Trailer Blitz: She Rides Shotgun, Relay, Afterburn, Sentimental Value, Jaws: 50th, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, The Cat in the Hat and More
Time to catch up on this week's movie trailers! Here's a list of films coming to screens soon!
“She Rides Shotgun” Trailer: Taron Egerton Stars as a Hunted Ex-Con on the Run with His Daughter in This Gritty Action Thriller — Hitting Theaters August 1st
After earning strong praise for playing rock legend Elton John in the musical biopic Rocketman, Taron Egerton has made a conscious effort to not get pigeonholed. With the 2022 Apple miniseries Black Bird, Egerton took on the role of a drug-dealing convict, which included a physical transformation, putting on a great deal of muscle. The payoff was successful, as he earned an Emmy nomination for his performance. And he’s clearly not done yet, as he once again takes on the role of a physically imposing ex-convict trying to get out of town unscathed with his young daughter in tow.
In She Rides Shotgun, Egerton stars as Nate, a newly released ex-con with a bullseye on his back and a daughter he barely knows. Eleven-year-old Polly (Ana Sophia Heger, from the CBS sitcom Life in Pieces) is shy, sharp, and skeptical. But when her dad’s dark past comes knocking, she’s forced to hit the road with him in a race against time, bullets, and a corrupt mob-connected sheriff (played by veteran character actor John Carroll Lynch). On the run and out of options, Nate must teach Polly how to fight back, while she teaches him how to be more than a ghost in her life.
Part gritty road thriller, part emotional coming-of-age tale, She Rides Shotgun is a raw, high-octane story about redemption and the bond that blooms between a father and daughter, despite dodging bullets and evading extremely dangerous criminals out to get them.
Directed by British helmer Nick Rowland (Calm with Horses) and co-starring Until Dawn's Odessa A’zion, Succession's Rob Yang, and Truth Be Told’s David Lyons, She Rides Shotgun will be hitting theaters August 1st.
“Relay” Trailer: Riz Ahmed Plays a Shadowy Fixer in Director David Mackenzie’s High-Stakes Corporate Conspiracy Thriller with Lily James — Hitting Theaters August 22nd
In a world of corruption and treachery, sometimes one has to make back-channel deals in order to keep everything hush-hush. But who can one trust to handle such sensitive material and highly sought-after information? That’s where Riz Ahmed (Rogue One, Sound of Metal) steps in, as he plays an underground tech-savvy mediator whose job is to make sure corporate whistleblowers can get the evidence they have to the right people, if and when they choose not to go any further with the damaging truth.
In turn, his services don’t come cheap... and neither does the danger. And though he has meticulously kept his real identity hidden from anyone looking to do him or his clients harm, he takes on a new assignment that just might risk everything he has spent years building.
In Relay, a new corporate conspiracy thriller from acclaimed Scottish director David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water, Outlaw King, Starred Up), Ahmed plays a precision-perfect fixer—a mysterious agent—who makes dirty problems disappear by brokering deals between powerful corporations and their would-be whistleblowers. No names, no mess, just payoff and peace.
But when a desperate new client (Lily James, from Baby Driver, Cinderella, Pam & Tommy) comes calling—not for a deal, but for protection—his airtight rules unravel fast. What begins as just another transaction soon turns into a high-stakes game of survival, as secrets surface, loyalties blur, and the man behind the curtain is forced to step out of the shadows for a woman he barely knows... but who desperately needs his help.
Co-starring Sam Worthington, Willa Fitzgerald, Matthew Maher, and Victor Garber, Relay will be arriving in theaters August 22nd.
“Afterburn” Trailer: Dave Bautista Hunts the Mona Lisa in This New Post-Apocalyptic Heist Action-Thriller with Olga Kurylenko and Samuel L. Jackson — Coming Soon
Imagine stealing a priceless painting. Now imagine stealing it during the post-apocalyptic aftermath of Earth being nearly destroyed by a massive solar flare. Now stealing one of the world's great artworks just got a lot more interesting... and infinitely more deadly.
