Following all the intense action in Rebel Moon: Part One, the group of warriors makes their way back to Veldt. While their return might seem like a victory, there is little time to celebrate as Commander Noble is closing in fast.
The farmers not only have to organize a strategic defense, but they also need to train for battle within a matter of days—something straight out of Seven Samurai. So yes, it’s time for a training montage for everyone.
Kora’s haunted past reveals the burden she carries (Photo: Rebel Moon/The Stone Quarry and Grand Electric)Kora and her team of misfits—including the nobleman-turned-blacksmith Tarak, the skilled swordswoman Nemesis, the disgraced General Titus, and the rebel soldier Millius—share painful memories from their pasts, giving insight into why each of them is willing to put their life on the line for this remote village.
Meanwhile, Kora and Gunnar, the simple farmer, take advantage of their free moments to build a romance. During a quiet moment together, Kora finally reveals a painful truth—she was the one who killed Princess Issa.
The Tragic Past That Defines Kora
For those unfamiliar with the backstory, Issa was the daughter of a royal couple who were ambushed and murdered under the orders of Balisarius.
The King and Queen had begun to consider stepping away from the endless wars and destruction that had defined their rule, encouraged by their daughter’s vision of a more peaceful future. Balisarius, however, despised the idea of reducing military dominance, so he orchestrated their assassination.
In the process, Kora was forced to kill the young girl she had once sworn to protect. Instead of taking responsibility for his crime, Balisarius pinned the entire incident on Kora, turning her into a fugitive and forcing her to seek refuge on Veldt.
On the other side, Noble is left with only a single scar from his previous defeat. When one of his officers suggests having it surgically removed, he refuses, insisting on keeping it as a mark of his experience. Before long, the Imperium forces arrive, and Noble gives Kora an ultimatum—surrender to spare the people of Veldt.
Despite knowing how ruthless the Imperium is, she considers accepting the deal, but Gunnar steps in and refuses to let her sacrifice herself. Chaos erupts, and an intense battle breaks out.
Nemesis meets a heroic end, Jimmy the robot (who has been absent for far too long) finally joins the fight, and, gradually, the rebels start gaining ground. But it takes a massive amount of destruction to turn the tide.
Kora and Gunnar manage to board Noble’s escaping ship, determined to stop him from destroying the village from above. A series of high-stakes action sequences follow, leading to Kora setting off an explosion that cripples the ship. Noble nearly succeeds in killing her, but Gunnar intervenes just in time to save her life.
This time, Noble is truly defeated. However, Gunnar does not make it out alive, sacrificing himself in the process. His quiet wisdom and simple outlook on life leave a lasting impression, making his loss deeply felt.
As the dust settles, Kora changes her focus to the bigger battle ahead—Balisarius is still out there, and she is determined to bring the fight to him in the next chapter.
What Does Rebel Moon’s Ending Mean for the Future of the Rebel Moon-iverse?
Despite receiving criticism from multiple quarters (including some of the toughest movie reviewers), the first Rebel Moon movie still managed to attract a huge audience.
Love and war collide as Kora and Gunnar grow closer (Photo: Rebel Moon/The Stone Quarry and Grand Electric)In fact, during an interview on The Joe Rogan Experience, Zack Snyder claimed that more people “probably” watched Rebel Moon at home than those who saw Barbie in cinemas. Whether that claim holds up remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the film topped Netflix charts during its release week.
For a movie that blends elements of several classic films with visually stunning effects, that’s an impressive feat. Initially, there was speculation that this sequel would conclude Kora’s journey and the struggle of the villagers on Veldt.
However, the way things ended suggests otherwise. The final moments all but confirm that a third film is in the works. At this point, there hasn’t been an official announcement regarding a third installment, but Snyder has encouraged fans to hit that double thumbs-up on Netflix if they want to see the story continue.
On another note, remember the extended version of Rebel Moon that Snyder was teasing even before the first film premiered? During an interview with Collider, he mentioned that the longer, R-rated versions are expected to drop later in the summer.
For those who have been waiting for a more intense and unfiltered take on the Rebel Moon saga, that release is sure to bring something new to the table.
