ComingSoon Editor-in-Chief Tyler Treese spoke with Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver stars Sofia Boutella and Michiel Huisman about the sci-fi sequel. The duo spoke about their characters and working on the movie’s impressive sets. The film is now streaming on Netflix.
“Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver continues the epic saga of Kora and the surviving warriors as they prepare to sacrifice everything, fighting alongside the brave people of Veldt, to defend a once peaceful village, a newfound homeland for those who have lost their own in the fight against the Motherworld,” reads the movie‘s synopsis. “On the eve of their battle the warriors must face the truths of their own pasts, each revealing why they fight. As the full force of the Realm bears down on the burgeoning rebellion, unbreakable bonds are forged, heroes emerge, and legends are made.”
Tyler Treese: Sophia, we got such great action in the first film, but it goes even further in Part Two, and Zack Synder’s such an experienced action director. What’s most gratifying about working with him on these scenes that aren’t just amazing set pieces, but also deliver such great narrative payoff as well?
Sofia Boutella: It was just so exciting for me. I mean, I get the opportunity to work on sets that are alive, that look exactly the way you see them in the film. We get the opportunity to immerse ourselves fully in the environment that the characters are in. For me, just having that one shot that we have where Kora comes out of the elevator and goes through — you see it in the trailer, I think — it was just so much fun for me to evolve with the element and the space. Because I use the space where I go on the wall and then hang off the roof and all of that was fully built the way you see it. I think it just gives you so much room to exercise the depth of your character.
Michiel, I was so impressed by your performance because Gunnar, he’s not just this freedom fighter. He’s also a symbol of hope for the village. How is it portraying this character that stands for more than just his life? He’s this symbol of the whole village. How is it portraying this larger-than-life figure that he ultimately becomes?
Michiel Huisman: Yeah, thank you. It was an honor to be allowed to portray that character, and at the same time, while we’re doing it … I guess I forget what the character stands for in the greater picture. You just try to identify with your character and try to find the humanity in your character. And that was, I think, easier for me on this one because he is a bit more relatable. I would think he’s much more of a regular person compared to some of these badass rebels.
Sophia, you and Ed Skrein are so fantastic together, but it’s not just the fights. You also have some great and intense dialogue sequences. What stood out about him as a performer beyond the action?
Sofia Boutella: I’ve known Ed from before filming this movie. We almost did about … maybe three projects together that didn’t end up happening. But basically, he’s a really kind and sweet person. When he started to train for the character and really go for who Noble was, I was just taken aback. He was just so intimidating for me to be on set with — that one scene when he comes back in Part Two, and I think we killed him, and I’m just shocked to see him before my eyes. It was just such a strong scene for me because he really went there physically, first of all. And his face was literally just scary to look at, you know?
For me, it just gave me everything that I needed. For those scenes, he was just great to play with because he goes there, and I think he created a good dynamic, and I had to, after each day of filming with him, remind myself, “That’s not Ed. That’s not Ed.” [Laughs]. And just sort of shed everything that I felt from him, which is not him. It’s like, “It’s not Ed! It’s Noble! Noble!” [Laughs].
