Zack Snyder’s film Rebel Moon, which is based heavily on Akira Kurosawa, is undoubtedly one of the major releases of 2023. Let’s explore the films that impacted Netflix’s biggest release.
“The Rebel Moon” was released on Christmas Eve in 2023, becoming one of the most important science fiction films in the past decade. Directed by Zack Schneider (300 Braves, Justice League, and Sea King), the film was originally conceived as a two-part film (the second part, The Meat Reaper, will be released in 2024, and the third part may soon be released, making Rebel Moon a trilogy). The film possesses all the elements that an excellent science fiction work should possess: futuristic battles, philosophical struggles between good and evil A revolution led by the impoverished social class against the king, and many side stories that enrich the plot.
As one of the largest projects in the past few years (with a total budget of approximately $165 million for two films), people want to know the origin of this idea: What was the adaptation of “The Rebel Moon” based on? Are there any books behind?
The answer is a captivating story that belongs to the way movies were born. Let’s find out.
The Rebel Moon is not adapted from a book. This two-part film is an original work created by director Zack Schneider in collaboration with screenwriters Kurt Johnstad (300 Braves, The City of Extreme Cold) and Shey Harten (co author of Chapters 3 and 4 of Fast Chase).
Initially, Zack Schneider envisioned the project as a Star Wars movie and presented this idea to Lucasfilm. Star Wars is clearly one of the main inspirations behind Rebel Moon, but Schneider’s idea is to create a more mature science fiction project, similar to influential movies like Blade Runner or Dune.
Lucas Pictures did not continue this idea. Zack Schneider also proposed to Warner Bros. to include it as a multimedia project, which also includes video games. In the end, the director collaborated with producer Eric Newman (the show manager for “Drug Lord” and “True Story”) to redevelop the entire project. In the end, in 2021, Netflix agreed to make it “their largest movie ever”.
However, the most interesting thing is the recognized inspiration behind this idea. In an interview with Screen Rant, Zack Schneider explained that he initially had the idea of “Rebel Moon”
This officially confirms another important inspiration behind Rebel Moon: Akira Kurosawa. This iconic Japanese director is still studying at a film school, and his films are also famous for their significant impact on Star Wars. The philosophy shared in Akira Kurosawa’s film history is the cornerstone of many science fiction projects
Akira Kurosawa is a highly influential Japanese film producer, widely regarded as one of the most influential directors in film history. He has made significant contributions to the art of Japanese and international film production. In his most famous films, he is remembered for his roles in Seven Samurai, Rashomon, With the Heart, and Shadow Warrior.
Akira Kurosawa’s films, whether set in feudal Japan, contemporary society, or adapted from Western literature, consistently explore universal themes such as morality, human nature, and social dynamics. His ability to integrate traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western narrative techniques has not only won praise in Japan, but also left an indelible mark in the international film industry.
Akira Kurosawa’s legacy far exceeds the countless awards and honors he has received throughout his life. His films remain timeless classics, influencing generations of filmmakers around the world and earning him a place in the pantheon of film dreamers. Akira Kurosawa’s influence on the art of film production has been enduring, and his works continue to inspire and attract global audiences. Rebel Moon is just the last example of Akira Kurosawa’s influence on the film industry, and it still remains so to this day.