Looper trailer makes a promise

TriStar Pictures has released a new international trailer for its upcoming time-travel combat thriller.

In Looper, an assassin (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who specializes in disposing people for the mob of the future is surprised to find that his future self (Bruce Willis) has been sent back as his latest target. When the target escapes, he must hunt himself down before the mob of his own time decides he’s no longer of value.

This trailer offers a lot more substance than we’ve seen so far, and lots of new footage from the film, hinting it may not just be an excuse for Gordon-Levitt and Willis to run around shooting at each other.

Indeed, there are more fantasy elements here beyond just time-travel, and there is an emotional sub-plot between the lead characters – or, I guess: within the lead character – which seems compelling. Of course, there is also a romantic sub-plot, which is disappointing only because it’s so cliché. Hopefully, they’ll do it right, and play it down.

Here is the synopsis:

Time travel will be invented – but it will be illegal and only available on the black market. When the mob wants to get rid of someone, they will send their target 30 years into the past, where a “looper” – a hired gun, like Joe – is waiting to mop up. Joe is getting rich and life is good… until the day the mob decides to “close the loop,” sending back Joe’s future self  for assassination. 

Interestingly, the new trailer hits alongside the announcement of a new social media game which will tie in with the film. The Looper Network is live now, and players can sign up and create characters for the game, but no ‘missions’ are available yet, with the first one slated for August 22nd, 2012. Until then players just get this in-game message from one of the film’s characters:

Congratulations for accepting our proviso.

You are now one of the elite, one of the privileged class of Loopers who has been given a chance to thrive in this gutter of a world. I’m from the future, and if you think it’s bad now, believe me- it only gets worse. You’re going to want to use this new wealth I’m putting into your hands to prepare yourself and possibly brush up on your Mandarin.

This job isn’t for the weak. We value Loopers who aren’t afraid to face each day like it might be their last, because some day, you might have to face yourself.

Follow the link to finish your profile, grab a blunderbuss, and get ready- you’re going to hit the ground running.

Welcome to the Looper Network. From now on, I’m the most important person in your life.

Looper, which also stars Emily Blunt, Paul Dano, and Jeff Daniels is set for a wide theatrical release September 28th, 2012.