Zack Snyder's Pitched R-Rated Movie: Star Wars' Vulnerable State
Zack Snyder approached Lucasfilm with an R-rated Star Wars movie idea, believing the franchise was vulnerable However, Lucasfilm rejected the proposal, leading Snyder to develop his concept into Rebel Moon, a sci-fi film for Netflix
Zack Snyder, the director of Man of Steel, made a pitch to Lucasfilm for an R-rated Star Wars movie over ten years ago. Although the company rejected the idea, Snyder recently discussed the situation as he prepares for the release of his new sci-fi Netflix film Rebel Moon, which is based on his original Star Wars pitch.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Snyder revealed that he believed Star Wars was in a vulnerable state when he made the pitch in 2012, giving him hope that it might be accepted. However, Disney's announcement of its intent to purchase Lucasfilm just six months later put an end to his proposal.
Deborah Snyder, Zack's wife and producing partner, was thrilled when his pitch was rejected. She never believed that Zack would be able to fully tell the story he wanted to tell at Lucasfilm, given their reputation for being even more protective than DC. "She never wanted this to go to Lucasfilm," Snyder said. "You think you have a hard time with DC? You think you're mad at them because they won't let you do what you want? What do you think Star Wars is going to be?' When it fell apart, she was like, 'This is the best thing that could have happened to you.'"
Snyder originally tried to secure a movie deal for the project and then pitched it as a TV show similar to "Game of Thrones," but set in space. The show would have followed characters who join a rebel group fighting against an empire. When this idea didn't pan out, the project returned to being developed as a feature film, and Netflix eventually approved it as a two-part movie.
Rebel Moon features Sofia Boutella as Kora, a character with a mysterious past. The movie also includes a cast with Fra Fee, Ed Skrein, Ray Fisher, Cleopatra Coleman, Michiel Husman, Charlie Hunnam, Djimon Hounsou, and Doona Bae, with Anthony Hopkins voicing the character of Jimmy, an ancient mechanized protector.
Rebel Moon releases in theaters on December 15 before coming to Netflix on December 22. The sequel is due out in April 2024.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about Zack Snyder's pitched R-rated Star Wars movie. On the one hand, I think it's a shame that his proposal was rejected, as I believe he could have brought a unique and edgy vision to the franchise. On the other hand, I understand Lucasfilm's decision, as Star Wars is a beloved franchise with a wide audience, and an R-rated movie might have alienated some fans.
I think it's great that Snyder was able to turn his Star Wars pitch into Rebel Moon, which looks like an exciting and original sci-fi film. I'm looking forward to seeing it when it releases on Netflix on December 22.
