Zack Snyder explains Rebel Moon Part 2’s tragic twist after Netflix viewers were left divided

Zack Snyder has revealed his thoughts behind Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver's controversial twist.

Netflix's most expensive film of 2023 came out on the streaming service earlier this month and it left viewers extremely divided.

Many flooded social media to weigh in on one particular moment—a tragic twist involving one of the show's main and much-loved characters.

Warning: Spoilers for Rebel Moon - Part Two ahead.

Basically, Gunnar (played by Michiel Huisman) is killed off.

Yes, the man in charge of the harvest of Veldt and the only member of the village to join Kora (Sofia Boutella) on her quest to find allies to defend it, also becoming her love interest, is slaughtered in the sequel to the 2023 release.

And it's not just a killing off, but a tragic - yet heroic - death which sees him killed shortly after saving Kora from Noble (Ed Skrein).

And it didn't take long for viewers to flood to social media to discuss the tragic plot twist.

Spoiler alert: Gunnar dies. (Netflix)

One X user said: "Gunnar and Nemesis were the only two characters I really liked in Rebel Moon and they both die. Glad I got spoiled so I don’t have to watch part 2. Killing off Michiel Huisman and Bae Doona?!? Who does that!!?"

However, another said: "Just finished Rebel Moon part 2. Victory scene when Gunnar dies was one of the best death scenes I’ve seen in a while. The death, the crying, the joy of the support incoming,… It was a mix of emotions and done well.

"Imo, only missed pupil dilation. Good movie. Well done!"

And Snyder - who acted as a writer, the cinematographer and director on the movie - has since revealed some more information behind why the twist occurred.

Snyder addressed the twist in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter - and all I can say is Gunnar fans, prepare to feel wounded.

Gunnar is 'just a guy', Snyder says. (Netflix)

The director said: "As far as love goes and loving and the why of loving, Gunnar is probably the first lover she’d had that was transcendent of war. This lover was outside of the conflict, and he was just a guy, really.

"Gunnar is a good guy, but he’s just a guy. He’s not necessarily a soldier or a leader, and it’s a stepping stone for her.

"She’s on this journey of catharsis as well, obviously, and Gunnar’s sacrifice is part of that journey."

Gunnar's death isn't the only twist in the sequel, however, with it being revealed that Issa (Stella Grace Fitzgerald) is also alive somewhere.

What this means for the third movie of the franchise, Snyder doesn't fully reveal, instead simply teasing: "Balisarius is back on the Motherworld, and Issa is somewhere else in hiding."

Many were devastated with his death. (Netflix)

He adds: "They have this thing called the Order of 12, which are the 12 original Jimmies that protected the royal family, and they were all destroyed, except for one called Bartholomew. So [Issa and Bartholomew] are probably hiding somewhere in the universe.

"The story of movie three would be tracking her down and finding out how they can use the victory at Veldt to create a coalition of planets that were on the edge of rebellion, but have now seen the example of downing a dreadnought. Maybe now there’s an opportunity. It’s a chink in the armor.

"That’s really what it is."

So, I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Rebel Moon - Part Two:The Scargiver is currently available to watch on Netflix.

Topics: Entertainment, Film and TV, Netflix, Social Media

Poppy Bilderbeck

Poppy Bilderbeck is a Senior Journalist at LADbible Group. She graduated from The University of Manchester in 2021 with a First in English Literature and Drama, where alongside her studies she was Editor-in-Chief of The Tab Manchester. Poppy is most comfortable when chatting about all things mental health, is proving a drama degree is far from useless by watching and reviewing as many TV shows and films as possible and is such a crisp fanatic the office has been forced to release them in batches.