I’ve read recently how you feel Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” is your favorite film of the year, and Chris has certainly been complimentary of his work with you on “Man of Steel.” I’m wondering how influential has Chris been since that point. Was there anything that you implemented in “Rebel Moon” that was born of your work with Chris?
Chris’ main influence on me in his singularity, his singular vision, [his] uncompromising, straight-ahead approach to filmmaking … He feels it’s very singular, very of one voice, which I love in movies. I love it when a director … I think of people like David Fincher and Chris, for example, who are very like, “We live in a great age of really gifted and amazing auteurs that can transport you to another point of view.” In the end, movies are being transported to another point of view, and I happen to think his is pretty cool.
Well, Zack, great talking with you again. I have to put you on the spot quickly: Leonidas [Gerard Butler] from “300” versus Kora in “Rebel Moon.” They’re both ass-kickers. When you throw them in the ring, who wins?
Oh, geez. That’s a pretty tough one. It depends. No weapons?
No weapons.
Yeah, that’s a tough one. Kora might stand a chance because of her … She has a much more modern warrior aesthetic, so she might have some techniques that Leonidas just doesn’t have. He’s more of a brawler.
Also starring Charlie Hunnam, Djimon Hounsou, Doona Bae, Michiel Huisman, Ray Fisher, Cleopatra Coleman, Staz Nair, and E. Duffy, “Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire” is playing in theaters in limited release and debuts exclusively on Netflix the evening of December 21.
This interview has been edited for clarity.
