Everything We Know About Zack Snyder's REBEL MOON

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Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’ll be looking over all that we know about Netflix’s sci-fi space opera, “Rebel Moon.”

From Zack Snyder and His Team
Following a lengthy run at Warner Bros, fan-favorite director, Zack Snyder, found a new home at Netflix in 2019. After the massive success of his first movie with the streamer, “Army of the Dead,” Snyder announced his next project for Netflix, the science fiction epic, “Rebel Moon.” The colossal film is produced by Snyder’s company and includes his wife, Deborah, and Eric Newman, who co-produced Zack’s feature debut, “Dawn of the Dead.” Joining Snyder on the screenplay for “Rebel Moon” was Kurt Johnstad, who worked with Zack on “300”, and Shay Hatten, who co-wrote “Army of the Dead.” Zack himself tackled the film’s cinematography along with the directing duties, while composer Tom Holkenberg, of “Batman v Superman” soundtrack fame, conducted the score.

Was Meant to Be a Star Wars Film
Yep, in a galaxy not so far away, Zack Snyder intended “Rebel Moon” to be a “Star Wars” movie. A lifelong fan of the celebrated sci-fi franchise, Snyder began developing the story as a pitch for LucasFilm. “Rebel Moon” was meant to be a more mature take on George Lucas’ historied cinematic universe. Unfortunately, the idea was axed following Walt Disney Co’s acquisition of LucasFilm in 2012. Snyder also says that he pitched the idea to Warner Bros. on multiple occasions as both a movie and a video game, but they too declined. Fortunately, Snyder’s passion project would eventually be greenlit by Netflix, with “Rebel Moon” being reworked into an entirely new universe. The homages to “Star Wars”, however, are said to still be prevalent.

The Story
Set in a peaceful colony on the border of a faraway galaxy, Zack Snyder’s “Rebel Moon'' is set to be a grandiose tale of survival and resilience. The plot sees this harmonious colony, the moon of Veldt, face an existential threat against the vile and tyrannical Regent Balisarius – controller of the corrupt government’s army. In a desperate bid to defeat the incoming evil, a young female dispatch rider, Kora, sets out to recruit warriors from across the galaxy. Making things personal, Kara also seeks redemption for her cryptic past in the leadership of the oppressive government. With warriors in neighboring planets ready to fight by her side, resistance becomes paramount in “Rebel Moon.”

2 Parts
It turns out “Rebel Moon” is so epic, it needs two movies to tell its story. Broken up into two parts, the first installment carries the title, “Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire.” Originally,
however, the script was for just one movie – but that script was a whopping 172 pages long! According to Chairman of Netflix Films, Scott Stuber, “under-two-hour movies do better” on the streaming service. This despite the fact that people binge-watch a series of eight-to-ten episodes in one sitting. For fear of losing character depth, Zack didn’t want the film to be less than two hours though. Thus, a compromise was made to make it two movies. The director has also spoken about the potential of spin-offs and sequels should it be successful.

The Cast
“Rebel Moon '' is composed of an impressive list of established and respected actors, making it a true “who’s who” ensemble. Taking on the role of Kora is Sofia Boutella - who is perhaps best known for her role as Gazelle in the action film, “Kingsman: The Secret Service.” Meanwhile, multi-time Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins voices Jimmy, a sentient mechanized robot who is described as a “wild card.” In addition, actor Djimon Hounsou portrays General Titus. Fans will no doubt recognize Honsou from such films as “The Guardians of the Galaxy,” and “Shazam.” The villainous Regent Balisarius will be played by Ed Skrein. Of course, Skrein is no stranger to playing a villain, as he was the dastardly Ajax opposite Ryan Reynolds in “Deadpool.” Additional members of the vast cast include Charlie Hunnam, Ray Fisher, Cleopatra Coleman, Cory Stoll, Jena Malone and many, many others.

Multiple Cuts
Anybody who has followed Zack Snyder’s work knows that the director is no stranger to extended cuts of his films. So, naturally, fans wondered if “Rebel Moon” would get a "Snyder Cut" of its own. The director has revealed that yes, there will indeed be a separate cut of the film. This second version, however, will be R-rated. Snyder clarified that the first version of “Rebel Moon” will be a fantasy adventure that “anyone can enjoy and watch.” He says that a second cut will be released at a later date, and that one will “strictly be for adults.” The second cut will also have an extended run-time and allow for a deeper dive into the world of “Rebel Moon.” Zack also shared that the “director’s cut” will apply to both parts one and two. All that to say, Snyder fans should clear their schedules!

Release
While “Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire” will stream on Netflix, it will also have a limited theatrical release. Audiences can catch the movie on the big screen on December 15, 2023. The theatrical run is also said to include several 70mm screenings in select cities. But, like Snyder’s previous project, “Army of the Dead,” the film will only screen for one week before it becomes available for home viewing on Netflix. That makes the streaming release date December 22nd, 2023. Yep, “Rebel Moon” is set to be a great holiday present for movie fans alike – and all we can say is, Merry Christmas to us!

What has you most excited about Zack Snyder’s “Rebel Moon?” Let's chat in the comments.