Infinity Wars, Crashed Cars, and Multiverse Meltdowns: Trailers That Changed Everything
In the streaming era, trailers have become cinematic events in their own right, sparking global conversations, fueling theories, and sometimes even breaking the internet. Disney and its studios—Pixar, Marvel Studios, and Lucasfilm—have delivered some of the most unforgettable trailer moments in modern pop culture. From nostalgia-laced reveals to emotionally charged previews, here are the trailers that sent fans into a frenzy.
“There Has Been an Awakening…” & “Chewie, We’re Home” — Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2014–2015)
Few movie trailers in the 2010s were as anticipated—or as dissected—as the ones for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The first teaser, released in November 2014, was barely 88 seconds long, yet it shook the internet. A mysterious new lightsaber with a crossguard. Stormtroopers in modern armor. The Millennium Falcon soaring into battle. And that ominous voice: “There has been an awakening… have you felt it?” With no Luke, Leia, or Han in sight, fans were left with more questions than answers—and they loved it.
Then came the second trailer in April 2015, unveiled at Star Wars Celebration—and it delivered one of the most emotional trailer moments of the decade. As the legendary binary sunset theme swelled, we saw a crashed Star Destroyer, heard a monologue about the Force, and glimpsed Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren in action. But it was the closing shot—Han Solo and Chewbacca stepping onto the Falcon once more, with Han saying, “Chewie… we’re home”—that truly broke the internet. It triggered tears, cheers, and a worldwide realization: Star Wars was back, and this time, it had something to prove.
“From This Moment… Everything Will Change” — Cars 3 (2016)
Pixar stunned audiences with a dark, emotional teaser for Cars 3, opening with high-stakes racing and ending with Lightning McQueen’s shocking crash. The somber tone and stark visuals took fans by surprise, signaling a more serious, possibly redemptive arc for the beloved racer. Reactions ranged from awe to panic—especially among younger viewers—making it one of Pixar’s most unexpectedly intense promos.
“Whatever It Takes” — Avengers: Endgame (2019)
With half the Marvel universe turned to dust after Infinity War, the Endgame trailer leaned into grief, silence, and resilience. Tony Stark adrift in space. Steve Rogers holding back tears. The music building to a whisper of hope with Ant-Man’s arrival. The trailer didn’t just tease a movie—it offered closure and catharsis. The phrase “Whatever it takes” quickly became a rallying cry.
“There Was an Idea…” — Avengers: Infinity War (2017)
If any trailer defined peak Marvel hype, it was Infinity War. The ominous narration, the Avengers assembling, Wakanda gearing up for battle, and the reveal of Thanos—the long-teased villain finally in action—had fans dissecting every frame. The final shot of Spider-Man gasping under Thanos’s force pushed excitement into overdrive. Marvel’s decade of world-building had led to this, and fans knew it.
“Be Careful What You Wish For, Parker” — Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
No trailer in the MCU caused more feverish speculation than the first teaser for Spider-Man: No Way Home. After months of rumors, leaks, and denials, fans were desperate to know: would Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield return? The trailer didn’t show them—but it cracked the multiverse open. Alfred Molina’s Doc Ock was back. Green Goblin’s pumpkin bomb rolled onto the highway. A mysterious laugh hinted at Willem Dafoe.
The internet exploded with frame-by-frame breakdowns and theories about who had been edited out of shots. Even before the movie confirmed the trio’s team-up, the trailer became a cultural phenomenon—generating over 355 million views in its first 24 hours.
The Art of the Trailer: More Than Just Hype
Disney and its studios have turned trailers into storytelling events—capable of reviving franchises, setting records, or reshaping fan expectations in under three minutes. With more highly anticipated titles on the horizon like Fantastic Four, Zootopia 2, Avengers: Doomsday, and Star Wars: Starfighter, the next trailer to blow up your feed is likely just around the corner.
What trailer reveal made your jaw drop? Let us know which moment lives rent-free in your head.
