Weekly trailer roundup 19/12

Ash Walker • 19 Dec 2024 Features

Look! Up in the Sky! Is it a bird? Is it a plane?

We live in a golden age of entertainment, with great new movies and TV shows being released all the time. There’s so much, in fact, that it can be hard to keep track of what’s coming, and what to get excited about.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the biggest and best trailers released this week. And while the year may be drawing to a close, we’ve still had some pretty exciting stuff, featuring everything from karate to unicorns and the Man of Steel.

Movies

Superman

Credit: Superman | Official Teaser Trailer (DC, YouTube)

In cinemas 11th July

After months of speculation and blurry set photos, we’ve finally - finally - got a proper look at James Gunn’s new take on the Man of Steel. And it’s enough to give any Superman fan goosebumps.

That John Williams-riffing score! That picture-perfect costume! Krypto the Superdog!!!

We also get glimpses of some other DC heroes, including Mr Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and the Guy Gardner incarnation of Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion). Not to mention Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor.

There’s a lot packed into this short, practically wordless teaser - more than enough to get us all very excited to see the start of James Gunn’s new DCU when Superman releases next July.

Krypto… take me home.

Karate Kid: Legends

Credit: KARATE KID: LEGENDS - Official Trailer (Sony Pictures Entertainment, YouTube)

In cinemas 30th May

Two branches. One tree.

Like some kind of martial arts Avengers, the new Karate Kid film attempts to bring together the various disparate characters and storylines from across the franchise, including the original, the Jackie Chan-starring reboot and the immensely popular Cobra Kai series.

Taking place three years after the events of that show, this focuses on a new character, Li Fong (Ben Wang), as he learns the ways of both karate and kung-fu from two senseis - Mr Han (Chan) and OG Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio).

Given the franchise’s recent highs, here’s hoping this one hits like a crane kick to the chest.

Warfare

Credit: Warfare | Official Trailer HD | A24 (A24, YouTube)

In cinemas 2025

Written and directed by Ray Mendoza, a former US Navy SEAL, based on his own experiences during the Iraq War, this looks to be a frank, honest account of US soldiers in enemy territory.

It’s also co-written and directed by Alex Garland, the man behind such classics as Ex Machina, Annihilation and, of course, this year’s incredible Civil War. Not to mention a stellar young cast including Will Poulter (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) and Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things).

Definitely one to keep an eye on.

Black Bag

Credit: Black Bag – Official Trailer (Universal Pictures UK, YouTube)

In cinemas ‘soon’

Taking some cues from Mr & Mrs Smith, this spy-vs-spy thriller pits a married pair of intelligence operatives against one another when one of them is suspected of being a double agent.

There’s some pretty serious talent involved in this one, both behind and in front of the camera, with Steven Soderbergh on directing duties and the likes of Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett and ex-Bond Pierce Brosnan in the cast. Should be interesting.

You’re Cordially Invited

Credit: You're Cordially Invited - Official Trailer | Prime Video (Prime Video, YouTube)

On Amazon Prime Video 30th January

A comedy of warring weddings, as two families - headed by Will Ferrell (Anchorman) and Reese Witherspoon (Legally Blonde) - arrive at a beautiful venue to discover that they’ve been - gasp - double-booked.

Things escalate from there, through time-wasting speeches and dancefloor mishaps, all the way to Ferrell wrestling an alligator in a hotel room. This looks like light, silly fun - perfect viewing for a miserable January evening.

Death of a Unicorn

Credit: Death Of A Unicorn | Official Trailer HD | A24 (A24, YouTube)

In cinemas Spring 2025

When an actual, real-life unicorn is discovered (after being hit by a car), a wealthy family begins to strip the carcass for valuable parts. But they soon discover that the unicorn was actually an infant, and its monstrous parent has come looking for it.

This looks amazing. It’s a satirical comedy about greed and the plunder of the natural world, that turns into a straight-up monster movie - I mean, what more could you want?

What’s that? An unbelievable ensemble cast, including Paul Rudd (Ant-Man), Jenna Ortega (Wednesday) and Richard E Grant (Withnail & I)? Oh, go on then.

TV Shows

The White Lotus

Credit: The White Lotus | Season 3 Teaser Trailer (Sky TV, YouTube)

Season 3 on Sky 17th February

The acclaimed anthology series returns with a highly-anticipated third season, this time transplanting the darkly comedic antics to Thailand. If you’re unfamiliar, the series follows the guests and employees of the titular luxury hotel chain, delving into their fractured psyches and twisted inner lives with a wicked sense of humour.

Each season so far has boasted an incredible ensemble cast, and this latest is no exception: Carrie Coon (The Leftovers), Walton Goggins (Fallout), Jason Isaacs (the Harry Potter films) and Parker Posey (The Staircase) are all getting involved, alongside many others.

Definitely one to watch, and there’s plenty of time to get caught up before February!

Cunk on Life

Credit: Cunk on Life – Trailer - BBC (BBC, YouTube)

On BBC iPlayer 30th December

Rounding out the year is this ‘landmark documentary special’ (her words), in which the, er, incisive interviewer, Philomena Cunk, asks the big questions. Why are we here? What’s the meaning of life? What do the animals want, and why do they refuse to tell us?

Diane Morgan’s brilliant comic creation is always worth a watch, particularly when she’s talking to experts that clearly aren’t in on the joke. And you never know, maybe we’ll all accidentally learn something along the way.