The Epic Journey of Rebel Moon: A Star Wars Inspired Space Opera
Rebel Moon, initially conceived as a Star Wars movie by Zack Snyder, has now evolved into an original story split into two parts and brought to life on Netflix. With a costly budget and a star-studded ensemble cast, the epic space opera promises an enthralling adventure for audiences. Here's an in-depth look at the creation, cost, and potential of this ambitious project.
The Birth of Rebel Moon
Zack Snyder initially created Rebel Moon as a Star Wars movie. But following Disney's rejection of his script, the filmmaker reworked it into an original story, which landed in the hands of Netflix and was made on a pricey budget.
Sofia Boutella as Kora standing in a field in Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire
The Rebel Moon ensemble cast, which includes Sofia Boutella as Kora, Djimon Hounsou as Titus, Charlie Hunnam as Kai, Michiel Huisman as Gunnar, Doona Bae as Nemesis, Ray Fisher as Darrian Bloodaxe, Cleopatra Coleman as Devra Bloodaxe, Jena Malone as Harmada, Ed Skrein as Atticus Noble, Fra Fee as Regent Balisarius, and Anthony Hopkins as Jimmy, filmed the two parts back-to-back, starting in April 2022 and ending in December of the same year.
Sofia Boutella in Rebel Moon pic
Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire had a limited theatrical release before its premiere on the streaming service.
Sofia Boutella as Kora pointing a gun in Rebel Moon
The Cost of Epic Creation
The budget for Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire and Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver was reportedly around $166 million, making it one of Netflix's most expensive films. The nature of the story meant that principal photography was a long and grueling process, requiring a significant investment from Netflix.
Ed Skrein as Admiral Atticus Noble in Rebel Moon
Aside from the high production costs, Netflix also had to set aside money to market Rebel Moon, given the importance of advertising in drawing attention to such ambitious projects.
Bae Doona and Michiel Huisman in Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire
The Road Ahead for Rebel Moon
Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire premieres on December 21 on Netflix, with the second part set to release in April 2024. Despite initial mixed reviews, the project's success in recouping its budget will depend on audience reception and streaming numbers.
Sofia Boutella's Kora aiming her gun and looking over her shoulder in Rebel Moon Part One A Child of Fire
The epic space opera's fate rests on the shoulders of the viewers, as the more people engage with the series, the easier it is for Netflix to turn a profit and secure a future for Rebel Moon.
Charlie Hunnam as Kai in Rebel Moon
