If you're in the mood for an epic sci-fi flick over the festive period, you're in luck – because Zack Snyder's latest big-budget project is arriving on Netflix just in time for Christmas.

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Rebel Moon had its origins as a Star Wars project – something Snyder has said he didn't "shy away from" – and indeed it contains many elements that will be familiar to fans of the beloved franchise set in a galaxy far, far away.

The film also boasts a cast that includes a raft of big names, including some former Snyder collaborators such as Justice League's Ray Fisher and Suckerpunch's Jena Malone, alongside other big names like Sofia Boutella, Djimon Hounsou and Charlie Hunnam.

Lead actress Boutella recently told RadioTimes.com of her early conversations with Snyder about her character Kora, explaining that the director "basically just told me exactly the script and the character".

She added: "He didn't give me too much about how he wanted me to play her, he just told me the story and their circumstances.

"And then there is a movie number two, [where] you'll find out there is something quite complicated about Kora that I had to find [out], [which] was so complicated for me."

Read on for everything you need to know about the cast – including details on who they're playing and where you might have seen them before.

Sofia Boutella plays Kora

Sofia Boutella plays Kora in Rebel Moon wearing a cream robe, holding a gun
Sofia Boutella plays Kora in Rebel Moon. Clay Enos/Netflix

Who is Kora? Kora is a former Imperium soldier who leaves the sinister force to join a growing resistance.

What else has Sofia Boutella been in? The Algerian actor rose to international stardom with breakout roles in Kingsman: The Secret Service and Star Trek Into Darkness. She went on to portray the titular monster in 2017's The Mummy and fought alongside Charlize Theron that same summer in spy thriller Atomic Blonde. Most recently, she played Eve in BBC drama SAS Rogue Heroes.

Djimon Hounsou plays General Titus

Sofia Boutella and Djimon Hounsou star in Rebel Moon, sitting together in a dark room
Sofia Boutella and Djimon Hounsou star in Rebel Moon. Clay Enos/Netflix

Who is Titus? Another Imperium dropout, Titus is a hardened gladiator who crosses paths with Kora.

What else has Djimon Hounsou been in? Hounsou rose to fame in awards contenders like Amistad, In America and Blood Diamond. Comic book fans will know him as Korath in MCU entries Guardians of the Galaxy and Captain Marvel, as well as the titular wizard in DC's Shazam!, its 2023 sequel and Black Adam. His other credits include Stargate, Gladiator, Furious 7 and A Quiet Place: Part II.

Charlie Hunnam plays Kai

Kai stands with his arms folded in shadow, with light pouring in from a window behind him
Charlie Hunnam stars in Rebel Moon. Clay Enos/Netflix

Who is Kai? Kai is a mercenary pilot whose ship plays a crucial role in Kora's plans to thwart the Imperium.

What else has Charlie Hunnam been in? Hunnam burst onto the scene with an acclaimed role in Russell T Davies's LGBTQ+ drama Queer As Folk. He found further success on the small screen in biker gang thriller Sons of Anarchy, before shifting to big screen gigs in Pacific Rim, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword and The Gentlemen.

Michiel Huisman plays Gunnar

Gunnar stands with arms folded, looking inquisitively at something in the distance
Michiel Huisman plays Gunnar in Rebel Moon. Clay Enos/Netflix

Who is Gunnar? Gunnar is a farmer on the peaceful planet of Veldt, which is unjustly targeted by the Imperium. His limited knowledge of the universe is about to be blown wide open.

What else has Michiel Huisman been in? Game of Thrones fans will recognise Dutch actor Huisman as Daario Naharis on HBO's fantasy epic, a role he played in seasons 4-6. His other credits include The Haunting of Hill House, The Flight Attendant and zombie blockbuster World War Z.

Staz Nair plays Tarak

Tarak stands up straight, leaning on a table or work surface, with his shirt off
Staz Nair stars in Rebel Moon. Chris Strother/Netflix

Who is Tarak? Tarak is described as a "noble servant", who shares a connection with a flying creature known as a Bennu – it sounds a bit Avatar to us.

What else has Staz Nair been in? Sci-fi and fantasy fans may recognise Nair from Game of Thrones, where he played Qhono. He also had a recurring role on DC's Supergirl as reporter William Dey.

Doona Bae plays Nemesis

Nemesis wields two glowing weapons and adopts a stance that looks ready for combat
Doona Bae stars in Rebel Moon. Courtesy of Netflix

Who is Nemesis? Nemesis is a cyborg swordmaster with the ability to wield molten hot metal weaponry.

What else has Doona Bae been in? Bae starred in South Korean horror-thriller The Host, which was the breakout film from Parasite director Bong Joon-ho. Her western work includes three collaborations with The Wachowskis, starting with Cloud Atlas, then Jupiter Ascending and lastly, Netflix series Sense8.

Ray Fisher plays Darrian Bloodaxe

Darrian Bloodaxe fires an enormous gun in battle with an unseen foe
Ray Fisher stars in Rebel Moon. Clay Enos/Netflix

Who is Darrian Bloodaxe? Bloodaxe is a ruthlessly effective fighter who has been a thorn in the side of the Imperium for some time.

What else has Ray Fisher been in? Fisher previously collaborated with director Zack Snyder on the DC films Batman v Superman and Justice League, where he played Cyborg.

Cleopatra Coleman plays Devra Bloodaxe

Cleopatra Coleman plays Devra Bloodaxe in Rebel Moon with blue facepaint, wearing battle armour
Cleopatra Coleman plays Devra Bloodaxe in Rebel Moon. Netflix

Who is Devra Bloodaxe? Sister to Darrian and a fellow resistance fighter.

What else has Cleopatra Coleman been in? Coleman is one of numerous actors to have graced the set of Neighbours early in their career. She has gone on to roles on acclaimed shows The Last Man on Earth and Dopesick, as well as indie horror flicks Infinity Pool and Cobweb.

E Duffy plays Milius

E Duffy plays Millius in Rebel Moon wearing brown armour, holding a gun
E Duffy plays Milius in Rebel Moon. Netflix

Who is Milius? Milius is a resistance fighter and refugee from a planet decimated by the Imperium.

What else has E Duffy been in? E Duffy is making their feature debut in Rebel Moon.

Anthony Hopkins plays Jimmy

Jimmy sits on a grassy hill, looking to their left hand side
Jimmy is performed by Dustin Ceithamer and voiced by Anthony Hopkins in Rebel Moon. Courtesy of Netflix

Who is Jimmy? Jimmy is an ailing robot, who defended a since-slain king in ancient times. He now has a more peaceful existence, but events could bring him back to the frontlines.

What else has Anthony Hopkins been in? An actor who needs no introduction, Anthony Hopkins is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs and other films. His many credits also include recent family drama The Father, Marvel's Thor trilogy, Bram Stoker's Dracula, The Mask of Zorro and The Two Popes. He also appeared in HBO's high-concept sci-fi drama Westworld.

Jena Malone plays Harmada

Harmada – a giant spider-like alien with a humanoid head and torso – descends from above, carrying someone in their arms
Jena Malone plays Harmada in Rebel Moon. Courtesy of Netflix

Who is Harmada? Harmada is a spider-like alien queen that Kora encounters on her journey.

What else has Jena Malone been in? Malone is another of Snyder's repeat collaborators, having also appeared in 2011 action flick Suckerpunch and DC blockbuster Batman v Superman (albeit, the ultimate edition only). Her other noteworthy projects include The Hunger Games franchise, where she played Johanna Mason, plus arty thrillers Nocturnal Animals and The Neon Demon.

Ed Skrein plays Admiral Atticus Noble

Atticus Noble wears military-style attire and stares menacingly into the distance
Ed Skrein stars in Rebel Moon. Chris Strother/Netflix

Who is Atticus Noble? Atticus is the primary villain of Rebel Moon as the cruel leader of a fleet of Imperium soldiers.

"When you look at Noble, you see the harshest type of military savageness," Skrein told TUDUM. "You see a ruthless, cold man who has chosen horror over morality for the directness of it.

"In a world where morality is waning, he has cast morality aside in the name of ambition."

What else has Ed Skrein been in? Skrein has previously played blockbuster baddies in 2016's Deadpool and cult hit Alita: Battle Angel. His dramatic work includes If Beale Street Could Talk, from lauded writer-director Barry Jenkins.

Fra Fee plays Regent Balisarius

Fra Fee wearing a black tuxedo
Fra Fee attends the Hawkeye Los Angeles Launch Event in Hollywood, California. Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

Who is Regent Balisarius? Balisarius is in charge of the Imperium's interstellar armies.

What else has Fra Fee been in? Fee played a shady associate of the Kingpin and Echo in Marvel's Hawkeye on Disney Plus. The Irish actor is also known for 2021's Cinderella (starring Camila Cabello) and Channel 5's Dalgliesh.

Rebel Moon is coming to Netflix on Friday 22nd December 2023. Sign up for Netflix from £4.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.

Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on.

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