Warner Bros. Pictures has released the first trailer for the upcoming sports dramaThe Way Back, and it looks kind of great. The film starsBen Affleckas a former high school basketball star whose adult life spiraled downwards following a tragic loss, made worse by his alcoholism. But a spark ignites when he’s asked to coach the basketball team at his alma mater after their coach unexpectedly dies, and he struggles to find… the way back.
Despite the familiar premise, the trailer is pretty terrific.Gavin O’Connor, who helmed Affleck in the solid thrillerThe Accountantand also directed the critically acclaimed sports movieWarrior, is behind the helm of this one with a screenplay byBrad Ingelsby(Run All Night). O’Connor has previously flirted with directing theSuicide Squadsequel at WB, but departedwhen his story ideaended up being too similar to that ofBirds of Prey, which took precedence.
As for Affleck, this could mark the beginning of a second comeback of sorts for the performer. While his Best Picture-winning filmArgoput him back on the map andGone Girlsolidified his “newly relevant” resonance as leading man, his last couple of films—Live by Night,Justice League, andTriple Frontier—haven’t quite followed up on that success in the way some were hoping. But a well-made sports drama with themes that parallel the actor’s real life, showcasing a heartbreaking performance, sounds like a swell turn to me.
Check out theWay Backtrailer below. The film also starsAl Madrigal,Michaela Watkins,Janina Gavankar, andGlynn Turman.The Way Backopens in theaters on August 05, 2025.
Here’s the official synopsis forThe Way Back:
Jack Cunningham (Ben Affleck) once had a life filled with promise. In high school, he was a basketball phenom with a full university scholarship, when suddenly, for reasons unknown, he walked away from the game, forfeiting his future. Now years later, Jack is spiraling down, triggered by an unspeakable loss, and drowning in the alcoholism that cost him his marriage and any hope for a better life.
When he is asked to coach the basketball team at his alma mater, which has fallen far since his glory days, he reluctantly accepts, surprising no one more than himself. As the boys start to come together as a team and win, Jack may have finally found a reason to confront the demons that have derailed him. But will it be enough to fill the void, heal the deep wounds of his past, and set him on the road to redemption?
