Zack Snyderis one of the most recognizable directors of his era. Frequently making director’s cuts for his works, he is adamant about his visions, even if they were not fully followed by the studio. He made, for instance, an overlong director’s cut forJustice League, along with other films of his.
In the last couple of years,Snyder poured a lot of energy into a franchise that didn’t exactly stick the landing.Rebel Moonserieswas an original sci-fi concept that began in late 2023 with the Netflix movieRebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire. The film was followed up just a few months later withPart Two.
Netflix and Snyder sunk a lot of time and money into these films, which cost over $166 million together. While the movies had high viewership numbers, the bet did not fully pay off for him, as bothRebel Moonmovies got poor reviews.
Originally slated for at least another movie,Snyder recently revealed that he got “sidetracked"from making moreRebel Moonmovies. This will delay the continuation of the sci-fi franchise due to his commitment to another Netflix movie. This will be “an LAPD SWATmovie” for Netflix. Full details of this film are not yet available, but it is certain to set Snyder on a better career track.
Zack Snyder’s New SWAT Movie Is What He Needs More Of
His Next Phase Demands More Grounded Content
Being pulled away fromRebel Moonfor a while might be a blessing in disguise. While he has made plenty of sci-fi and superhero films, Snyder is truly at his best when he is not trying to go too epic. In many ways, the director got swallowed up by the attempted grandeur ofRebel Moon.
As such,Snyder’s best movies are films likeDawn of the DeadandArmy of the Dead.In comparison to something likeRebel MoonorJustice League, these zombie horror movies are a lot smaller in scope. These films also highlight the best quality of Snyder’s work, which is action sequences. Despite his flaws as a director,he has a great eye for good action.Something like a SWAT-based movie will allow him to lean into this side of himself.
Luckily, this is not the only movie that Snyder is making that strays away from theRebel Moonside of his career. The director is also slated to make the filmBrawler, an action sports drama about a UFC champion. While it will still not be free of Snyder’s characteristic stylization, the movie will feature more grounded action.
Grounded content is most likely just whatSnyderneeds to make a great film as his next step. While he could turn things around withRebel Moon, leaning into this would risk making more overdone sci-fi films. Instead, he can lean into the action sequences that he is superb at, and hopefully make enjoyable films withBrawlerand the LAPD movie.
