Zack Snyder's upcoming science-fiction space epic Rebel Moon already has R-rated extended versions in the works. Originally conceived as a Star Wars film, the story follows Kora (Sofia Boutella) as she enlists the aid of various warriors from other planets to help protect her home world from the evil tyrant Balisarius (Ed Skrein). Due to the expansive Seven Samurai-inspired concept, Snyder has split the film in two, with Rebel Moon Part Two shot back-to-back with the first movie.

Speaking with SlashFilm, Rebel Moon's sound mixer Andy Koyama revealed that Snyder's upcoming Netflix sci-fi saga already has extended R-rated versions planned. Discussing his work on the films, he compared their feel to Star Wars, calling it "exciting," though did not reveal when those extended editions could be released. Read what Koyama said below:

"We just did the first temp mix for the preview of part one, and it's very exciting. It's a big, huge, space — they probably don't want me to say this — 'Star Wars'-y, 'rebels against the evil empire' thing over all sorts of different worlds. It's really fun. There's going to be two films. I think we're mixing that from June to February. And there's also going to be extended R-rated versions of each of the two films, so we're going to be mixing four different features."
Zack Snyder Shines With His Extended Editions


Many of Snyder's films, including Dawn of the Dead, Watchmen, Sucker Punch, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and famously Justice League, have received an extended cut for its home release editions. Although there is debate whether they improve their theatrical counterparts, Snyder has explained that these versions are closer to his original vision for the films. Generally, audiences have responded positively to the director's longer editions, praising Watchmen's comic-accurate additions, properly expanding important subplots in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and notably correcting missteps in the DCEU's Justice League.

Snyder's work on Justice League was halted due to a family tragedy, which also came after creative conflicts with Warner Bros. As a result, writer-director Joss Whedon took over directorial responsibilities and released a film that audiences predominantly rejected. However, after years of pressure from fans, WB finally allowed Snyder to assemble a new Justice League cut utilizing four hours worth of unused material, which received praise for its more cohesive narrative, improved villain design, and complete character arcs.

Generally cut back for runtime restrictions, theatrical editions may feature trimmed subplots that affect overall narrative clarity. Extended cuts allow directors to insert story elements that were previously removed in order to create a complete and cohesive film. Although Rebel Moon is set to tell a long story over the course of two films, Snyder will still have to trim the films down to a more palatable runtime for their limited theatrical releases. With Rebel Moon set to premiere in December, audiences have to be patient to see how Snyder's R-rated extended editions will improve upon the films.