The start of Rebel Moon: Part One: A Child of Fire marks more than just the beginning of the story. Zack Snyder has already readied an "visceral" R-rated director's cut for his dedicated fans, who firmly believe his 'Ultimate' cuts are the definitive versions, surpassing any theatrical release like Batman v Superman, Watchmen, and especially Justice League, which was initially distorted beyond recognition.
The latter project marks the most significant phase in the director's career. It vividly showcased the intense passion his work elicits from both ends of the spectrum (as noted by Ray Fisher, true art should be divisive). However, the idea of always delivering an inferior film to audiences has irked his critics, especially in the case of Rebel Moon.
In an apparent attempt to recreate the success of the Snyder Cut, Netflix granted him the opportunity to create two versions of the film. The one currently available on the streaming platform is a watered-down, shorter PG-13 version, while the director's cut will be an hour longer and much more intense.
Rebel Moon cast tease Zack Snyder’s “deeper” R-rated director’s cut
During the interview with Dexerto, the cast of Rebel Moon expressed their anticipation for the release of the director’s cut, and gave hints about what fans can expect.
Actress Sofia Boutella, who portrays the lead character Kora in the new movie, is confident that it will provide a "well-rounded context" for the events of the first chapter and "more depth into each character that you get to meet."
"I believe the additional length allows for a deeper immersion into the story and the circumstances. I really appreciate the pace of the extended version. You can truly see Zack's creative mind and heart in the pacing and attention to details... When I watched it, it felt like I was looking at a painting."
Rebel Moon director’s cut is brutal and “visceral”
One particular battle featuring Boutella’s rebel leader is especially intense, even with a lower age rating. “After watching the rated R [version of that scene], I remember feeling that it was so brutal – and I couldn’t quite pinpoint why. I didn’t feel like I saw much more blood than in the PG-13 cut. I don’t know if it’s the editing or the sound, but it’s so raw and ambitious,” she remarked.
Boutella is the only one who has seen the director's cut, but her co-stars are enthusiastic about returning to the Motherworld. "Even though we haven't seen it, I believe we have a sense of what it will be like," Staz Nair remarked. "It delves deeper into Zack's mythology. It delves deeper into the individual characters, their connections, their origins, and the inner struggles they face as they come together to confront their enemies."
Michiel Guisman emphasized that the pace in the first version of Netflix's film is always "up," but the director's cut will allow viewers to "delve into more backstory." Ray Fisher, reuniting with Snyder after their DC collaborations, also emphasized that "the action in the director's cut will be R-rated, so those fight sequences will be much more intense."
For the loyalists eagerly anticipating another Snyder Cut, he promised that it will include "all the things that you love about his director's cuts of everything else you've seen."
Rebel Moon is on Netflix now. There’s no release date for the director’s cut, but it’ll come to Netflix sometime in 2024. You can check out our other interview with the cast here.
Editor's P/S
As a passionate fan of Zack Snyder's work, I am thrilled about the upcoming release of the Rebel Moon director's cut. Snyder has a unique vision and storytelling style that resonates deeply with me, and his "Ultimate" cuts have consistently surpassed the theatrical releases. The fact that he has created a more intense and R-rated version of Rebel Moon is incredibly exciting, and I can't wait to experience the full scope of his creative vision.
The cast's anticipation for the director's cut only adds to my excitement. Sofia Boutella's description of the extended version as a "well-rounded context" and "more depth into each character" suggests that we will get a richer and more immersive experience. The promise of a brutal and visceral battle, as mentioned by Boutella, further fuels my anticipation for the intensity and raw emotion that Snyder is known for.