Vertical Unveils Lords of War Teaser Trailer
Nicolas Cage returns as arms trafficker Yuri Orlov in the sequel to the 2005 film Lord of War.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Action/Adventure
Vertical released the first teaser trailer for Lords of War, a sequel to Lord of War. Nicolas Cage reprises his role as arms trafficker Yuri Orlov, joined by Bill Skarsgård as Anton, Yuri's son.
Why it matters
The sequel revives a 2005 arms-trafficking drama that grossed $72.6 million at the box office, with Cage the only returning face from the original. The project's return to theaters follows its announcement in 2023 and its coming together in late 2025.
The original Lord of War grossed $72.6 million at the box office following its September 16, 2005 release. Sequel financial projections have not been disclosed, and the film's commercial performance remains unknown ahead of its January 22, 2027 release.
The players
Vertical
Vertical is an independent film distributor and production company that released the Lords of War teaser trailer.
Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage is an Academy Award-winning actor known for his wide-ranging film career, reprising his role as Yuri Orlov.
Andrew Niccol
Andrew Niccol is a screenwriter and director known for films such as Gattaca and The Truman Show, who wrote and directed both Lord of War and its sequel.
Bill Skarsgård
Bill Skarsgård is a Swedish actor best known for playing Pennywise in the It films, cast here as Anton, Yuri Orlov's son.
The details
Written and directed by Andrew Niccol, who also helmed the original, Lords of War follows Yuri Orlov's arms dealing across Africa and the Middle East. The cast adds Laura Harrier, Sylvia Hoeks, and Greg Tarzan Davis, with Philippe Rousselet and Fabrice Gianfermi producing.
Timeline
September 16, 2005: Original Lord of War released.
2023: Lords of War sequel first announced.
Late 2025: Lords of War project came together.
November 4, 2026: Teaser trailer published.
January 22, 2027: Lords of War scheduled for theatrical release.
Industry Dynamics
The sequel follows the 2005 original Lord of War, which grossed $72.6 million, as studios revisit older titles with returning stars. Returning to the arms-trafficking premise two decades later places the project within a broader trend of legacy franchise revivals.
Lords of War will reach audiences through theaters beginning January 22, 2027. Ticket pricing and regional release details have not yet been announced.
The takeaway
Fans of the original Lord of War can watch for the sequel's January 2027 theatrical release. The return of Nicolas Cage and Andrew Niccol offers continuity with the 2005 film.
What happens next
Lords of War is scheduled for theatrical release on January 22, 2027.
Further reading
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