Family Tragedy Prompts 'Justice League' Director Zack Snyder To Step Down

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Zack Snyder is stepping away from finishing the upcoming "Justice League" picture following his daughter's suicide, it was reported Tuesday.

As originally reported by the Hollywood Reporter, 20-year-old Autumn Snyder died in March. "The demands of this job are pretty intense. It is all- consuming," Snyder told the Reporter. "And in the last two months, I've come to the realization … I've decided to take a step back from the movie to be with my family, be with my kids, who really need me. They are all having a hard time. I'm having a hard time.”

Stepping in for Snyder to finish the high-profile film will be Joss Whedon, the Los Angeles Times reported. After making two films as part of the Disney/Marvel Avengers" series, Whedon was recently announced as joining the Warners/DC universe for an upcoming "Batgirl" movie.

"Justice League" is still expected to make its planned Nov. 17 release date, The Times reported.

Whedon will oversee the additional photography that had already been planned and carry the film through the end of its post-production, according to The Times. Snyder and Whedon are said to have a strong rapport, and Whedon is reported to be intent on seeing through Snyder's vision for the film.

City News Service; Photo: Director Zach Snyder attends the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Expansion Official Unveiling, Stage 48: Script To Screen at Warner Bros. Studios on July 14, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood)