Renowned Hollywood filmmaker Zack Snyder, celebrated for his stylized visual storytelling in blockbusters like 300, Man of Steel, and Justice League, recently opened up about his admiration for Indian mythology — particularly the Mahabharata. Calling it “the greatest epic ever written,” Snyder revealed that he’s a huge fan of Indian mythological narratives and would love to bring them to life on screen, given the right opportunity.
In an interview that surfaced as part of his press interactions for the Netflix sci-fi film Rebel Moon, Snyder discussed his creative inspirations and the kinds of stories that intrigue him most. “I’ve always been deeply fascinated by mythology — Greek, Norse, and even Indian. The Mahabharata is just an incredible epic. It’s so rich, complex, and deeply philosophical. I would love to adapt something like that,” Snyder said.
This isn’t the first time Snyder has expressed interest in global mythologies. His previous films have drawn heavily from ancient legends and heroic archetypes, giving them a modern, visually arresting treatment. From the Spartan warriors in 300 to the god-like portrayals of superheroes in Justice League, Snyder has consistently used mythological motifs as a foundation for his storytelling.
However, his recent comments about Indian mythology have sent ripples of excitement across the Indian fan base. The Mahabharata, a cornerstone of Indian literature and spiritual thought, is known for its intricate characters, moral dilemmas, cosmic battles, and philosophical depth. For Snyder, whose aesthetic thrives on grandeur and complex narratives, the epic seems like a natural fit.
“If I had the right collaborators and support, adapting the Mahabharata would be a dream project,” Snyder stated. “I think it deserves a global cinematic treatment. Not just as an action epic, but as a human story that explores duty, family, and destiny.”
The reaction from Indian fans has been overwhelmingly positive, with social media buzzing with ideas, casting suggestions, and artwork imagining Snyder’s version of Kurukshetra. Some fans even suggested that Snyder collaborate with Indian studios or actors to ensure cultural authenticity while bringing his signature visual style to the project.
Film critics and mythology enthusiasts alike have also weighed in on the possibilities. “Zack Snyder’s aesthetic — slow-motion action, symbolic visuals, and moral ambiguity — would actually align very well with the storytelling structure of the Mahabharata,” says Ananya Rao, a film studies scholar from Mumbai University. “But it’s essential that such an adaptation honors the cultural and spiritual essence of the original.”
While no formal announcement has been made about a Mahabharata adaptation from Snyder, the filmmaker’s interest opens the door for exciting conversations and collaborations between Hollywood and Indian cinema. With the global popularity of Indian epics growing — seen recently in the success of Indian films like Baahubali and RRR — an international adaptation of Mahabharata by a visionary like Snyder could mark a new chapter in cross-cultural cinematic storytelling.
For now, fans can only dream — but the thought of Bhishma, Arjuna, and Krishna rendered in Zack Snyder’s bold cinematic style is already stirring imaginations around the world.
Sources:
- Film Companion Interview Archive
- [Netflix Press Release – Rebel Moon Media Tour]
- [Hollywood Reporter Feature on Global Mythologies in Cinema]
