Is Zack Snyder's 'Rebel Moon' as Potentially Popular as 'Star Wars'? An Analysis

Is Zack Snyder's upcoming Rebel Moon as likely to become as popular as Star Wars? The answer, based on current knowledge and available information, is probably not.

The Structure of 'Rebel Moon' vs. 'Star Wars'

The Rebel Moon miniseries, now available on Netflix, takes a strikingly different approach from the beloved Star Wars saga. In the first two hours and five minutes, the protagonist focuses on assembling a team before the main conflict begins in the second part.

In contrast, in 1977, Luke Skywalker got the band together, saved the princess, and destroyed the Death Star in less than two hours, minus the credits. This stark difference in pacing shows the contrast between geographic filmmaking and modern storytelling techniques.

The Continuity of 'Star Wars'

Even without its various sequels, prequels, animated series, and numerous books, comics, and video games, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope remains a self-contained and tightly woven story. It stands strong on its own merits, which is a testament to George Lucas's story-telling skills.

While George Lucas may not have been the greatest writer or director, he certainly knows how to spin a yarn. However, Zack Snyder struggles in original creative endeavors. His film adaptations, while well-executed, lack the creative spark that his source material possesses. Only when he's adapting the work of others does he truly shine, as seen with The Watchmen.

The Criticisms of Zack Snyder

Snyder's reputation with critics is mixed. While he has a dedicated fanbase, his unique style often polarizes opinions. The prolonged runtime of The Snyder Cut of Justice League, which failed to achieve the success of Marvel's The Avengers in half the time, further highlights the differences in their storytelling approaches.

For comparison, marvel’s rapid-fire storytelling in The Avengers is akin to a streamlined album like Rush’s 2112, whereas the Snyder Cut is more like the ponderous double-disc Tales from Topographic Oceans by Yes—the latter requiring more patience and attention.

Conclusion and Outlook

Given these factors, while Zack Snyder's Rebel Moon may appeal to his loyal fans, it is unlikely to reach the same level of cultural impact as Star Wars. The Star Wars phenomenon was born out of the perfect blend of storytelling, timing, and sheer inevitability. If Rebel Moon had been released in 1977, it may not have even been considered, much less caught the lightning-in-a-bottle that propelled Star Wars to global phenomenon status.

Rebel Moon continues to exist as Zack Snyder's ambition and vision, but it is more grounded in the niche audience that his cinematic style attracts. The landscape of cinema would look very different were it not for the 1977 Star Wars.

Glad to be of service!

Keywords: Zack Snyder, Rebel Moon, Star Wars