A totally different trailer for the Zac Efron Ted Bundy movie just dropped, and it looks like Netflix listened to its critics

True crime fanatics have been awaiting the first trailer for Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile for months. The film, which stars Zac Efron, follows the rise and fall of notorious American serial killer Ted Bundy, specifically focusing on the longterm romantic relationship he had with Elizabeth Kloepfer (played by Lily Collins). The relationship has served as a point of fascination to many for decades—specifically because Bundy murdered over 30 innocent women while Kloepfer remained completely unaware.

The first trailer for the film dropped on January 25th.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UP1ya1fiH_U

Many viewers noted that something felt distinctly off about the tone of the preview. They argued it appeared to treat its subject matter—a man who ruined countless lives—as a charming anti-hero. Even the music felt far too light for the seriousness of the subject matter.

One commenter on YouTube wrote, “It’s so sick to see that Hollywood is actually romanticizing a serial rapist/killer.”

However, the second trailer dropped today, April 2nd, and it seems as though Netflix (who will distribute the film) heard its critics loud and clear.

Notice the difference? And if you’re still feeling concerned about watching the movie, know that one of Bundy’s surviving victims has spoken out about it—as well as why she thinks people should see it.

Kathy Kleiner Rubin was one of the young women attacked in her sorority house at Florida State University in 1978. In a video interview with TMZ posted on January 29th, Rubin said, “I don’t have a problem with people [watching] it, and as long as they understand that what they’re watching wasn’t a normal person. I believe that in order to show him exactly the way he was, it’s not really glorifying him, but it’s showing him, and when they do say positive and wonderful things about him…that’s what they saw, that’s what Bundy wanted you to see.”

She added that she hopes the movie will help women be safer and more aware of their surroundings. “The movie does glorify it more than I think it should be,” she said. “But like I said I think everyone should see it and understand him as what he was even when he was the perfect son. I think hopefully it will make women […] be more aware of their surroundings and be cautious. He had different tactics that he used for people to help him get in cars or do things, and in your gut, if you just feel that something doesn’t feel right, just say no.”

Ted Bundy robbed dozens of women of their lives and stole daughters, sisters, friends, and loved ones from countless people, so we understand the concerns. The movie drops later this year, so we’ll ultimately have to wait until then to give our final judgement. What are your thoughts on the new trailer?

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