HUNTING SEASON Official Trailer Mel Gibson is back — and this time, he’s not taking anyone for granted. The official trailer for “Hunting Season” (2025) has finally been released, and it’s already generating quite a buzz among fans of old-school action thrillers. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker David Ayer, known for “End of Watch” and “Fury,” the film promises a tense, emotional, and violent journey deep into the jungle — where survival isn’t just about strength, but about redemption.
A story of survival, revenge, and redemption
“Hunting Season” isn’t just another action film. It’s a profound and emotional tale of one man’s fight for survival—against both nature and his own haunted past.
Mel Gibson plays Jack Doyle, a retired military tracker living in seclusion in the rugged mountains of Montana. Years after leaving his violent past behind, Jack lives quietly in the wilderness and tries to find peace. But when his estranged daughter and his teenage son go missing during a hunting trip, Jack’s old instincts resurface—and he is forced to return to the world he was trying to leave behind.
The trailer begins with sweeping shots of snow-covered forests and quiet, cold solitude—and then a phone call changes everything: “Jack, she’s gone.”
What follows is Jack’s relentless, heartbreaking search through the jungle, searching for clues – and discovering that his daughter’s disappearance is part of a larger criminal operation involving poaching, human trafficking and corruption that runs deep into local law enforcement agencies.
Mel Gibson’s Powerful Return
Gibson has built a career playing flawed heroes, from Braveheart to Edge of Darkness, and “Hunting Season” is his most powerful performance in years. The trailer showcases his raw energy and emotional depth, portraying Jack as a man torn between guilt and vengeance.
In one particular moment, Gibson growls, “If the jungle doesn’t kill them… I will.” This line, now trending on social media, perfectly captures the film’s serious tone and Gibson’s distinctive edge.
At 69, Gibson brings a powerful authenticity to the role, capturing the pain of loss and the strength of determination. Critics are already calling it a “career-reviving performance”—a return to the kind of emotional storytelling that made him a Hollywood icon.
A Strong Supporting Cast
The film also boasts an impressive supporting cast that adds depth to the emotional storyline. Sam Worthington (Avatar) plays a morally conflicted sheriff who hides his own secrets, while Sophia Bush plays an FBI agent determined to uncover the truth behind the disappearances.
Newcomer Levi Miller plays Jack’s grandson—the sole survivor of the initial attack—whose silence determines everything. His few scenes with Gibson, briefly shown in the trailer, promise emotional power and heartbreaking intensity.
Cinematography and Tone
Visually, “Hunting Season” looks stunning. Shot in the snow-covered forests of Alberta, Canada, the film blends breathtaking scenery with suffocating tension. The trailer reveals a gritty, realistic aesthetic, with Ayer’s distinctive use of handheld camerawork and subdued colors that emphasize raw emotion rather than glamour.
Every frame feels alive—you can almost feel the frost, hear the creaking of the snow, and sense the danger lurking behind the trees.
The film’s tone combines elements of a survival thriller with the emotional weight of a family drama, striking a balance between violence and vulnerability. This story is not only about hunting others—but also about being hunted by one’s own regrets.
Music and Atmosphere
The trailer’s heartwarming music, composed by Lorne Balfe, shifts from a calm piano melody to a thumping orchestral climax. The music reflects Jack’s emotional journey—from grief to anger to indomitable resolve.
The tagline flashes on screen:
“In the jungle, every man is prey.”
Release Date and Early Reactions
“Hunting Season” will be released in theaters on September 19, 2025, and will later stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. Initial reactions from test screenings have been overwhelmingly positive, praising Gibson’s powerful performance and Ayer’s grounded direction.
Fans of powerful, character-driven thrillers like The Revenant, Sicario, and Taken will find much to like here.
Final Thoughts
The official trailer for “Hunting Season” (2025) delivers on fan expectations—tension, emotion, breathtaking visuals, and Mel Gibson in peak form. It’s a story of survival, revenge, and the heavy price of redemption—a film that reminds audiences why Gibson is one of Hollywood’s most enduring action stars.
When the hunter becomes the hunted, only one thing is certain: the jungle doesn’t forgive.