In a recent interview, acclaimed filmmaker Zack Snyder delves into his latest cinematic endeavor, the Netflix original franchise Rebel Moon, marking a significant departure from his superhero roots with Warner Bros and the DC Extended Universe.
Snyder, celebrated for his director’s cut of Justice League, expresses his newfound creative liberation beyond the constraints of established superhero narratives. While acknowledging his affection for iconic characters like Batman and Superman, he underscores the inherent limitations associated with these figures in an interview with Hindustan Times.
The director shares insights into the challenges faced not only within the DC Extended Universe but also in other comic book adaptations like Watchmen (2009) and 300 (2007).
Transitioning to the realm of over-the-top (OTT) streaming, Snyder acknowledges the unique challenges of working with platforms like Netflix. When presented with the suggestion of a shorter runtime for Rebel Moon, he boldly proposes a two-part franchise, aiming to fully explore the expansive world he envisions.
For Snyder, Rebel Moon is more than just a film; it’s a passion project that defies traditional boundaries. Unshackled from comic book adaptations, the project extends into a graphic novel, a video game, a podcast, and an animated short and series. Snyder envisions Rebel Moon as a mega-franchise, with plans for a trilogy of sequels, beginning with Rebel Moon: Part Two – The Scargiver, scheduled for release on Netflix on April 19 next year.
Inspired by fantasy films from 1977 to 1987, Rebel Moon originated as a pitch for a Star Wars movie before evolving into its own distinct entity. Snyder pays homage to the cinematic influences of his youth, citing iconic films such as Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Heavy Metal (1981), Blade Runner (1982), Aliens (1986), Excalibur (1981), and Blue Velvet (1986).
In describing Rebel Moon as a love letter to the sci-fi blockbusters of that era, Snyder hopes the project will resonate with the current generation as profoundly as Star Wars did for him in his formative years.
As he continues to explore new creative horizons, Snyder expresses enthusiasm about potentially collaborating with actress Amber Heard in the future, stating, “Would work with her in a second.”
The Rebel Moon franchise stands as a testament to Zack Snyder’s evolving artistic journey, showcasing his ability to transcend genre constraints and create a multi-dimensional cinematic experience for audiences worldwide.
