Update: Christopher Nolan rejected a post-credits scene on Man of Steel

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Update: Nolan has released a clarification, saying, “I would never say someone else’s film isn’t ‘a real film.’ The quote is inaccurate.”

Last year director Zack Snyder’s MAN OF STEEL hit the screen; the Warner Bros. movie had the privilege and advantage of having Christopher Nolan as its producer. It turns out Nolan had some strong words for the studio when it came to their request for a post-credits scene on the film. MAN OF STEEL was comparable to Marvel’s strategy at the time; seen as Warner’s first film in their connected universe, but this was one area they didn't opt to mirror.

We know now the finished film took on more of a dramatic tone than most of Marvel’s previous offerings and didn’t include a lot of nods or setups for future characters and installments. When Warner Bros. approached the idea of a post-credits scene, Nolan reportedly shot it down.

The Guardian revealed:

When the studio asked if Snyder would add a comedy coda ending, in the style of Marvel, Nolan’s reply was “A real movie wouldn’t do that.”

Now a lot of people might jump up and proclaim that movies with post-credit stingers are "real movies" and it’s a fun little addition. I will agree in most cases, like a Marvel film, that the addition is granted and sometimes even enjoyable and meaningful. However, I don’t think it would have done MAN OF STEEL any good considering the heavy feeling it left many of us with. We did get annoying "I just think he's kinda hot" scene which was more than enough for me. If that wasn't enough thought, we also got the pandering to Superman of yesteryear with the Daily Planet scene.

Like most of you, I am eagerly awaiting the release of Christopher Nolan’s INTERSTELLAR this week. He’s one of my favorite directors and has consistency delivered great entertainment for us all to watch. It should be noted that he’s no longer involved in Warner Bros.’ superhero slate beyond executive producing BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE; so maybe we will get a post-tease with that one. Just don't wait around after INTERSTELLAR.

What do you think, did you see a missed opportunity with a lack of a post-credit scene on MAN OF STEEL?