Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon has wrapped filming. While the director’s DCU vision came to a premature end, he is now hoping that his work with Netflix will continue for a while as his “mature Star Wars” movie completes shooting. Rebel Moon will be the first of two initial films in what could be a brand-new sci-fi franchise if things go right.
Snyder originally pitched a version of Rebel Moon to Lucasfilm as a potential Star Wars movie over a decade ago. While the idea was rejected, Snyder kept hold of his plot and reworked it ten years later into his original movie. The project is reportedly being set up as the first film in a two-part story. In a Vero post, Zack Snyder confirmed that principal photography is now done on the movie. He wrote:
"Thank you to everyone who worked on shooting Rebel Moon. I am humbled by your artistry, dedication, your incredible hard work and your friendship. Without you there simply would be no movie. So again, I thank you! That's a wrap on [principal] photography!!!!"
While there is still a lot to be revealed about Rebel Moon, one thing that has been widely reported is the vast ensemble cast, which is not short on talent. Those signed onto the epic movie include Sofia Boutella, Charlie Hunnam, Ray Fisher, Djimon Hounsou, Jena Malone, Corey Stoll, Ed Skrein, Cleopatra Coleman, Fra Fee, Cary Elwes, and Anthony Hopkins.
Can Rebel Moon Be As Successful as Other Zack Snyder Projects?
When it comes to intrigue, Rebel Moon has bucket loads. As a movie that could have been part of the Star Wars universe, there will be many comparisons between the two. While it could seem daunting to be going up against one of the biggest movie franchises in the world, there will no doubt be plenty of interest and online debate generated on the back of that. For Netflix, this is exactly the kind of organic promotion they will welcome if it drives viewers to check out the movie for themselves.
The story of Rebel Moon is said to be set in a peaceful colony on the edge of the galaxy that finds itself threatened by the armies of the tyrannical Regent Belisarius. They dispatch a young woman with a mysterious past to seek out warriors from neighboring planets to help them take a stand against the Tyrant. Speaking about his inspiration for the movie, Snyder previously told The Hollywood Reporter:
"This is me growing up as an Akira Kurosawa fan, a Star Wars fan. It's my love of sci-fi and a giant adventure. My hope is that this also becomes a massive IP and a universe that can be built out... I've spent the last two or three years building out this universe. Every corner has to be painted in. I've been doing designs, constantly drawing and really cultivating its fertile ground to make this world fully realized."
Rebel Moon is yet to receive a release date, and there has been no confirmation whether the movie will get a limited theatrical release ahead of its streaming debut.