Sam Mendes hasn’t made a movie since his second James Bond film Spectre was released back in 2015, but the Oscar-winning director is returning to the big screen soon with his upcoming World War I drama, 1917. The project previously generated a lot of positive buzz due to its incredibly talented ensemble cast and now, the first trailer promises something pretty special.
The footage reveals that the story will follow English Tommy Lieutenant Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and his friend Schofield (George MacKay) as they’re sent on an important mission by their commanding officer, played by Colin Firth. The pair must send a message calling off an incoming attack against the German forces. Otherwise, 1600 soldiers will be lost as they walk into a trap – including Blake’s brother. “If you fail,” intones Firth ominously, “it will be a massacre.”
Of course, Firth is just one a part of the cream of British talent that’s on show in the movie. Benedict Cumberbatch is highlighted in the trailer as well, with the Doctor Strange star – sporting a mustache – warning: “There is only one way this war ends… Last man standing.” Though not seen in the preview, 1917 also includes the likes of Richard Madden (The Eternals), Mark Strong (Shazam!) and Cumberbatch’s old Sherlock co-star Andrew Scott.
Speaking of Cumberbatch, this is just one of several projects the actor has on the horizon. Also watch out for Thomas Edison biopic The Current War, Cold War thriller Ironbark and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness to arrive over the next couple of years.
From what we can gather from this trailer though, 1917Â looks to be a tense, suspenseful and gorgeous-looking war movie that’s not to be missed. And with its star-studded cast and a filmmaker like Mendes at the helm, expect it to hit big at the Academy Awards next year.
