Eddington Trailer Unveils Ari Aster’s Star-Studded Western Thriller

The “Eddington Trailer” has just dropped, and A24 is once again stirring up excitement with Ari Aster’s latest cinematic venture. This neo-Western thriller, set to premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and hit theaters on July 18, 2025, promises a gripping blend of dark comedy, social commentary, and intense drama.

Featuring a powerhouse cast including Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler, the trailer teases a volatile standoff in a small New Mexico town during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s everything you need to know about this highly anticipated film and its chilling first look.

What Is the “Eddington Trailer” All About?

The “Eddington Trailer” introduces viewers to the fictional town of Eddington, New Mexico, where tensions boil over in May 2020. The story centers on a clash between Sheriff Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix) and Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal), sparked by a seemingly trivial act: the sheriff’s refusal to wear a face mask at a local grocery store.

This ignites a powder keg of conflict, pitting neighbor against neighbor in a narrative that mirrors the divisiveness of the pandemic era. The trailer’s disorienting, “doomscrolling” style reflects the overwhelming negativity of that time, drawing viewers into the characters’ mental turmoil.

A24’s signature eerie aesthetic is on full display, with quick cuts, haunting music by Bobby Krlic, and a slow-motion rendition of a classic song to amplify the suspense. Lines like Phoenix’s chilling warning, “If you value your life, you should think twice because the people at Eddington like guns,” set the tone for a film that’s as unsettling as it is darkly humorous.

Who Stars in Eddington?

The “Eddington Trailer” showcases an ensemble cast that’s nothing short of spectacular. Joaquin Phoenix, fresh off Joker: Folie à Deux, plays the ambitious Sheriff Cross, delivering a performance described as “coiled ambition and swallowed rage.”

Pedro Pascal, riding high from The Last of Us and Gladiator II, embodies the calculating Mayor Garcia, with a raised eyebrow saying more than words.

Emma Stone, reuniting with Aster after Beau Is Afraid, shifts effortlessly from warmth to skepticism, while Austin Butler (Dune: Part Two) adds a mysterious edge, whispering lines that hint at deeper secrets.

Rounding out the cast are Luke Grimes (Yellowstone), Deirdre O’Connell (The Penguin), Micheal Ward (The Beautiful Game), Amélie Hoeferle (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes), Clifton Collins Jr., William Belleau, Cameron Mann, and Matt Gomez Hidaka.

This diverse lineup promises a dynamic interplay of characters, each bringing their own flavor to Aster’s vision.

Why Is Eddington Set During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

The choice to set Eddington in May 2020 is no accident. The “Eddington Trailer” leans heavily into the paranoia, polarization, and conspiracy theories that defined the early pandemic.

Aster has described the film as a “Western-noir dark ensemble comedy,” blending satire with sharp social commentary. The trailer hints at themes of fear, lies, and power struggles, with the standoff between the sheriff and mayor serving as a microcosm of broader societal divides.

This setting has sparked mixed reactions. Some fans on X praise the film’s bold reflection of recent history, with one user noting it feels like “a deconstruction of the past few years.” Others express hesitation, worried that revisiting the pandemic might feel like “doomscrolling” in movie form.

Regardless, the trailer suggests Eddington will offer a historical snapshot, capturing the mood of a time still fresh in collective memory.

How Does Ari Aster’s Style Shine in the “Eddington Trailer”?

Ari Aster, known for Hereditary, Midsommar, and Beau Is Afraid, brings his signature unease to Eddington. The “Eddington Trailer” is a masterclass in building tension, with cinematography by two-time Academy Award nominee Darius Khondji (Evita, Bardo).

Unlike Aster’s earlier horror-centric works, this film leans into dark comedy and Western noir, trading pagan rituals for “sun-bleached nihilism.” The trailer’s bone-dry humor and matter-of-fact violence hint at a departure from Aster’s past, yet his knack for crafting hypnotic, unsettling experiences remains.

Fans on Reddit have noted the trailer’s A24 hallmarks—slowed-down music, sharp cuts, and suspenseful whining sounds—though some critique this formula as overused.

Still, Aster’s meticulous craft is undeniable, with one reviewer calling Eddington “a nasty, hypnotic, memorable ride.”

However, not all reactions are glowing; a post on X from Cannes described the film as Aster’s “first bad movie,” citing a “shallow, mean-spirited approach.”

When and Where Can You Watch Eddington?

The “Eddington Trailer” confirms a theatrical release on July 18, 2025, following its world premiere at Cannes on May 16, 2025. A24 is banking on a summer rollout, potentially platforming the release given their typical strategy for Aster’s films. The film’s Cannes debut marks Aster’s first as a director at the festival, raising expectations for awards buzz.

For fans eager to catch Eddington, the trailer’s release has sparked excitement online, with posts on X calling it a “kick-ass” preview. The film’s controversial themes and star power could make it a mainstream hit, though some predict a modest box office, estimating $20–30 million domestically due to Aster’s niche appeal and A24’s limited release model.

Why Should You Be Excited for Eddington?

The “Eddington Trailer” is a tantalizing glimpse into Ari Aster’s boldest project yet—a neo-Western thriller that tackles timely themes with a stellar cast and A24’s polished production.

Some Closing Thoughts:

Whether you’re drawn to the dark humor, the pandemic-era satire, or the promise of standout performances, Eddington is shaping up to be a cinematic event.

While some early reactions are polarized, Aster’s track record suggests this will be a film that sparks conversation and lingers long after the credits roll.

Mark your calendars for July 18, 2025, and keep an eye out for more updates as Eddington approaches its release.

With A24 and Aster at the helm, this is one trailer that delivers on its promise of something daring, divisive, and unforgettable.