Part heist caper, part post-apocalyptic action thriller, Afterburn stars Guardians of the Galaxy’s Dave Bautista as Jake, a no-nonsense ex-soldier turned treasure hunter who has survived the sun-scorched apocalypse by pure grit, luck, and an uncanny ability to outfight and outsmart anyone who gets in his way. As an unrelenting mercenary, he is hired to track down priceless relics from the old world for clients with deep pockets and questionable morals. His latest mission? Retrieve the Mona Lisa from the ruins of Europe.
But with danger at every turn and humanity hanging by a thread, Jake and his new partner (played by an ass-kicking Olga Kurylenko, from Extraction 2 and Black Widow) must embark on a mission to chase down the world’s most famous painting through some of the most dangerous wastelands left on Earth—where rival scavengers, ruthless tyrants, and hired guns could make them rich… or dead. There’s no third option here: just get the art, or die trying.
Also co-starring Samuel L. Jackson as Valentine, a hoarse-voiced art dealer, with Game of Thrones actor Kristofer Hivju as an insanely violent warlord, the film is based on the Red 5 comic book series of the same name by Scott Chitwood and Paul Ens.
Stuntman-turned-action director J.J. Perry helms the upcoming flick. This is his third feature film, following the 2024 action thriller The Killer's Game, which also starred Dave Bautista. Perry made his directorial debut with 2022’s Day Shift, a Netflix original vampire action comedy starring Jamie Foxx.
Afterburn will be coming to theaters later this year.
“Sentimental Value” Trailer: Stellan Skarsgård Plays an Aging Filmmaker Staging a Comeback While Facing His Two Estranged Daughters (Renate Reinsve, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas) in Joachim Trier’s Cannes-Winning Drama with Elle Fanning — In Theaters November 7th
Family dysfunction is not anything we haven’t seen before. But put it in the context of an emotionally charged drama about two sisters coping with their famous, estranged dad who is staging a comeback with a new film... now you’ve got something ripe with emotional landmines, clashing egos, and unresolved wounds just waiting to resurface.
Sentimental Value is the latest from acclaimed Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier (The Worst Person in the World), who reteams with actress Renate Reinsve for yet another emotionally rich, character-driven story that delves into the complexities of family ties. It also explores the unsettled issues that had driven a wedge between loved ones long ago, asking the question: can shared history (and maybe even shared art) be enough to bring a fractured family back together?
Winner of the Grand Prix at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, the upcoming film features Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård (coming off an astounding turn on the acclaimed Star Wars series Andor) as aging auteur Gustav Borg. As a once-celebrated film director, Gustav is attempting a comeback with his most personal film yet. When he offers the lead role to his estranged daughter Nora (Renate Reinsve), an acclaimed stage actress, she refuses—only to watch him hand the part to rising Hollywood star Rachel Kemp (played by Elle Fanning).
With Nora leaning on her sister, Agnes (Norwegian actress Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas), for emotional support, they are astonished when their father suddenly turns up at their family home en route to promote his new movie. And just to make things a little more uncomfortable, he’s brought his cast with him—including Rachel, who just might be on her way to becoming the daughter Gustav always wanted... or worse, a mirror of everything Nora tried to escape. So, the question becomes: is Rachel just a convenient casting choice... or Gustav’s latest attempt to rewrite the story of his life?
Following a hugely successful world premiere at Cannes, Sentimental Value is now touted as an awards contender, with critics already praising it as one of the best films of the year. In what appears to be a raw, layered portrait of artistic ambition, familial wounds, and the blurry line between performance and reality, the film just might cement Joachim Trier as one of the most vital filmmakers working today—and once again showcase Renate Reinsve as one of the best actresses of her generation. Not to mention, Stellan Skarsgård is earning some of the strongest reviews of his career.
