Truth be told, the first Gemini Man trailer didn't quite sing. Ang Lee’s upcoming sci-fi thriller boasts a killer, Looper-esque concept – a hitman is pursued by a younger clone of himself – and is based on an idea that’s been floating around Hollywood for decades. But where the previous teaser didn’t quite hit the spot, a second trailer has arrived with a more confident and intriguing look at the film – introduced by none other than a de-aged 1989-era Will Smith.
The new trailer brings more of that intriguing Will Smith vs. Will Smith action, but also delves further into the philosophical questions that are sure to drive Gemini Man’s plot. From what we see here, the older Will (aka Henry) is reluctant to kill his youthful clone (aka Junior), and is hoping to break him out of the psychological conditioning placed upon him by Clive Owen’s villainous Clay Verris. There are fun beats too, in the interactions between Henry and Junior – who, as biological equals, have similar reflexes and reactions – and a few decent Will Smith quips. Plus, in a neat meta touch, the trailer’s soundtrack comes courtesy of Jaden Smith and his song ‘Icon’.
Here’s hoping Ang Lee can keep up the positive momentum on this one and deliver a sci-fi thriller with brains, brawn, and bravado. We’ll find out when Gemini Man hits UK cinemas on 11 October.