The second trailer for the highly anticipated action-drama Civil War has been released. The film, produced by A24 and written and directed by Alex Garland, known for his work on Ex Machina, is set in a near-future United States where 19 states have seceded from the Union. The storyline revolves around a tyrannical three-term president, portrayed by Nick Offerman, who orders air strikes against the rebelling forces.
The star-studded cast includes Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and Sonoya Mizuno. Offerman's character in the film declares that the Western forces of Texas and California are welcome back to the United States once their illegal secessionist government is deposed.
One of the intriguing aspects of the film is the portrayal of Texas and California as allies despite their differing political leanings. Garland has expressed his desire for the audience to question why these two states are depicted as being on the same side, hinting at their resource-rich and populous nature that could potentially resist an overreaching government during a Constitutional crisis.
Garland has emphasized that Civil War is not a sci-fi film, despite some misconceptions, as it does not contain elements of science fiction. The central story follows a journalist, played by Dunst, who travels the country amidst the crisis, shedding light on the importance of journalists in maintaining a government with checks and balances.
A24, known for its collaboration with Garland on previous projects like Ex Machina, will release Civil War on April 26. Garland's track record includes acclaimed films such as Annihilation and Men, along with his writing credit on 28 Days Later.