Co-starring Cory Michael Smith (Saturday Night) and Anders Danielsen Lie (The Worst Person in the World), Sentimental Value is slated to open in theaters November 7th, courtesy of Neon Films.
“Jaws: 50th Anniversary” Trailer: Steven Spielberg’s Shark Classic Returns to Theaters in IMAX Glory — Back in Theaters August 29th
When was the last time a 50-year-old movie could still give you nightmares—especially when it comes to thinking about dipping your toes in the ocean water? Maybe skip the beaches this summer, because Jaws is turning 50… and it’s swimming back into theaters with all its toothy terror intact.
That’s right! Steven Spielberg's classic shark thriller, which is considered to be the first to coin the term “blockbuster,” has just turned the big 5-0. So break out those birthday hats and cue the iconic two-note theme as the seminal classic is returning to the big screen this August—restored, remastered, and ready to remind you why it’s never just safe to go back in the water. At least not without some shark repellent on your person.
Originally released in theaters on June 20, 1975 (two years before Star Wars), Jaws not only became a cultural phenomenon but reshaped the cinematic landscape itself. It became the most profitable film of its time, generated a new revenue stream through merchandise, and permeated popular culture like no other film before it.
Starring Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss, and based on the best-selling novel by Peter Benchley, Jaws told the story of three men—police chief Martin Brody (Scheider), young marine biologist Matt Hooper (Dreyfuss), and grizzled professional shark hunter Quint (Shaw)—who become an unlikely trio as they set out to hunt down a giant great white shark that has been terrorizing the local beach of a New England summer resort town.
The film was Spielberg's second feature (third if you count his TV movie debut Duel). The success of the film ultimately launch Spielberg's career as one of the most profitable filmmakers in history—despite enduring one of the most difficult and troubled productions of his life. He nearly got fired from the production due to numerous problems and obstacles, most famously the animatronic shark, which constantly broke down and refused to work.
Jaws, nevertheless, became one of the biggest films in history and is currently ranked number 7 on the all-time highest-grossing film list, adjusted for inflation.
For its 50th anniversary, Jaws will be released back in theaters on IMAX screens on August 29th. Tickets are now on sale. So, be safe out there this summer… or better yet, maybe just stick to the pool.
“Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” Trailer: Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, and the Original Cast Return for One Last Chapter in Julian Fellowes’ Beloved Period Saga — Opening In Theaters September 12th
When the Julian Fellowes-created British period series Downton Abbey premiered back in 2010 (15 years ago), who knew it would last for six seasons, spawn three feature films, and become a global cultural phenomenon? The upstairs-downstairs drama became one of those rare shows that managed to capture both critical acclaim and mainstream popularity on both sides of the pond. But like most things, there comes a time for the curtain to close. And to lock up the doors of Downton Abbey for good.
In the upcoming Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, the Crawley family are stepping into a new decade: the 1930s. Times, they are a-changing. And it’s old money meets new trouble in this final chapter of the beloved saga. With Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) swept up in a public scandal and Downton’s fortunes on the line, whispers of disgrace echo through the halls. But while the world changes around them, the heart of the Abbey beats on.
With familiar faces returning—Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Jim Carter, and more—joined by Alessandro Nivola, Joely Richardson, and Paul Giamatti, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale bids a lavish, emotional farewell to the estate that defined an era. A legacy must be protected. A future must be forged. And one last cup of tea must be poured before the curtain falls.
Directed by veteran TV helmer Michael Engler (Downton Abbey, Sex and the City, Six Feet Under, 30 Rock) and written by series creator Julian Fellowes, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale offers one final toast as it hits theaters September 12th. Time to raise a glass, straighten your silverware, and say farewell to the household that taught us that sometimes family tradition is the strongest foundation we can ask for... especially when the world outside is changing faster than we can keep up.
