If you’ve read my review of the Clash of the Titans remake, you know I pretty much hated it. Despite a few fun moments, the movie feels disjointed, like something just doesn’t gel. There’s a strong reason for this!
Director Louis Leterrier originally shot a movie too controversial for Warner Brothers. This version had a subversive quality that got lost as the story progressed. In the intended version, Perseus defied the gods, with Zeus as the villain. Imagine that—the main god as the antagonist! Perseus opposed human sacrifice and even threw a magic sword at Zeus’s feet, rejecting divine help throughout his journey.
The original cut included larger roles for Poseidon, Andromeda, and other gods, but Warner Bros. cut these scenes. The studio feared the rebellious tone, leading to reshoots that diluted the film’s impact. This version would have been far superior, but will we ever see Leterrier’s cut? Unlikely, given the movie’s financial success.
This situation mirrors Richard Donner’s experience with Superman II. Perhaps one day, we’ll see Clash of the Titans: The Leterrier Cut. Until then, remember it was Warner Bros., not the filmmakers, who disappointed us. For an in-depth look at this story, check out the article on this website titled “By Zeus! The version of Clash of the Titans you didn’t see!”