To the leadership at Warner Bros. Discovery, including:
David Zaslav (CEO)
Michael De Luca & Pamela Abdy (Motion Picture Group)
Casey Bloys (HBO and Max Content)
Clarissa Weirick (EVP, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment)
Nicole Coleman (SVP, Trade Marketing and Sales Integration)
Rosemary Markson (SVP, TV Marketing)
Warner Archive Collection Team
Shout! Factory Acquisitions Team

 
Subject: A Respectful Request to Release the Director’s Cut of The Avengers (1998)

Dear Warner Bros. Discovery Decision Makers,

We, the undersigned film enthusiasts and supporters of cinematic preservation, respectfully request the restoration and release of director Jeremiah Chechik’s original cut of The Avengers (1998). Over 25 years later, this film represents a unique opportunity to revisit a misunderstood project with fresh eyes—and to honor the artistic vision behind it.

Chechik, a trusted Warner Bros. collaborator known for National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Diabolique, initially delivered a version of The Avengers that leaned into the surreal charm, eccentricity, and stylized tone of the 1960s spy series on which it was based. His cut reportedly ran over 115 minutes and included stronger character development, more apparent narrative logic, and a tone distinct from conventional action blockbusters.

Following test screenings and changes in direction, the film underwent significant re-editing, resulting in the 89-minute version released in theaters. What audiences saw was just one iteration of a more ambitious story, one whose original shape still exists in part through:

• Deleted scenes and storyboards that highlight significant narrative cuts
• The film's novelization, which includes plotlines absent from the theatrical release
• Public comments from Jeremiah Chechik, who has expressed interest in restoring his original cut

In recent years, we’ve seen the success of restored versions like Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, Blade Runner: The Final Cut, and Batman v Superman: Ultimate Edition. These re-releases not only met with audience enthusiasm but also demonstrated the commercial value of legacy content when treated with care.

Today, the appetite for director’s cuts, lost media, and nostalgic rediscovery is stronger than ever. The continued popularity of the spy genre and enduring interest in performers like Ralph Fiennes, Uma Thurman, and the late Sean Connery only reinforce the potential for a reappraisal of The Avengers—this time through the lens of its original artistic intent.

 
Therefore, we respectfully propose the following:

1. Restore the Original Cut – In collaboration with Jeremiah Chechik, if possible, to ensure fidelity to the original vision
2. Distribute the Cut – Via Warner Archive Collection, Shout! Factory, or streaming platforms such as Max
3. Engage the Fan Community – To help build awareness and positive momentum for the release

This is not a demand, but a sincere appeal grounded in a shared belief: that films deserve to be preserved in the form their creators intended. With Chechik’s original version, Warner Bros. Discovery has the opportunity to reaffirm its legacy as a studio that values artistry, legacy IP, and its audience’s voice.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

With deep respect,
The Undersigned