If you skipped the Super Bowl but still want to catch up on the biggest movie spots, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. While this year was definitely on the lighter side when it came to theatrical trailers, there were still a few major reveals worth talking about. Let’s break them down.
Supergirl
This one actually dropped before kickoff, premiering during the Puppy Bowl to smartly spotlight the titular hero’s most important supporting character — Krypto the Superdog. It’s a fun, character-forward tease that leans into charm rather than spectacle, and it already feels like a tonal reset for DC.
Disclosure Day
Steven Spielberg’s long-rumoured UFO project finally unveiled an action-heavy 60-second teaser, giving audiences their first real sense of scale. While the earlier teaser was all moody atmosphere, this one suggests something much bigger — and much louder — is coming.
The Adventures of Cliff Booth
Easily the most exciting reveal of the game. Netflix dropped serious cash on a full minute to debut our first look at David Fincher’s sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, scripted by Quentin Tarantino himself.
Visually, it feels closer to Zodiac — sleek and controlled — while the dialogue and attitude scream pure Tarantino. It’s a fascinating hybrid, and arguably the most talked-about trailer of the night.
Minions and Monsters
Universal and Illumination unveiled the next chapter in their mega-successful Despicable Me / Minions universe. Notably, Pierre Coffin — director of the first three Despicable Me films and the original Minions — is back at the helm, which should reassure fans that the franchise is staying on familiar (and profitable) ground.
The Mandalorian and Grogu
Credit where it’s due: Disney went a different route here. Instead of flashy spectacle, the studio leaned into vibe, with Sam Elliott narrating a teaser that initially plays like a rugged old-west car commercial — until the Star Wars reveal lands. It’s a clever way to position The Mandalorian’s leap from Disney+ to the big screen.
Project Hail Mary
Technically, this one was much better than a sixty-second Super Bowl spot, with Amazon/MGM taking the opportunity to launch the final trailer for Project Hail Mary, with the release date quickly approaching. This is a HUGE gamble for the studio as it can immedately establish them as a theatrical player after a few years of mixed returns.
Hoppers:
Pixar’s latest, a hoped-for return to form after their disastrous Elio, also got a colourful trailer, with the studio no doubt hoping this helps turn around their fortunes at the box office.
Bottom Line
It wasn’t the most trailer-packed Super Bowl in recent memory, but the ads we did get were meaningful — especially for fans of auteur-driven projects and established franchises testing new directions.
If this is the studios pacing themselves for the year ahead, Cliff Booth may have just won the night anyway.
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