Lobo in James Gunn’s DCU in the upcoming Supergirl film.

Ben Affleck putting on Batman’s cowl again is still up in the air, as the source notes, “it’s a lot of work physically.” Ezra Miller’s returning as The Flash is described as “doubtful.”

Ben Affleck as Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Warner Bros.

Even if one or more of the original Snyderverse characters has to be recast, Cosmic Book News says, “the Saudis want Zack Snyder back, and they want the SnyderVerse restored.” Why Saudi Arabia wants more Cavill and the Snyderverse is unclear. Assuming Snyder has a close personal relationship with the country’s entertainment authority and is lobbying for it, the logistics of fulfilling such a request are mindboggling.

An Evolving Story

Ever since Snyder had to step away from the DCEU in 2017 after a family tragedy, the story of the Snyderverse and its prophesied return has taken on a life of its own. But it’s not a drama that plays out on the screen between Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Instead, the Snyderverse is an evolving story taking place in comments sections and fans’ imaginations.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 13: (EDITOR’S NOTE: Image has been digitally enhanced.) Zack Snyder attends the Netflix Premiere of Zack Snyder’s REBEL MOON – Part One: A Child of Fire at TCL Chinese Theatre on December 13, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Emilio Madrid/Getty Images for Netflix)

The uncertainty surrounding WBD’s sale has created another opportunity for a dramatic twist in a story some feel has already dragged on beyond all reason. And one can expect that no matter who ends up with the winning bid — Paramount, Comcast, Netflix, or Saudi Arabia — fans of the Snyderverse will find new ways to keep their hope for a return alive.