During his promotional interview for The Last Photograph at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 15, 2026, director Zack Snyder spoke about what he sees as a growing absence of eroticism and sex in modern cinema. Known for blockbuster films like 300, Watchmen, and Man of Steel, Snyder expressed concern over what he calls a "contemporary issue" in film: the near-total disappearance of erotic themes from the big screen. He noted that while television and streaming platforms often use sex as a central element of drama, cinema has become increasingly restrained, avoiding even subtle references to adult themes. Snyder reflected on his own formative years, when films like Body Heat, Nine and a Half Weeks, and Basic Instinct were celebrated for their bold exploration of eroticism. He argued that this kind of storytelling has been overshadowed by current industry trends, which he believes reflect a return to Victorian-style prudishness. Snyder criticized what he sees as a form of self-censorship, where even the hint of nudity or suggestive content is avoided in fear of controversy or backlash. He strongly opposes this restraint, calling it an unnecessary limitation on artistic expression. Beyond the absence of explicit content, Snyder also questioned the narrative power of cinema itself. He pointed out that pornography has contributed to a misunderstanding of sex by reducing it to a purely mechanical act, stripping away its emotional and dramatic potential. In contrast, modern TV series like Game of Thrones and Euphoria have successfully used sexuality as a tool for building tension and character depth. Snyder believes that cinema has become too cautious, prioritizing audience comfort over artistic risk, especially during a single movie session. To challenge this trend, Snyder envisions a bold new direction for erotic cinema. He believes that the success of R-rated films—movies restricted to viewers 17 and older—proves that audiences are open to mature content. He dreams of an uncompromising erotic thriller, rated NC-17, that could be shown in IMAX theaters and create a cultural impact by breaking taboos. In addition, Snyder has already proposed an anthology series filmed in real life, focusing on erotic and mythological stories, aiming to explore these themes in a more artistic and experimental format.