Vin Diesel will be back on the big screen in Fall 2015 with The Last Witch Hunter, a supernatural fantasy/adventure that could give rise to yet another franchise headlined by the Fast & Furious actor. The film revolves around Kaulder (Diesel), the member of an ancient order (the Axe & Cross) dedicated to protecting our world from witches and the forces of darkness.
The first Last Witch Hunter trailer released by Lionsgate introduced filmgoers to Kaulder – who, in the movie, is ‘cursed’ with immortality – while teasing the fantasy setting and larger mythos of the film, as was directed by Breck Eisner (The Crazies (2010)) and crafted by screenwriter Cory Goodman (Priest), as well as the writing duo Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless (Dracula Untold). A second and much more insightful, full-length, preview for the movie has now been released, and you can watch it above.
Lionsgate’s second official Last Witch Hunter trailer properly introduces Kaulder’s various allies in the film, who help him to battle a powerful witch coven in the modern-day world. Those aiding Kaulder on his quest include Michael Caine (Interstellar) as a seasoned member of the Axe & Cross organization; Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings) as a younger Axe & Cross member, eager to prove his worth in the field alongside Kaulder; and Rose Leslie (Game of Thrones) as a sorceress who ends up using her powers (which, as shown in the new trailer, include the ability to access the ‘dream world’) in order to assist Kaulder on his world-saving mission.
Aesthetically, the fantasy elements of Last Witch Hunter appears to be pretty solid based on the trailer footage, thanks in part to the cinematography from Oscar-winner Dean Semler (Maleficent). The larger mythos and history of the Last Witch Hunter universe also comes off as being fairly interesting here; if moviegoers enjoy their time playing in this particular sandbox (with Diesel and friends), then it seems a foundation will have already been placed down for future adventures with Kaulder to build on. (Diesel has even confirmed that a Last Witch Hunter sequel is already in the works.)
However, before anyone gets too excited, it’s worth noting that the Last Witch Hunter screenwriters don’t exactly have a great track record, where it concerns their attempts to launch new supernatural fantasy movie properties. Still, thus far Last Witch Hunter shows promise with its trailer footage; having an (arguably) under-appreciated director calling the shots and Diesel leading the way (playing a character who comes off as a mix of Dominic Toretto and Richard B. Riddick) is encouraging, too.
The Last Witch Hunter opens in U.S. theaters on October 23rd, 2015.
