James Gunn and Zack Snyder Join Forces—But Not for DC! Directors Guest Star in Rick and Morty Season 8

In a surprising and hilarious crossover, two iconic directors of DC’s Superman legacy—James Gunn and Zack Snyder—have come together, not for a superhero movie, but for an episode of Rick and Morty. The two filmmakers appeared as exaggerated versions of themselves in Rick and Morty Season 8, Episode 7 titled “Ricker Than Fiction”, giving DC fans an unexpected reason to celebrate—and meltdown.

James Gunn & Zack Snyder in Rick and Morty: Not a DC Crossover, But a Meta Masterpiece

Despite being associated with vastly different interpretations of Superman, James Gunn, current CEO of DC Studios, and Zack Snyder, the creative mind behind Man of Steel and the SnyderVerse, teamed up in an animated form for Rick and Morty. Their friendly banter and light-hearted jabs at each other’s work are a delightful nod to fans on both sides of the DC fandom divide.

In the episode, both directors voice animated versions of themselves, with Gunn being portrayed as the director and producer of Maximum Velocitree, a fictional movie franchise beloved by Rick and Morty.

Episode Recap: “Ricker Than Fiction”

Written by Rob Schrab, the episode follows Rick and Morty expressing disappointment in the latest Maximum Velocitree installment. They head to Warner Bros., where they confront Gunn in true Rick style. After stealing Rick's Movie-lizer—a device that rewrites movies—they jump into the narrative to fix it themselves, eventually becoming the film’s new villains.

In a scene set in the Warner Bros. cafeteria, Gunn runs into Snyder, sparking a hilarious conversation filled with self-aware jabs:

Zack Snyder: “Just saw your new cut of Superman. And word of advice—he’s the ‘Man of Steel,’ not the ‘Man of Conversation.’ Do more shots of him punching!”

Snyder adds about Rick: “That’s the guy who sealed Christopher Nolan in the giant bookcase to punish him for Interstellar. He doesn’t represent real fans… He can’t do what we do.”

Gunn’s response? Classic meta-humor, ending with: “They did it! What an ending! They out-done the Gunn!”

Fan Reactions and Makers’ Commentary

The surprise cameos have set social media on fire, with DC fans debating whether this lighthearted jab-fest signals new beginnings—or just great fan service.

According to Variety, executive producer Scott Marder said:

“They were good sports. Both of those guys sort of implied that this is the show they watch during downtime. There was no pushback—just laughter.”

Interestingly, James Gunn recorded his voice lines the morning after wrapping principal photography on his upcoming Superman reboot. Marder added:

“He made sure it wouldn’t interfere with anything. He got the green light fast, and both were totally on board. I’m a proud nerd, and idolize these guys. They’ve earned the freedom to take creative swings like this.”

Final Verdict: A DC Surprise Without Being DC

While the episode has nothing to do with the DCEU, it manages to poke fun at superhero cinema, fan wars, and director dynamics in a uniquely Rick and Morty fashion. It’s a treat for fans of both filmmakers, lovers of animation, and those following the ever-evolving world of superhero storytelling.