When you think about it, the fact that the guy who rolled with Vince Vaughn in “Swingers” has become of one of the biggest tentpole directors in Hollywood is kind of amazing. The fact that he knows how to bring the steak with the sizzle is even better, and “Cowboys & Aliens” looks to be Jon Favreau‘s meatiest offering yet.
The film features a star-studded cast including Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Sam Rockwell, Paul Dano, Olivia Wilde, Noah Ringer, Walton Goggins, Keith Carradine and Ana de la Reguera and tells the story of a group of Apache Indians and Western settlers in Arizona who must lay their differences aside when an alien spaceship crash lands in their city. It’s a ballsy genre mash-up — with two different niches that historically have been no guarantee of box office success — and to his credit, Favreau is staying true to his word that the marketing campaign will keep the creatures hidden from view. Universal are hoping the gambit will payoff as it did for J.J. Abrams‘ “Super 8,” but this newest trailer opens the curtains just a little bit more, allowing us a peek of the alien ship/lair and an ever so brief glimpse of a hand or claw. But that’s it.
“Cowboys & Aliens” will make a splashy premiere at Comic-Con before hitting theaters on July 29th.