With the roar of the crowd and the glitz of the commercials, Super Bowl LX was more than just a game; it was a parade of cinematic dreams. The stakes were high, and the anticipation crackled in the air as trailers for 2026 unfolded like secrets whispered across a crowded room. So, which of these trailers hit the mark, which fell flat, and who was missing in action?
The Best
Project Hail Mary: In a universe where space often feels like a familiar backdrop, Project Hail Mary shone with breathtaking visuals. Ryan Gosling navigating the cosmos alongside an alien companion offers more than just eye candy; it’s a ticket to an adventure that promises intrigue at every turn. The excitement builds with every additional detail we uncover.
Disclosure Day: Remember that spine-chilling unease from the first glimpse? It’s back, amplified in the latest trailer. Set against the backdrop of an alien ship lurking just beyond Earth’s atmosphere, this teaser feeds our curiosity without laying all its cards on the table. The real question remains: does it have the substance to match its promise when it hits theaters in July?
Super Mario Galaxy: Nintendo and Illumination didn’t just dip their toes into Super Bowl waters; they cannonballed in. With two promotional pieces woven into the event, they catered to fans of both the classic duo of Mario and Luigi’s infants and Yoshi’s hilarious escapades. Each clip feels like a nostalgic jog through a digital playground.
Minions & Monsters: Even if the chatter from the Despicable Me crew grates on your nerves, the premise of them inadvertently summoning mischief in the form of various monsters is pure comedic gold. Sure, your kids might drive you crazy with their impressions, but the visual puns make this a guilty pleasure worth indulging in.
The Worst
The Mandalorian & Grogu: As a fan, you might feel the weight of anticipation for more from this iconic duo. However, the surprise ad aired during the game felt curiously underwhelming—more like a holiday commercial than a thrilling glimpse into a new narrative. It left us questioning: what’s the plot here, and why should we be excited?
Scream 7: The buzz around this sequel seems to be fading, and the pre-Super Bowl spot wasn’t a game changer. While one evocative image of a character suspended in a theater captures the horror aesthetic, the lack of momentum makes you wonder if the franchise is losing its edge. Can it claw back to relevance before the month closes out?
Supergirl: Though technically not part of the Super Bowl line-up, the Puppy Bowl commercial felt lackluster. Featuring recycled footage, it missed a key opportunity to showcase the chaos Krypto brings to the mix. After all, who wouldn’t want to see a puppy creating havoc alongside his human counterpart?
The Missing in Action
Mortal Kombat II: The anticipation surrounding the upcoming release is palpable, yet it felt surprising to see no promotional material during the big game. A glimpse into new moves or epic battles would have satisfied fans eager for more carnage. Instead, the silence leaves us craving an action-packed teaser.
Superheroes (as a concept): The absence of caped crusaders was felt, especially with major titles on the horizon. Marvel might be gearing up for another exciting phase, yet their absence at the Super Bowl was surprisingly stark. Will we see superheroes make a grand return in the near future?
Toy Story & Moana: Disney displayed restraint by keeping their titles off the Super Bowl stage. With Toy Story 5 and Moana queued for summer, it’s a strategic move, ensuring the spotlight stays on Hoppers, which premieres March 6. What narratives are they waiting to share with us?
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