The Ben Shapiro Show

Episode: Ben Shapiro vs. 2026 Movie Trailers
Date: March 28, 2026
Host: Ben Shapiro (with Producer Phil and guests)
Theme: Ben Shapiro and panel dissect the biggest 2026 movie trailers, swapping opinions, quips, and cultural commentary on blockbusters from superhero sequels to biopics and auteur sci-fi.

Episode Overview

This episode shifts focus from politics to pop culture as Ben and Producer Phil (with guests) react to and review an array of hotly anticipated 2026 movie trailers, offering “brutal” honesty, snappy critiques, personal rankings, and plenty of dry banter. The films span superhero tentpoles, beloved animation franchises, biopics, and heady sci-fi from Hollywood’s biggest directors.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Spider-Man (2026)

• Initial Thoughts: Ben and Phil are underwhelmed, citing a lack of stakes and novelty.
• Movie Context: Picks up after the last film’s reality-reset ending; rumors of Peter Parker morphing into a human-spider hybrid.
• Ben’s Assessment:
  • “Best Spider-Man remains Tobey Maguire… I understand that Tom Holland Spider-Man is truer to the comics because he’s younger. …Watching the trailer, gotta say, like, it feels like the stakes are non-existent. Like, unbelievably low stakes is what it feels like.” (05:24–06:03)
• Excitement Meter: 3 out of 5

Toy Story 5

• Nostalgia Factor: Both Ben and Phil are cautious but curious, noting each sequel seemed superfluous after 3.
• Plot Angle: Focuses on toys versus modern tech; anti-electronic device message for children.
  • “I just hope this film ends with a chastisement of the parents for being terrible for giving small children electronic devices for long periods of time.” (09:20–09:34)
• Ben & Phil Verdict: Warmly received; “Four out of five on this one in terms of expectation.” (09:32)
• Direction Cred: Directed by Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, Wally) — “So at least they’re bringing back the best of the best here over Pixar.” (09:39)

Michael Jackson Biopic

• Format: Big-budget, musical nostalgia piece, starring Michael's nephew Jafar Jackson, directed by Antoine Fuqua.
• Panel Reaction: Skeptical regarding need for “another music biopic,” and uncomfortable with the whitewashed tone.
  • “I’m not sure that the world needs another music biopic about a personality that we already knew really well. …They’re kind of formulaic at this point.” (12:52–12:57)
  • “You have to feel a little bit weird about…the treatment of Michael Jackson as unsullied hero.” (13:06–13:11)
• Excitement Level: 2 out of 5 — “If I had to pick this or Spider-Man to like go out on a weekend, I’m gonna go to Spider-Man.” (13:00–13:03)
• Memorable Quote:
  • Ben: "I just don't know a lot of adult grown males who are inviting small children to sleep over at their house. Like, that's weird. You've seen the headlines." (13:14–13:17)

Disclosure Day (Spielberg’s Alien Thriller)

• Premise: Spielberg returns to classic alien/conspiracy territory; reminiscent of E.T. and Close Encounters, blended with a modern Wikileaks/whistleblower plot.
  • “It’s WikiLeaks meets aliens.” (15:44–15:48 – Phil)
• Cast & Writing: Emily Blunt, Colin Firth, Josh O’Connor; script by David Koepp (noted for highs and lows, e.g., Jurassic Park, Crystal Skull, Mission Impossible, The Mummy remake).
• Anticipation: Ben and Phil are excited but wary; Spielberg’s talent is praised but outcome hinges on script.
  • “You can slather a $100 million budget all over a bad script, and it will still not be that good.” (17:49–18:00 – Phil)
• Excitement: 4.5 out of 5 — “Of all the movies we have seen thus far, this one, I’m like four and a half out of five.” (18:02)

Dune Part 3

• Context: Continues Denis Villeneuve’s epic adaptation, covering “Dune Messiah” and potentially “Children of Dune.”
• Highlights: References to the ensemble (Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh, Robert Pattinson, Rebecca Ferguson, and a possibly resurrected Jason Momoa).
  • “Villeneuve…makes images, man. He really does.” (19:34–20:02 – Phil)
• Phil’s Fandom: “That’s a five out of five. I will be seeing that opening weekend. Villeneuve is so good. He’s really, really, really good.” (21:34–21:39)
• Placement: Dune is the panel’s number one must-see; “That’s my jam.” (21:06 — Phil)

Rankings (Summed Up)

(22:06–22:15)

1. Dune Part 3
2. Disclosure Day
3. Toy Story 5
4. Spider-Man 2026
5. Michael Jackson Biopic

Notable and Memorable Moments

• On Spider-Man Trailers:
  • “My biggest problem with this particular iteration of Spider Man… the stakes are non-existent. Like, unbelievably low stakes is what it feels like.” (05:48–06:03, Ben)
• On Toy Story 5’s Message:
  • “It's good to see them fighting again." (09:09–09:12, Ben & Phil)
• On Biopics:
  • “I just don’t know a lot of adult grown males who are inviting small children to sleep over at their house. Like, that’s weird.” (13:14–13:17, Ben)
• Spielberg Skepticism:
  • “Spielberg is one of the three greatest directors of all time… but [the script is] super duper hit or miss.” (17:30–18:02)
• On Dune:
  • “Villeneuve is so good. He’s really, really, really good.” (21:39)

Timestamps for Segments

• Spider-Man Trailer & Reaction: 02:23–06:26
• Toy Story 5 Trailer & Reaction: 06:26–09:35
• Michael Jackson Biopic Trailer & Reaction: 09:43–13:11
• Disclosure Day (Spielberg) Trailer & Reaction: 14:28–18:18
• Dune Part 3 Trailer & Reaction; Rankings: 18:29–22:15

Tone & Language

Ben and Phil keep the discussion brisk and loaded with cultural references, nostalgia nods, and dry humor. Ben’s critiques balance blunt conservatism with geek-culture knowledge, while Phil provides more pop-savvy, sometimes self-deprecating commentary. The mood is analytical but approachable, with a focus on entertainment value rather than ideological parsing.

In Summary

This episode delivers quick-hit, honest appraisals of the year’s splashiest trailers, ranking them by personal anticipation and dissecting trends such as biopic fatigue, IP exhaustion, and the enduring pull of directors like Spielberg, Villeneuve, and Nolan. Listeners get an insightful, occasionally biting, but always engaging set of takes—useful whether you’re deciding what to pre-order tickets for, or just want to keep up with pop culture buzz.