The trailer for The Life of Chuck, a Neon drama directed by Mike Flanagan and adapted from Stephen King’s 2020 novella, premiered on Tuesday, April 15. Described as an “unforgettable, genre-bending tale,” the trailer shifts away from Flanagan’s horror roots, presenting an uplifting yet poignant story that traces the life of Charles “Chuck” Krantz in reverse, from death to birth.
A standout moment features Kate Siegel as Miss Richards, Chuck’s teacher, delivering a reflective line to a young Chuck: “Everything you’ve ever loved, everything you see, every year that you live — that world will get bigger and brighter.” She adds, “And more detailed and complex. You fill the whole thing. It’ll be a universe.” This dialogue underscores the film’s celebration of life’s wonders and complexities.
The trailer also highlights a vibrant 7-minute dance sequence with Tom Hiddleston, 44, as adult Chuck, joined by Annalise Basso as Janice. The pair dances spontaneously on a street to a musician’s drumbeat, surrounded by onlookers, in a scene Hiddleston called “completely spontaneous and joyful.” Basso, 26, praised Hiddleston’s lead, saying it made her feel like a seasoned dancer.
The reverse timeline weaves in scenes from Chuck’s life, portrayed by young actors Benjamin Pajak, Cody Flanagan (the director’s son), and Jacob Tremblay as a teen. A childhood dance lesson with his grandmother, Sarah (Mia Sara), adds warmth, while a robust ensemble—including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, Mark Hamill, Carl Lumbly, Matthew Lillard, Samantha Sloyan, Hamish Linklater, and Kate Siegel—brings depth to the narrative.
Stephen King, 77, shared his enthusiasm on X, posting, “I love this movie. Hope you will, too,” alongside the trailer. Following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last September, the film has been praised for its emotional depth and unconventional structure.
The Life of Chuck opens in select theaters on June 6, with a nationwide release on June 13. The trailer promises a moving exploration of love, loss, and the multitudes within an ordinary life, anchored by Hiddleston’s spirited performance and a fresh dramatic turn for Flanagan and King.
