Talking to Popcorn, a French film magazine (with comments translated by Comic Book Therapy), Snyder reiterated his long-discussed plan to take cues for "Batman vs. Superman" from Frank Miller's graphic novel "The Dark Knight Returns," though he told the magazine that it would not be a direct adaptation by any means.
"But the comic book will influence the [onscreen] history of Batman Vs. Superman, on which the writer David S. Goyer and myself will work," Snyder told Popcorn.
Cinema Blend writes that "The Dark Knight Returns" is unusual source material, since its bleak take on the Caped Crusader exists "in a dystopian future Gotham where an aged Batman returns to the streets." Cinema Blend adds:
"[I]n the climax the Caped Crusader enhances his abilities and goes toe-to-toe with Superman, who is depicted as a company man serving the government's interest. Miller's Superman is a punching bag, a mixture of twisted 1980's ideologies, and something of a joke in the source material. ... Superman is a dimwit go-along and Batman is an elderly, unquestioned (and possibly fascist) hero."
Obviously, that sounds a bit odd for a purported follow-up to the triumphant resuscitation of the Superman brand that "Man of Steel" ushered in, so it makes sense that Snyder wouldn't want to include too much of that storyline. But using it as a jumping off point is interesting, and his take on the material should certainly be entertaining.
As for his chosen Caped Crusader, Snyder had only positive things to say about Affleck.
"Ben brings an interesting counterweight to the performance of Henry in the role of Superman," he told Popcorn. "He has the experience necessary to paint the picture of an older and more advised man than Clark Kent, who bears the scars of a seasoned vigilante while retaining the charm that Bruce Wayne deploys when present in the world."
The "Man of Steel" sequel hits theaters May 6, 2016.