Summary
Rebel Moon draws inspiration from the world-building and underdog story elements of the iconic Star Wars franchise.
The movie delves into redemption through a character who possesses intimate knowledge of the oppressive government, presenting a morally ambiguous viewpoint.
Taking cues from the Star Wars trilogy's shortcomings, Snyder tackles Rebel Moon with a meticulously crafted narrative, armed with the possibility of spin-offs that broaden the universe.
Producer Eric Newman hints at the grand scale of Zack Snyder's highly anticipated film Rebel Moon. Originally intended to be a part of the Star Wars universe, this sci-fi masterpiece has now become its own unique story. The plot centers around Kora, a former member of the corrupt Mother World's army, as she embarks on a journey for redemption. Kora travels across the galaxy in search of fellow warriors who will join her in standing against the oppressive forces of the Mother World.
During an exclusive interview with Screen Rant for his Netflix miniseries Painkiller, Newman discusses his involvement in Rebel Moon and provides a glimpse of what fans can expect. He also expresses his astonishment at the immense scale of the production. Read Newman's full statement below:
Eric Newman and Zack Snyder collaborated on their first film, Dawn of the Dead, which remains a standout experience in my career. Despite the passing years, our friendship endured. We had been discussing the possibility of creating a space-based story that resembled a modern-day Magnificent Seven, with the persistent threat of totalitarianism and the urgent need for unity against it. This concept holds even greater relevance today.
Following Zack's completion of Army of the Dead for Netflix, and considering my own association with the platform, it seemed only natural for us to embark on this project together. The journey has been incredibly enjoyable. The scale of the movie is immense, and there were times when I would drive onto the set, gaze into the distance, and wonder if those landscapes could truly become part of our production. Every time, they did. It is the most ambitious undertaking I have ever been a part of, and I find it truly exhilarating. I eagerly anticipate sharing it with audiences. I am confident that you will find it irresistible!
How Rebel Moon's World Building Can Compare To Star Wars
Originally conceived as part of the Star Wars universe, Rebel Moon draws inspiration from the best elements of the iconic franchise. It embraces influences from various genres, such as Westerns like The Magnificent Seven, while also incorporating the beloved underdog story and immersive world-building. Utilizing his experience working on the DCEU and Army of the Dead, Snyder is poised to create a vast and compelling universe perfectly suited for a large-scale franchise.
What sets Rebel Moon apart is its exploration of a small band of rebels fighting against a powerful and oppressive government. However, the story delves deeper by introducing a captivating redemption arc. Focusing on a character intimately familiar with the totalitarian regime, driven by the desire to make amends for her past, Rebel Moon invites us to witness the perspectives of individuals from both sides of the conflict. Additionally, Kora's recruitment of a team of warriors opens up the opportunity to introduce morally ambiguous characters into the narrative.
Snyder should take a crucial lesson from Star Wars in regard to Rebel Moon - the importance of approaching it with a well-thought-out story plan. The infamous Disney-era Star Wars trilogy lacked a cohesive overarching story plan, resulting in criticisms concerning character development and motivation. Snyder has the opportunity to not only expand the universe of Rebel Moon but also establish a solid overarching narrative, while still allowing flexibility for potential spin-off series, movies, comics, or novels to introduce new perspectives and ideas.