DC fans' hopes for a Batman v Superman film were dashed in 2002, but eventually realized in 2016 by Zack Snyder.

DC fans had high hopes for Zack Snyder's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, as it marked the first time the iconic superheroes were featured together in a film, setting the stage for a connected DC cinematic universe. However, Warner Bros. had actually planned to have Batman and Superman face off much earlier.

Following the lukewarm reception of Batman & Robin and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, there was uncertainty about the future of the DC icons. Warner Bros. aimed to bring them back with a Batman vs Superman film in 2002, with renowned director Wolfgang Petersen at the helm.

The script was penned by Akiva Goldsmith, who took a dark approach by beginning the story with the death of Alfred Pennyworth and exploring Bruce Wayne's loss and vendetta against Superman.In the early 2000s, various actors were considered for the roles of Batman and Superman, with Colin Farrell and Jude Law ultimately chosen for the respective parts. Josh Hartnett was also offered a lucrative deal to portray Superman, but he turned it down, a decision that is now considered one of the biggest missed opportunities in Hollywood.

Production for the Batman vs Superman film was set to begin in 2003, but Warner Bros. pivoted towards standalone projects, including J.J.

Abrams' Superman: Flyby and Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins. Despite the change in direction, the idea of a crossover film remained a possibility for the future.Eventually, the long-awaited battle between Batman and Superman was brought to life by Zack Snyder in 2016 with Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck assuming the iconic roles.

Snyder's version retained the dark and intense tone of Petersen's original vision, encompassing complex themes and conflicts between the two superheroes.Overall, the journey of bringing Batman and Superman together on the big screen was a tumultuous one, filled with changes in direction and casting decisions. Despite the challenges and setbacks, the eventual release of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice marked a significant moment for DC fans and set the stage for future interconnected films within the DC universe.