“The Cat in the Hat” Trailer: Comedian Bill Hader Voices the Striped Menace in Warner Bros.’ Wildly Whimsical Animated Feature Based on Dr. Seuss’s Classic Cat Book — Arriving In Theaters February 27th
If the Despicable Me and Minions franchises taught us anything, it’s that families will go to the theaters in droves for some good slapstick fun. Hell, the jokes don’t even have to be all that clever, as long as they’re loud, silly, and delivered with enough buffoonery.
The Cat in the Hat, the new animated comedy based on Dr. Seuss’s classic illustrated children’s book, seems to be following that same Despicable Me formula, where slapstick is front and center, and the silly mayhem is cranked up to eleven for maximum giggles. And who better than comedian Bill Hader to take up the mantle of the titular troublemaking feline, bringing just the right mix of mischief, charm, and barely-contained chaos to Dr. Seuss’s iconic Cat in the Hat? It’s going to be a Seuss-tastic adventure where imagination runs wild and rules don’t stand a chance.
In the upcoming animated feature from Warner Bros. Pictures Animation (the same studio behind The Lego Movie franchise, Space Jam: A New Legacy, and DC League of Super-Pets), that mischievously magical Cat in the Hat (voiced by Hader) is tasked by the I.I.I.I. (that’s the Institute for the Institution of Imagination and Inspiration, naturally) with cheering up two glum siblings, Gabby and Sebastian (voiced by America Chavez actress Xochitl Gomez and Tiago Martinez) after a tough move into a new town.
The Cat dives whiskers-first into his most chaotic mission yet. But with his magical hat on the line and a knack for turning fun into frenzy, this might be his final chance to prove he’s more than just mischief in stripes.
Full of bonkers animated visuals and Hader’s signature comedic charm, The Cat in the Hat appears to be a wild ride through a world where anything can happen... and usually does. So, buckle up. The Cat is back! And he’s hoping today is going to be THE. BEST. DAY. EVER!
Also featuring voices from Matt Berry, Quinta Brunson, and Paula Pell, with Giancarlo Esposito, America Ferrera, Bowen Yang, and Tituss Burgess, The Cat in the Hat is directed and written by animator Alessandro Carloni (Kung Fu Panda 3) and writer Erica Rivinoja (Borat 2, South Park, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2). The film won’t open in theaters until early next year, starting February 27, 2026.
“Troll 2” Teaser: The Mountain Stirs Again in Roar Uthaug’s Epic Sequel to Netflix’s Smash-Hit Norwegian Monster Movie — Premiering December 1st on Netflix
Something ancient has awakened. And it’s madder, meaner, and more monstrous than ever!
When the 2022 Norwegian monster movie Troll premiered on Netflix, it instantly became a record-breaker, becoming the most-watched non-English film in the streaming platform’s history. It clocked in over 103 million views, proving two things: viewers can’t get enough of stories about giant ancient creatures trying to kill us... and a sequel was surely inevitable.
Well, three years later, and Norwegian filmmaker Roar Uthaug (yes, that’s his first name—Roar!) is back to give Netflix audiences another dose of Nordic mayhem with Troll 2. And it’s a monster-sized sequel that promises more destruction, more folklore, and an even angrier troll giant waking up on the wrong side of the mountain.
With returning heroes Nora (Ine Marie Wilmann), Andreas (Kim Falck), and Captain Kris (Mads Sjøgård Pettersen), the crew find themselves embarking on yet another deadly mission when a colossal new troll rises from the shadows of the Norwegian countryside. As the creature leaves a path of destruction and turmoil across the country, the trio—now joined by fierce newcomer Marion (Sara Khorami)—must uncover long-buried secrets, forge uneasy alliances, and race against time to stop a force of nature hellbent on destruction.
The stakes are higher. The troll is bigger. And Norway’s future hangs in the balance. What else is new?
Troll 2 is due to saunter its way onto the Netflix platform by the end of the year, starting December 1st. Just in time to give the Christmas season a little less cheer... and a whole lot of earth-shaking, troll-stomping noise.
