Zack Snyder has shared insights into the viewership numbers of his latest film, Rebel Moon, on Netflix, comparing it to the theatrical release of Barbie. The director believes that Rebel Moon has likely reached a larger audience through the streaming platform than Barbie did in theaters.
Snyder explained that based on his calculations, Rebel Moon has garnered around 80-90 million views on Netflix, which could translate to approximately 160 million viewers in a traditional theater setting. This estimation suggests that Rebel Moon may have surpassed Barbie in terms of viewership.
Upon its release on Netflix, Rebel Moon quickly climbed to the top of the platform's most-watched list, attracting 23.9 million views in its debut week. The film continued to perform well, accumulating 34 million views in its second week. However, it experienced a drop in popularity in the US Netflix rankings after the initial surge.
Snyder praised Netflix's distribution model, highlighting the convenience it offers to viewers who can access content at their convenience. He emphasized the platform's ability to reach a wide audience and provide flexibility in viewing options.
In contrast, Barbie emerged as a box office hit in 2023, grossing $636.2 million domestically and $1.4 billion worldwide. The film received critical acclaim, earning an 88 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and securing multiple Academy Award nominations.
Despite the disparity in critical reception, Snyder expressed admiration for Barbie and even found humor in a reference to his work in the film. He appreciated a line that playfully alluded to the controversy surrounding Zack Snyder's Justice League, viewing it as a lighthearted moment.
Rebel Moon and Barbie continue to be available for streaming on Netflix and Max, respectively, offering audiences the opportunity to enjoy these contrasting cinematic experiences.
