Rebel Moon emerges as a cinematic venture that transports viewers to a distant epoch in a galaxy far, far away. This film's uncanny resemblance to the iconic Star Wars saga is no mere coincidence. The upcoming film marks a subtle deviation for director Zack Snyder, as he delves into the realm of science fiction, immersing fans in the serene confines of a settlement on the outer fringes of an alien cosmos.
Netflix, the undisputed titan of streaming, joins forces with Snyder, propelled by the unparalleled triumph of his cinematic creation Army of the Dead. Having bid farewell to his extensive tenure at Warner Bros and DC, Snyder finds solace in his new home, embracing the streaming service's commitment to captivating ventures. Rebel Moon promises to be an awe-inspiring two-part odyssey, with the potential to spawn a web of interconnected narratives.
What Is Rebel Moon About?
Drawing inspiration from the timeless Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa in 1954, Rebel Moon takes flight as a grandiose symphony of galactic resistance. Cloaked in secrecy, the forthcoming blockbuster promises to transport audiences into a realm where a small, idyllic colony becomes the target of the insidious Imperium, a formidable force bent on extinguishing their peaceful existence. But fear not, for salvation shall arrive in the form of intrepid warriors ready to turn the tide against these interlopers.
At the heart of Rebel Moon lies a tale of fortitude and resilience, as a beleaguered colony on the outermost reaches of the galaxy teeters on the precipice of oblivion. Desperate for deliverance, their gaze falls upon Kora, a young woman with a mysterious past. Seeking aid from neighboring planets, Kora embarks on a perilous journey driven by determination to gather a band of valiant champions who will stand united against the encroaching darkness.
Rebel Moon boasts an assemblage of stellar talents that sparkle like constellations in the night sky. Sofia Boutella, whose raw talent illuminates the screen with every performance, lends her formidable presence to the unfolding narrative. Ed Skrein, known for his magnetic charisma and commanding presence, stands tall among the ensemble, bringing his unique essence to the interstellar struggle. Charlie Hunnam joins the ranks as well, his indomitable spirit resonating with viewers as he portrays a warrior poised to face the ultimate test of courage.
Djimon Hounsou, with his commanding presence, embarks on this journey as a beacon of hope. Bae Doona, renowned for her versatility and allure, adds an ethereal touch to the film. Michiel Huisman, E. Duffy, Ray Fisher, and Staz Nair, each bring their unique gifts, their talents converging to form an unstoppable force against the forces of oppression. And finally, there is Anthony Hopkins, lending his voice to the character of Jimmy, a robotic knight whose words echo through the vast expanse of space.
How Is Rebel Moon Related To Star Wars?
A lifelong Star Wars fan, Snyder originally conceived Rebel Moon as a potential spin-off for the franchise. However, his vision took an unexpected turn when Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012. Undeterred, the director reshaped his creation, forging an entirely new space saga destined for Netflix.
Although Rebel Moon takes place in a different universe, the echoes of Star Wars reverberate unmistakably. Like George Lucas's interstellar odyssey, this film stands as an epic space opera, resonating with themes of heroism and intergalactic struggle. Just as Lucas's A New Hope drew inspiration from Kurosawa's masterpiece The Hidden Fortress, Snyder's creation finds its roots in the iconic director's Seven Samurai, infusing the tale with a sense of honor and camaraderie.
Acknowledging the inevitable comparisons, Snyder welcomes the dialogue surrounding Rebel Moon's connection to Star Wars. In an interview with Vanity Fair, he muses:
" Of course, those comparisons are going to be made. Anything that has a spaceship in it is going to be labeled as 'This is blank's Star Wars.' So I understand and welcome the comparisons. But at the same time, I believe that our project is a truly different experience ."
For Snyder, Rebel Moon lies in grounding the science fiction elements and ensuring an immersive storytelling experience. Instead of solely relying on spectacle, he strives to invite audiences on a journey that unfolds naturally. The director explains:
" This movie was me going, 'Of course, it's a space opera, but let's not lens it that way. Let's lens it in a more intimate way so that the sci-fi elements feel more grounded.' [...] You're there, and so the things you see on that journey are not forced upon you or spoon-fed to you ."
Is Rebel Moon A Star Wars Diss?
Snyder has fueled suspicion that he may be subtly casting shade on the beloved Star Wars franchise. It is no secret that recent installments set in the galaxy far, far away have faced criticism for their lackluster plot development and over-reliance on nostalgic appeal and CGI wizardry to captivate audiences.
However, before accusations are hurled, it is crucial to delve deeper into Snyder's remarks. The director, a self-professed fan of the Star Wars universe, appears to be making a broader observation about the perilous path that blockbuster films can tread, where the narratives and characters be overshadowed by spectacle. His intentions seem focused on steering clear of such pitfalls rather than directly disparaging Star Wars itself. In fact, Snyder's creative vision for Rebel Moon charts a distinct course, diverging from the universe Lucas constructed.
Offering a glimpse into the tapestry of Rebel Moon, Snyder sheds light on the landscape that will unfold before viewers' eyes. The saga promises the grandeur of colossal spaceships and extraterrestrial worlds, meticulously crafted based on a diesel-punk aesthetic. Snyder explains:
" It's more of a dieselpunk world than a steampunk world. There is a sort of higher-energy source than gasoline since they have a way of jumping across vast swaths of the universe, but the technology hasn't really changed in quite a while ."
In Snyder's universe, technological progress has stagnated under the rule of a dictatorship, against which the valiant heroes rise in defiance. While Star Wars indeed explores similar themes, Rebel Moon distinguishes itself by embracing the diesel-punk ethos. This departure promises a visual feast for fans.
As the movie prepares to drop on Netflix on December 22, followed closely by its second part, audiences brace themselves for an interstellar adventure that defies expectations. Snyder's intricate world-building, imbued with a diesel-punk flavor, invites viewers to immerse themselves in a realm where struggles against oppression intertwine with breathtaking spectacles and captivating storytelling. Rebel Moon promises to be a unique and thrilling experience, transporting audiences to a distant cosmos where the fight for freedom and the triumph of the human spirit take center stage.