New International ‘Dark Phoenix’ Trailer Is Very Different (And Decidedly Less Terrible) Than Previous Ones

A film’s trailer is supposed to do one thing, and one thing only – show why people should pay their hard-earned money to watch the movie in theaters. And the best way to do that is by effectively presenting a good mixture of emotional character moments and flashy shots to differentiate your film from the others at the multiplex.

Clearly, the recent US trailer for “Dark Phoenix” didn’t do that. The trailer polarized fans with its spoilers (including the death of a major character) and did almost nothing to prove why fans of superhero films (or just films in general) should pay money to see it. However, the international trailer that was just released. Well, let’s just say, “Dark Phoenix” has my attention. Finally.

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Before I give the reasons why the newly released international ad for “Dark Phoenix” is leaps and bounds better than the other trailer, I have to admit that I’m an avid comic book fan, particularly of the “X-Men.” I grew up on the stories of Marvel’s Merry Mutants and I have the same terrible taste in my mouth left from “X-Men: The Last Stand” that many fans have. So, when Fox said the next film was going to attempt to retell the “Dark Phoenix Saga” (which ‘Last Stand’ chewed up and spit out in a heaping mess of awful), I was hesitant. And the trailers, up until now, have done little to alleviate my fears.

That being said, this new international trailer does exactly what the previous marketing materials haven’t. It shows the set-up and premise for the film in a clear, and easy to digest, way (which is saying a lot given the source material). The trailer also gives the emotional and personal stakes for the various characters, without spoiling any major deaths (shame on you, Fox). And finally, it gives Jessica Chastain’s mysterious villain character a bit more screen time, which is only a good thing considering the actress is one of the few rays of hope this film has going for it.

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Is it a perfect trailer? No. Does it mean “Dark Phoenix” is going to be good? Absolutely not. But hey, for once in this film’s 2+ year development, I find myself intrigued to see the film. So, consider it a success.

“Dark Phoenix” hits theaters on June 7.