The first trailer for John Carter left a lot to be desired. What was this movie? What’s it about? Sure, it’s based off the famous sci-fi series by Edgar Rice Burroughs, but how many people know that?

For people who haven’t read or loved the books, the movie has been a tough sell so far. So what’s the solution? How about more stuff like this giant white ape. I know director Andrew Stanton wanted to save this guy for the last act of the film, but you have to play up your strengths. Right now, John Carter has no strengths. At least in term’s of marketing. The director of Finding Nemo can only get you so far.

I mean look at that thing! That looks exciting! John Carter down there in the corner taking on that behemoth? This is what gets people excited, not mysterious trailers set to Johnny Cash music (although that can be effective).

The film comes out at the beginning of next year, so they better ramp up advertising if they want it to make any money at all (the budget was rumored to be around $300 million). [EW via The Playlist]

andrew stanton, john carter, taylor kitsch