There’s approximately zero things wrong with HBO’s latest teaser trailer forThe New PopestarringJohn MalkovichandJude Law. A follow-up season toThe Young Popefrom the mind of Italian directorPaolo Sorrentino,The New Popepromises just as lots of intrigue, iffy definitions of and adherence to the word of God, and so much flashiness from the Vatican’s number one resident, the Pope.
This time around, the Pope will be played by Malkovich — and he’s something of a wild card. In the trailer, we see this new Pope settling into his new role as if he was born for it. He swans around the Vatican, trailed by cardinals and press alike and seems to bask in the praise and adoration from fellow Catholics while going for a ride in the Popemobile.
But Malkovich’s Pope is a man seemingly riddled with failings that he recognizes in himself (wow, hard same) and recites them while in confession. He tells a cardinal, “I’m irresponsible, I’m indolent, I’m pompous, I’m conceited.” It’s quite possible this new Pope is referring to his previously life which is seemingly also teased in the trailer. Around the 0:22 mark, we get a glimpse of Sir John Brannox, the Pope’s identity pre-papacy, and he looks like a magnificent dandy with a wide-brimmed hat, bowtie, and he’s wearing eyeliner. Hel-lo!
Elsewhere in the trailer, we are allow to affix our peepers to the incredible image of former Pope Lenny Belardo (Law), lying in a gilded room somewhere in the Vatican, hooked up to a ventilator and clearly hanging on to life, and looking positively angelic in the glow of a neon cross straight off the set ofBaz Luhrmann’sRomeo + Juliet. The new Pope clearly still feels Lenny is a threat of his occupation as head of the Catholic church and it’s easy to see where the rest of the conflict will be coming from this season.
All nine episodes ofThe New Popewere directed by Sorrentino. The series was co-written by Sorrentino,Umberto Contarello, andStefano Bises. In addition to Law, returning cast members last seen inThe Young PopeincludeSilvio Orlando,JavierCámara,Cécile de France,Ludivine Sagnier, andMaurizio Lombardi. Additionally, new cast members includeHenry Goodman,Ulrich Thomsen,MarkIvanir,Yuliya Snigir, andMassimoGhini. And buckle up becauseThe New Popefeatures two very special guest stars:Sharon StoneandMarilyn Manson.
The New Popedebuts on HBO in January 2020. Check out the latest teaser trailer below:
