Setting the Record Straight
One cannot escape the gravitational pull of iconic franchises like Star Wars. When any sci-fi flick emerges with even a whiff of resemblance, instant comparisons get drawn. Such has been the narrative surrounding Zack Snyder’s upcoming Netflix blockbuster, “Rebel Moon.” Many have prematurely dubbed it “Zack Snyder’s Star Wars” due to some surface-level similarities and past ties with Lucasfilm. However, this movie’s journey is rich, multifaceted, and truly its own.
A 20-Year Dream in the Making
It’s a tale that dates back over two decades. Before the zombies of Dawn of the Dead or the heroes of the DC universe graced our screens through Snyder’s lens, there was an idea for a sci-fi spectacle. As revealed during Screen Rant’s set visit, Deborah Snyder reminisced, “The fun part about this and this idea that Zack had, I think it started like before we were even married.” Delving deeper, Zack Snyder added a layer of nostalgia, mentioning he first pitched “Dirty Dozen in space” during his film school days.
The muse? The legendary Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai, which incidentally also inspired George Lucas for Star Wars. Over the years, Snyder toyed with the idea, even conceptualizing it for television and penning script drafts alongside Kurt Johnston and Shay.
From Independent IP to Star Wars and Back
As destiny would have it, Snyder once found himself discussing the potential of fitting “Rebel Moon” into the expansive Star Wars universe. “At one point he met with Star Wars before the sale and ILM pitched him some art,” said Deborah Snyder. While the idea fluttered amidst early discussions with Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy, it never took a concrete form.
Interestingly, while Snyder’s adoration for Star Wars is undeniable, Deborah Snyder hinted that an original path might have been the apter choice for Zack, stating, “I feel like doing something original is better and more in your wheelhouse.”
Star Wars Comparison: A Blessing or a Curse?
The space opera landscape is vast, and yet the shadows of Star Wars loom large. Even though glowing swords in “Rebel Moon” evoked memories of lightsabers, Snyder remains unshaken by the parallels. He wisely notes, “I don’t think you can make a sci-fi movie now that’s not going to be compared to a Star Wars movie in some way.”
But it’s essential to remember that George Lucas, too, was inspired. Before crafting the Star Wars epic, Lucas drew from Flash Gordon, Dune, and indeed, Seven Samurai. Similarly, “Rebel Moon” isn’t a mere Star Wars replica. It’s a concoction of inspirations, from Excalibur and Blade Runner to captivating anime tales.
The Promising Horizon for “Rebel Moon”
The beauty of “Rebel Moon” lies in its autonomy. As an independent intellectual property, Snyder enjoys the luxury of unfettered creativity, sans the bounds of established narratives or fan expectations. Netflix’s vision of turning “Rebel Moon” into its sprawling universe is a testament to its faith in the project.
While the film’s trailer distinctly sets it apart from the Disney Star Wars tones, one can only hope that as time rolls on, “Rebel Moon” finds its unique orbit, appreciated for its individual brilliance rather than persistent comparisons.
In the realm of cinema, while influences are inescapable, originality thrives. “Rebel Moon” might be the beacon to prove just that.
