Overview of Ben Shapiro vs. 2026 Movie Trailers
Ben Shapiro (with Producer Phil joining) reviews several high-profile 2026 movie trailers and gives quick reactions, context, and personal excitement ratings. The episode mixes trailer breakdowns with running commentary about storytelling stakes, casting, direction, and franchise fatigue. Sponsors (Trust & Will, Venmo card, PDS Debt, Abercrombie) bookend the segment.
Trailers discussed — quick summaries and Shapiro's takeaways
Spider-Man (Tom Holland era)
- What the trailer shows: Peter Parker/Spider-Man dealing with consequences from the previous film (memory wipe), appearances from returning MCU faces, hints of sizable physical/psychological changes to Peter (rumors of him morphing into a “human spider”), and villain teases (Scorpion/others).
- Shapiro’s view: Not a big Spider-Man fan overall; prefers Tobey Maguire’s version. Praises some past entries (No. 1 last film reunion) but feels the stakes here seem low and that it’s hard to top the previous high.
- Excitement rating: 3/5
Toy Story 5
- What the trailer shows: Bonnie’s toys confronting the encroachment of tech devices/abandonment; Woody and gang on a rescue/adventure that leans into anti-screen/anti-device themes; returns of classic characters and new toy-focused conflicts.
- Creative team: Directed by Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, WALL•E).
- Shapiro’s view: Likes the anti-electronics theme and nostalgia factor; skeptical whether the sequel was necessary but willing to watch.
- Excitement rating: 4/5
Michael Jackson Biopic
- What the trailer shows: Rise-of-stardom narrative, family/branding angle, Miles Teller noted in trailer (presumably as an industry figure), Jaafar Jackson (Michael’s nephew) plays Michael.
- Director: Antoine Fuqua.
- Shapiro’s view: Compares it to Bohemian Rhapsody (formulaic pop-music biopic). Notes potential two-part structure (rise vs. fall). Expresses discomfort about hero-sanitization given Jackson’s controversial history and is lukewarm on the film.
- Excitement rating: 2/5
Disclosure (Steven Spielberg)
- What the trailer shows: A Spielbergian alien/first-contact story blended with themes of leaking secrets / global transparency (a “WikiLeaks meets aliens” vibe). Cast includes Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth.
- Writers/notes: Discussion mentions David Koepp (longtime Hollywood screenwriter who has worked on Jurassic Park and other big projects).
- Shapiro’s view: Very interested—calls Spielberg one of the greatest directors and is intrigued by the premise; ranks this highly.
- Excitement rating: ~4.5/5
Dune (Part 3)
- What the trailer shows: Continuation of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune saga, moving into material beyond the first two films (Dune Messiah / Children of Dune material), features Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Robert Pattinson, Rebecca Ferguson (Jason Momoa referenced).
- Shapiro’s view: Big fan of Villeneuve’s world-building; having read the books, he’s invested in how the adaptation continues. Top pick for opening-weekend viewing.
- Excitement rating: 5/5
Ratings and final ranking (Shapiro’s order of interest)
- Dune Part 3 — 5/5 (most excited; opening weekend pick)
- Disclosure — ~4.5/5
- Toy Story 5 — 4/5
- Spider-Man — 3/5
- Michael Jackson biopic — 2/5 (least interested)
Shapiro also gives a shout-out to an upcoming Christopher Nolan project (calls Nolan films a “6/5” for him), indicating Nolan remains a separate high-priority draw.
Notable quotes & insights
- “The best Spider-Man remains Tobey Maguire.” — on his personal preference among Spider-Man iterations.
- “It feels like the stakes are non-existent” — critique of the Spider-Man trailer’s dramatic tension.
- “I like that the electronics are bad” — approving the central conflict in Toy Story 5 (toys vs. devices).
- “This is just the same movie [as Bohemian Rhapsody]… formulaic” — on the Michael Jackson film’s probable approach.
- “Spielberg is one of the three greatest directors of all time” — strong endorsement of Spielberg’s auteur status and reason to be excited for Disclosure.
- “Denis Villeneuve is unbelievably good at what he does. The worldbuilding is extraordinary.” — explains Dune enthusiasm.
Recommendations / viewing guidance
- If you want spectacle and world-building: prioritize Dune Part 3 and Disclosure (Spielberg + alien/first-contact intrigue).
- For family/nostalgia fare: Toy Story 5 is the most likely crowd-pleaser that also has a topical anti-device angle.
- For MCU fans or casual weekend entertainment: Spider-Man is okay but may feel lesser compared to prior web-epic highs.
- If you’re wary of biopic wash/revisionism: the Michael Jackson film may be profitable/populist but could feel formulaic and ethically complicated.
Sponsor mentions (brief)
- Trust & Will — online estate planning (promo code / Shapiro discount)
- Venmo — college branded debit card, Venmo Stash rewards
- PDS Debt — debt-relief services and free assessment
- Abercrombie — summer wardrobe (linen-blend jeans, archive shirt, poplin shorts)
Bottom line
Ben Shapiro walks through the major 2026 trailer crop with a mix of nostalgia and skepticism. His clear favorites are Dune Part 3 and Spielberg’s Disclosure for their directorial pedigree and storytelling promise; he’s less enthused by the Michael Jackson biopic and lukewarm on the latest Spider-Man. Toy Story 5 lands as a solid, nostalgia-driven pick for family audiences.