“My Oxford Year” Trailer: Sofia Carson Finds Love and Lessons Abroad in Netflix’s Adaptation of Julia Whelan’s Bestselling Novel, Also Starring Corey Mylchreest — Premiering August 1st on Netflix
The plan was to study abroad for a year in England and return home to New York. But fate sometimes has other ideas. Never underestimate what can happen when love crosses your path, turning your whole world upside down.
Sofia Carson, who recently has become Netflix’s go-to gal (Purple Hearts, Carry-On, The Life List), once again is working with the streaming company to star in a new romantic drama where England becomes a place of learning... and unexpected longing.
In My Oxford Year, Carson stars as Anna, an ambitious American college student who has her future planned down to the minute... until love throws her schedule off course. When Anna heads to Oxford to chase her childhood dream, she finds herself colliding with Jamie (Corey Mylchreest, from Netflix’s Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story), a sharp-witted local whose charm proves utterly disarming.
What begins as a detour soon becomes a turning point, as Anna discovers that the heart doesn’t always follow the itinerary. And sometimes, the greatest education is the lesson you never planned to learn. And one should always keep themselves open to those unexpected moments that will ultimately define your life. Here endeth the lesson!
Based on the bestselling semi-biographical novel of the same name by American author/actress Julia Whelan, My Oxford Year is directed by The Inbetweeners co-creator Iain Morris.
The film also co-stars Dougray Scott, Catherine McCormack, Harry Trevaldwyn, Esmé Kingdom, and Nikhil Parmar.
My Oxford Year is due to premiere August 1st, only on Netflix.
“Trouble Man” Trailer: Michael Jai White Directs and Stars as a No-Nonsense Private Eye in This Gritty Action Noir — Arriving In Theaters and on VOD August 1st
Michael Jai White might be best known for his portrayal of Spawn in the cult ‘90s comic book movie. But since then, the martial arts-trained actor has built a film career as a reputable action star. The only problem? The action genre hasn’t been popping like it did back in the glory days of the ‘80s and ‘90s. So, a lot of Jai White’s film work might have gone unnoticed to a wider audience. But that hasn’t stopped the Black Dynamite star from keeping the flame lit for down-and-dirty action flicks that put fists, kicks, and practical stunts front and center. Count Michael Jai White among the few American action stars still carrying the torch for old-school, bone-crunching, no-CGI-needed action flicks that harken back to the days of Cannon Films, VHS rentals, and grindhouse theaters.
In his latest action film, Trouble Man, Michael Jai White works both sides of the camera as both the director and star. With a touch of ‘70s blaxploitation private-eye thrillers mixed with ‘90s action aesthetic, White stars as Jaxen, a hard-hitting ex-cop turned private investigator navigating the shadows of Atlanta’s music scene. When R&B sensation Jahari (played by La La Anthony) vanishes without a trace, Jaxen takes the case, only to uncover a web of secrets that stretches far beyond a missing person.
Co-starring Cliff “Method Man” Smith with guest turns by Orlando Jones and comedian Mike Epps, Trouble Man is a gritty, soul-soaked neo-noir where a missing person case can only mean one thing: someone’s hiding something... and Jaxen’s about to punch out and kick down every sketchy dude in town until he gets the truth. Because trouble always finds him first.
Trouble Man is coming to theaters and VOD on August 1st.
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★ “One Battle After Another” Commercial: Leonardo DiCaprio Stars as a Burned-Out Radical in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Dark Comedy — In Theaters September 26th
After almost three decades since passing up the chance to star in Boogie Nights, Leonardo DiCaprio finally gets to team up with filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson in his latest, One Battle After Another. It’s a black comedy where faded radical Bob Ferguson (DiCaprio) struggles to outrun both the U.S. military and his own foggy memory. As he dodges government goons, forgotten passwords, and his troubled past, Bob must reconnect with his teenage daughter (Chase Infiniti) before the last embers of revolution burn out for good. With Sean Penn as a gung-ho corporal, Teyana Taylor as his fiery partner, and Benicio Del Toro as a cryptic rebel mentor, PTA blends satire and pathos in a paranoid chase through ‘90s America—where the revolution won’t be televised... it’s just sometimes gotta lay low and wait for the static to clear. Inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland, One Battle After Another arrives in theaters September 26th.
