Los Angeles [US], July 9, 2025: In a brilliantly meta twist, Rick and Morty Season 8 Episode 7—titled “Ricker Than Fiction”—turns a Warner Bros. cafeteria into the stage for a hilarious animated roast between two of the most talked-about Superman directors: James Gunn and Zack Snyder.
Both filmmakers appear as exaggerated, self-deprecating versions of themselves, poking fun at their distinct directorial styles and online fandom wars.
🎬 The Setup: Maximum Velocitree Meltdown
Rick and Morty’s journey begins with their frustration over a fictional franchise called Maximum Velocitree—a thinly veiled dig at studio blockbusters. Their outrage drives them straight to the Warner Bros. lot to confront the film’s director, who turns out to be James Gunn.
But the real surprise? Zack Snyder shows up mid-episode, and things get hilariously absurd from there.
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🗣️ Gunn vs. Snyder: Animated Banter Gold
Snyder, known for launching the DC Extended Universe with Man of Steel (2013), teases Gunn over his upcoming Superman reboot:
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!”
He even mocks his own cinematic style:
“Here’s a secret move: start the punch at regular speed and then you’re gonna ramp it down.”
James Gunn responds with perfect comic timing:
Gunn: “Your biceps are the size of my head.”
To which SnyderZack replies with mock sincerity:
“Yes, but so is my heart.”
🧠 Rick Sanchez Meets SnyderVerse
In a moment that breaks the fourth wall even further, Snyder provides a satirical explanation of Rick and Morty’s titular genius:
“That’s the guy who sealed Christopher Nolan in the giant bookcase to ‘punish’ him for Interstellar. He doesn’t represent real fans. He’s just the smartest man in the universe. Don’t sweat it. He can’t do what we do. Probably.”
🧪 Meta Commentary at Its Best
The episode is not just a gag—it’s a clever commentary on fandom culture, internet debates, and the endless discourse around what a superhero film should be. By placing Snyder and Gunn—two polarizing figures in DC fandom—on equal comedic footing, Rick and Morty brilliantly skewers the online director wars with wit and affection.
📺 Why It Works
- Gunn and Snyder’s self-awareness makes the parody land effortlessly.
- Pop culture crossover: Blending animation, superhero lore, and real-world film politics is Rick and Morty at its smartest.
- Fandom satire: It’s a love letter and a roast—at the same time.