Netflix has released a teaser for Rebel Moon, a space-themed fantasy film directed by Justice League (2021) director Zack Snyder.
The first installment of the film, titled Rebel Moon Part 1: A Child of Fire, will be released on Netflix on December 22. Rebel Moon Part 2: The Scargiver will hit theaters on April 19, 2024.
Rebel Moon’s teaser gives hints of its inspiration from the classic space opera Star Wars, as well as the big-budget sci-fi epic Dune (2021). The teaser, spanning close to four minutes, masterfully weaves together gripping action and captivating cinematography. It encompasses a rich array of elements intrinsic to space fiction: a destined warrior princess determined to quell conflict, space vessels launching laser volleys, advanced robotic machines, warriors wielding luminous red laser blades, almost reminiscent of the lightsaber from the Star Wars franchise, an airborne creature evoking the semblance of a Pegasus, and tons of meticulously crafted slow-motion sequences.
The film stars Algerian actress Sofia Boutella, known for her roles in Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014) and Atomic Blonde (2017), in the lead role, where she plays Kora, a mysterious warrior who assembles a group of fighters to battle the Imperium, a repressive regime. Kora is protecting a colony on the edge of the galaxy from the Imperial forces of Regent Belisarius. She is joined by the likes of Djimon Hounsou, Anthony Hopkins, Ray Fisher, Staz Nair, Doona Bae, Ed Skrein, Jena Malone, Michael Huisman, and others.
Initially conceived as a transformation of Zack Snyder's long-developed idea into a Star Wars project, the trajectory of Rebel Moon took a different course, much to the satisfaction of all parties involved. Producer Deborah Snyder expressed contentment with the outcome, noting that the intention was never for it to align with the Star Wars universe. Having garnered insights from collaborations in the superhero realm, particularly with Batman v. Superman (2016) and Justice League: The Snyder Cut (2021), the team's perspective shifted, framing Rebel Moon as more of a science fantasy rather than conventional sci-fi.
Snyder debuted the first trailer at this year's Gamescom convention in Germany, also revealing that a video game based on the events of the two films is in the works.
