Zack Snyder has created an iconic, if not controversial reputation, as a genre-defining filmmaker with aloyal, and passionate fan base. As one of the premier pop-culture directors with tremendous influence, he’s proved himself a capable filmmaker worthy of helming some of the largest studio films ever produced. While recent developments surrounding his most recent productions continue to roil fans of his unique directorial style, he remains a competent talent with decades of experience, crafting epic, blockbuster films that fans all over the world love. Snyder’s new project, a science fiction action-adventure epic calledRebel Moon, continues his style of creating unique spectacles of cinematic flair, and as a project that Snyder himself has confessed a tremendous level of passion for, gives the film a chance to become one of the more exciting films of his career.Rebel Moonseems to be a project that fans can’t wait to experience when it hits Netflix later in 2023, and because of Snyder’s certifiable excitement, makes him the perfect director for the sci-fi epic.
The Auteur Style of Zack Snyder
In 2004, Snyder remade the cult-classic George A. Romero horror flick,Dawn of the Dead,further developing a style that Snyder developed in his career directing music videos. Films like300established Zack Snyder as a unique presence in Hollywood, with a singular style evident on every frame of his movies, and witha knack for creating mythologiesthat would extend to his future offerings in DC Comic Book films, positioned him as a go-to director for superhero movies. His tendency to go dark, brooding, and anti-hero became a calling card, as films likeWatchmen, Sucker Punch,and a more violent interpretation of theMan of Steelgave him a coveted status traditionally reserved for only the most esteemed of film directors; namely, as an auteur of Hollywood bearing a signature to his frame. This makes him an ideal creator in the sci-fi genre, giving a unique I.P likeRebel Moonmore than a puncher’s chance at scoring big with fans and cult sci-fi lovers.
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World Building Sci-Fi Epic
It’sclear from the concept art, and sneak peaks coming from the production ofRebel Moon, that it’s an ambitious science fiction film looking to create a singular footprint in the genre. Snyder remains one of thepremier world builders in Hollywood,lending his creative vision to a number of franchises reliant on creating immersive worlds that enhance the suspension of disbelief. Films likeZack Snyder’s Justice League, while controversial for many reasons, executed on the Zack Snyder motif by filling in vital blanks of the story world that the theatrical version lacked. Clocking in with a runtime north of four hours, an impossible feat for most modern movies,Zack Snyder’s Justice Leaguewas still embraced by grateful fans who reveled in the minutia that an extended movie-time allowed. Despitethe toxic underpinningsprevalent in some fan communities seeking to bolster Snyder’s profile among franchises ready to move past his influence, Snyder still retains the skill set necessary to fully build out a world of science fiction fantasy, and render it with a sense of grand spectacle worthy of the genre.
Franchise-Busting Original Film
One of the more exciting aspects ofRebel Moonis the fact that it’s a wholly unique entry into the science fiction genre, and bucks the modern Hollywood trend of green lighting an endless parade of franchise films, sequels, remakes, and reboots. While many of these films remain beloved by fans across the globe, the power shift from a theatrical movie experience to a more personalized one reliant on streaming services has moved into widespread acceptance. Audiences are less motivated to show up to theaters and take chances on content they know little about. Understandably, when audiences are shelling out more money than ever before to watch films in the movie theater, it makes sense to want something you know will be worth it. But, the fact remains, that it’s harder than ever for new franchises to gain traction through movie theaters alone, instead relying on networks like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime to establish faithful fan bases. In this way,Rebel Moonbenefits more from streaming exhibition, not only because these platforms allow for a more mature experience less beholden to censorship from the MPAA, but also because it will have the best chance at creating the kind of fan base required to foster long term success.
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The Star Wars Kurosawa Connection
A Snyder passion project more than a decade in the making,Rebel Moonbegan life as aStar Warspitch that was scuttled when Lucasfilm was sold to Disney in 2012. The film, which Snyder admits isinspired by legendary film director Akira Kurosawa, shares a similar premise withSeven Samurai, a Kurosawa classic, and re-purposes many of the ideas, themes, and conventions that Snyder never got to realize in his vision for a Star Wars sequel. While many film pitches never move past the cutting room floor, it’s notable that Snyder believes in theRebel Moonproject enough to keep it alive no matter what, and insharing its ancestral tiesto such legendary films and filmmakers, likeStar Warsand Kurosawa, respectively, the film has quite a legacy to live up to. It’s that sort of ambition that should excite audiences looking forward to experiencing theRebel Moonstory, and moves Zack Snyder into the perfect position to direct it because of his unique style, signature, and striking sense of cinematic authorship.
