Rebel Moon: Zack Snyder’s two sci-fi films will get two cuts each to cover a wide range of audiences

Zack Snyder fans will eat well when the filmmaker’s Rebel Moon comes to Netflix in multiple forms. You heard me. In addition to splitting the sci-fi epic into two films, Snyder is creating multiple cuts of each. In an in-depth look at the film, courtesy of Vanity Fair, Snyder explains his Rebel Moon strategy and how he aims to cover a wide range of audiences with each release. One cut is a presentation that “anyone can enjoy and watch,” while the other is an explicit version aimed at adults.

In addition to Vanity Fair‘s in-depth report, the outlet shared a gallery of first-look images for the upcoming sci-fi epic. You can check out select photos from their coverage below:

“I think for fans of mine and people who are ready to take a deeper, harder dive, that’ll be fun for them,” Snyder says about his goal for the more mature cut. Initially, Rebel Moon was going to be one film. However, when Snyder submitted a 174-page script, he realized splitting the story into two presentations would be best. Studies show that two-hour movies fare better than three-hour epics. Considering these metrics, Snyder (and Netflix) think dividing the story into two films will yield better results.

Speaking with Vanity Fair about viewing habits and maximizing Rebel Moon‘s appeal, producer Deborah Snyder said, “[Netflix film chairman Scott] Stuber was like, ‘On the service, under-two-hour movies really do better for some reason,’ even though you’ll binge-watch a series of eight episodes. Zack said, ‘If you ask me to make this less than two hours, I’m going to lose all the character. You won’t care about these people. It’s a character story about how people can change, and redemption, and what are you willing to fight for…’ So he said, ‘What if I give you two movies?’”

Rebel Moon is Snyder’s passion project. Ideas for the story have been floating around his head for over three decades. Thankfully, the time has finally come for Snyder to realize his vision using the latest special effects and the reach of Netflix’s streaming platform.

Here’s the official synopsis for Rebel Moon:

Rebel Moon is a Seven Samurai—inspired space epic about a distant galactic colony that comes under threat from the armies of a tyrannical regent named Balisarius. Desperate to survive, they send a young woman (Sofia Boutella) on a mission to find allies that may be able to turn the tide. The film stars a murderer’s row of talent alongside Boutella, including Charlie Hunnam, Djimon Hounsou, Ed Skrein, Michiel Huisman, Doona Bae, Ray Fisher, Cary Elwes, Alfonso Herrera, Jena Malone, and Sir Anthony Hopkins as (of course) the voice of sentient battle robot Jimmy. Snyder directs and produces alongside Deborah Snyder and Wesley Coller. He co-wrote the script with Kurt Johnstad and Shay Hatten (Day Shift, Army of the Dead).

Are you excited about Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon? Which version of the story will you watch? Let us know in the comments below. Rebel Moon lands on Netflix on December 2, 2023.