★ “I Wish You All the Best” Trailer: Corey Fogelmanis Leads a Tender Coming-of-Age Story About Identity, Family, and Finding Your Place, Co-starring Alexandra Daddario, Cole Sprouse, and Lena Dunham — In Theaters November 7th
When coming out means getting kicked out, seventeen-year-old Ben (Corey Fogelmanis) is forced to start over from scratch in this heartfelt, contemporary coming-of-age tale. Based on Mason Deaver’s bestselling novel, the story follows Ben as they move in with their estranged sister (Alexandra Daddario) and her husband (Cole Sprouse) after being rejected by their parents for coming out as nonbinary. Thrown into a new school and an unfamiliar life, Ben finds solace in an offbeat art teacher (Lena Dunham) and an unexpected connection with a warm, open-hearted classmate (Miles Gutierrez-Riley). What unfolds is a quietly powerful journey of self-acceptance, awkward firsts, and finding joy in the most unexpected places. Written and directed by queer filmmaker Tommy Dorfman, I Wish You All the Best is hitting theaters November 7th.
★ “Cloud” Trailer: Kiyoshi Kurosawa Explores the Haunting Side of Online Hustle Culture in His Latest Psychological Thriller — In U.S. Theaters July 18th
From Kiyoshi Kurosawa, the maestro of atmospheric dread (Cure, Pulse), comes a sleek, unnerving descent into the dark heart of online capitalism. Cloud follows Yoshii, a restless Tokyo factory worker who moonlights as a black market reseller, scamming, flipping, and ghosting his way to a fortune in the digital underworld. But success comes at a cost. As Yoshii isolates himself, ditching the city, ghosting his girlfriend, and replacing human contact with a loyal assistant—strange things begin to happen. Shadows linger. Whispers grow louder. And it soon feels like his past victims might be rewriting the algorithm… for revenge. Cloud is due to open in U.S. theaters July 18th.
★ “The Short Game” Trailer: A Teen Golf Prodigy (Ben Krieger) Learns Life Lessons Beyond the Green in This Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Drama — In Select Theaters July 25th
For teenage golf prodigy Alex (Ben Krieger), life is all about control—on the course, at school, and in his carefully managed future. But when he’s unexpectedly tasked with looking after his autistic younger brother (Owen Himfar), his world gets thrown way off course. Alex soon learns that winning isn’t everything... and sometimes, the greatest lessons come from the most unexpected caddies. Directed by Frank Sanza, and co-starring Mackenzie Astin, Katherine Cunningham, Glenn Morshower, and Emma Parks, The Short Game is a heartfelt coming-of-age drama about brotherhood, resilience, and finding your swing. The film opens in select theaters July 25th.
★ “Trainwreck: Storm Area 51” Trailer: Netflix Digs Into the Viral Meme That Shook the Desert in This New ‘Trainwreck’ Doc — Streaming July 29th
What started as a joke became a full-blown internet uprising. Trainwreck: Storm Area 51 dives headfirst into the wild, weird, and wonderfully unhinged true story of the greatest “shitpost” ever posted. Directed by Jack MacInnes, this documentary chronicles how 20-year-old Matty Roberts accidentally launched a cultural phenomenon with a single Facebook event—inviting people to “storm Area 51” because, well, “they can’t stop all of us.” What followed was viral chaos: millions RSVP’d, government agencies panicked, and the Nevada desert became ground zero for the collision between memes and military protocol. Part of Netflix’s Trainwreck documentary series, it’s proof that the truth is out there... and it's probably way dumber than we imagined. The doc debuts Tuesday, July 29th only on Netflix.