Throughout the history of cinema, there have been a number of stories that continue to be retold in new ways with the enhancements of modern technology. Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes) is set to tackle this story next with King Arthur: Legend of the Sword looking to bring stylized action to the tale. Ritchie's kinetic directing style has so far resulted in a mixed bag when it comes to the marketing of the film however. Some of this comes with the mix of action and fantasy, while the film tries to compete with summer tentpole franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean and the latest MCU installment, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
The movie is currently just over a month away from hitting theaters, making it the perfect time for marketing to hit its stride and get people interested in this familiar story. Thankfully for those involved, they may have delivered the best trailer yet.
Warner Bros. has released the final trailer for King Arthur and unsurprisingly puts the focus directly on Arthur, played by Charlie Hunnam. Jude Law as Vortigern is also featured prominently, but the highlights from this footage come with the action. Based on this trailer, Ritchie will be having fun exploring the powers that the Excalibur sword has and has devised numerous action set pieces to show off.
Even though the marketing campaign has not blown people away just yet, there is a possibility this trailer could win over the public. The trailer is upbeat and filled with action, and not just generic sword fights everyone's seen before, but new and refreshing action sequences. The story points may not be surprising as this is a story that has been told over and over again, but the action shown here in addition to what appear to be solid performances by Hunnam and Law could help make this is a surprise hit.
King Arthur is currently set to be the biggest film opening in the second week of May, but it will still have to compete with the aftermath of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2's opening. At this point, it would be quite surprising for it to beat out Guardians 2, but if King Arthur can generate more positive buzz and good reviews leading up to release, it will have a better shot. That said, with a reported $102 million budget, a solid opening weekend and overseas markets could help make it a profitable movie for WB.
Source: Warner Bros.
