Zack Snyder has announced a pause on additional projects within his Netflix science fiction franchise, Rebel Moon, to prioritize directing a new LAPD SWAT movie for Netflix. The filmmaker shared this development in a recent interview, indicating that while the Rebel Moon universe offers abundant story possibilities, he is holding off on expanding it until he can reassess the franchise’s direction and future.
Snyder Discusses Taking a Break from Rebel Moon to Tackle LAPD SWAT Film
In his own words, Snyder explained his current focus shift:
I got sidetracked into this — not sidetracked, it’s all uptown problems, as they say — for Netflix, I’m working on an LAPD SWAT movie,
Snyder said.
So I was like, OK, well, I’m gonna just sort of let that Rebel Moon world boil for a minute, and I’m gonna go do this. And frankly, it was a very exhausting, long process doing the two movies together. So it was nice to have a bit of a break from it. I love it like crazy, but it’s nice to have a bit of a break. So yeah, we’ll see after I finish this, when I come back, where we are with everything. There’s tons of stories. So, I mean, I think it’s literally, it’s endless. But, again, like I say, I’m waiting to see how we want to and in what way we would move forward, if at all.
Background and Reception of the Rebel Moon Franchise
After his extensive work within the DC Extended Universe, Snyder ventured into his original science fiction world with Rebel Moon. The first installment, Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire, debuted on Netflix in 2023, followed by the sequel Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver in 2024. Both films also received R-rated director’s cuts that launched in August 2024. While the initial versions of these films were largely criticized, the R-rated cuts saw improved responses, though neither gained widespread critical acclaim. The highest-rated film in the series, Rebel Moon – Chapter Two: Curse of Forgiveness, holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 67%, reflecting moderate reception.
Uncertainty Surrounding Future Film Installments
The Rebel Moon franchise continues through other mediums such as the Blood Line: A Rebel Moon Game video game and a prequel comic centered on the character Nemesis. Despite several outlined future film projects, the continuation of the franchise on screen faces growing uncertainty. Snyder’s co-writer, Kurt Johnstad, notably remarked on the challenges, saying it would take
some luck and an act of God
to produce another movie. The launch of The Scargiver saw lower viewer numbers than its predecessor, adding to doubts about the viability of more films.
Snyder’s Intentions for a Creative Pause and New Directions
Given the significant scale of the two Rebel Moon films, Snyder appears ready for a change of pace with a leaner LAPD SWAT thriller, which serves as a creative respite before deciding on Rebel Moon’s future. The director’s cautious phrasing about a potential third Rebel Moon installment suggests he is not fully committed to continuing the series yet, leaving open the possibility that the cinematic universe may be put on indefinite hold if circumstances do not align.
Challenges Impacting the Franchise’s Prospects on Netflix
The Rebel Moon movies had brief theatrical runs prior to their Netflix release, focusing more on streaming than box office returns. Nonetheless, disappointing critical reaction combined with dwindling viewership poses a hurdle. Netflix might hesitate to approve another Rebel Moon film without significant fan demand or a strong indication of commercial success. Snyder’s history of benefiting from online fan support, such as with Zack Snyder’s Justice League, contrasts with the more tepid enthusiasm for Rebel Moon, making the franchise’s continuation unpredictable.
What Could the Future Hold for Rebel Moon and Snyder’s Netflix Projects?
The fate of Rebel Moon remains unclear as Zack Snyder navigates his new creative endeavors with the LAPD SWAT film. If his current project satisfies his artistic goals and Netflix’s criteria, there may be renewed interest in revisiting Rebel Moon’s expansive universe. However, with diminishing audience engagement and critical reception challenges, the decision to move forward will likely depend on both fan support and strategic business considerations. For now, Snyder’s attention turning toward a grounded action film signals a shift that could reshape his career trajectory and Netflix’s science fiction slate.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Zack Snyder quit?
A. Making the original movie faced many challenges, and the script was often changed significantly. In May 2017, Snyder left post-production after his daughter died. Joss Whedon was then brought in to complete the film, although he wasn’t officially credited as a director.
Q. Did Zack Snyder lose a child?
A. In May 2017, Snyder stepped away from finishing Justice League after his daughter Autumn’s death. He left to support his family, so Joss Whedon took over and completed the movie.
