Ever wondered what happens when a routine night shift at a self-storage unit turns into a fight for humanity against a brain-controlling, body-bursting fungus? Get ready to find out, because the full trailer for Cold Storage just hit, promising a truly wild time next year.

TL;DR: The Essentials You Need to Know Right Now

  • Release Date Set for February 2026: Mark your calendars for February 13, 2026, when this sci-fi horror comedy hits theaters.
  • Star-Studded Cast Takes on a Fungal Apocalypse: Liam Neeson, Joe Keery, and Georgina Campbell lead the charge against an extinction-level microorganism.
  • From a Master Storyteller: Written by David Koepp (of Jurassic Park fame) based on his own novel, promising a blend of scares, laughs, and pure popcorn entertainment.
Unveiling the Terrifying Threat Within a Self-Storage Facility

Imagine clocking into your mundane night job, perhaps stacking boxes or handling late-night inquiries, only to discover that beneath your feet, a decades-old government secret is bubbling to the surface. This isn't just any secret; it's a highly infectious, constantly mutating parasitic fungus with the potential for extinction-level destruction. This is the heart-pounding premise of Cold Storage, a film that promises to redefine "bad shift."

The journey to the big screen has been a bit of a marathon for Cold Storage. We first caught wind of this project three years ago, with production kicking off two years back. Now, with Samuel Goldwyn Films snagging the North American distribution rights, we finally have a solid release window. The full trailer, unleashed just recently, gives us a gooey, intense peek into the chaos that awaits, building on a teaser that dropped a few months prior. Source: [JoBlo.com, "Cold Storage trailer: Liam Neeson, Joe Keery sci-fi virus thriller looks to be a slime-coated blast", November 13, 2025].

The Star-Powered Team Fighting for Humanity's Future

Cold Storage Trailer Drops: Prepare for a Slime-Coated, Fungus-Fueled Thrill Ride in 2026 image 3

Leading the charge against this microscopic menace are some familiar faces. Joe Keery, beloved for his role as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things, plays Teacake, one of the two young employees caught in the crossfire. His co-worker Naomi is brought to life by Georgina Campbell, known for her gripping performance in Barbarian. Their combined talent hints at a dynamic duo facing extraordinary circumstances, bringing both wit and terror to their roles.

Adding gravitas to the high-stakes situation is Liam Neeson, stepping into the shoes of a grizzled retired bioterror operative. If anyone can teach these youngsters how to handle an impending apocalypse, it's Neeson. The cast also features Sosie Bacon (Smile), Vanessa Redgrave (Mission: Impossible), and Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread), rounding out an impressive ensemble ready to confront brain-controlling, body-bursting terrors. Source: [Bloody-Disgusting.com, "Cold Storage: Joe Keery & Georgina Campbell Battle a Parasitic Fungus on February 13, 2026", November 13, 2025].

David Koepp, the acclaimed screenwriter behind Cold Storage, has high hopes for the film, stating, "everything I'd want to see in a movie; it's scary, funny, exhilarating, surprising, and riotously entertaining. Gavin, Jonny and I have huge ambitions for this." This quote, found in the JoBlo.com article, perfectly encapsulates the genre-bending ambition of the project.

A Screenwriter's Vision: From Page to Theatrical Spectacle

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The film boasts a powerful creative force behind it: David Koepp, one of Hollywood's most prolific screenwriters for over three decades. His resume reads like a blockbuster greatest hits list, including genre-defining titles like Jurassic Park, Mission: Impossible, Spider-Man, and War of the Worlds. Koepp adapted the screenplay for Cold Storage from his own 2019 novel of the same name, ensuring a cohesive and deeply imagined world.

Directing this unique blend of sci-fi, horror, and comedy is Jonny Campbell, known for his work on shows like Doctor Who and Westworld, as well as films like Alien Autopsy. This background suggests a director comfortable with intricate narratives and visually distinctive storytelling. With Koepp also producing alongside Gavin Polone (of Zombieland and Panic Room fame), the film is in capable hands, promising an action-packed thrill ride that's also pure popcorn fun. Source: [FirstShowing.net, "Joe Keery & Liam Neeson in Sci-Fi Horror 'Cold Storage' Official Trailer", November 13, 2025].

Navigating the Blend of Genres: Scares with a Side of Laughter

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Cold Storage isn't just a straight-up horror film; it's a genre-bender. The trailers clearly hint at a comedic sci-fi virus thriller, blending the gross-out gore of a creature feature with unexpected laughs. This unique combination, often referred to as a "biohazard thriller comedy," means audiences can expect not just jump scares and intense moments, but also a good dose of dark humor to cut through the tension.

For example, imagine Teacake and Naomi, two minimum wage guards, finding themselves suddenly designated a "greenlight team" tasked with saving the world. It’s the kind of absurdity that makes for engaging comedy amidst truly horrifying circumstances. This tonal tightrope walk can be challenging, but when done right, it creates a memorable viewing experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.

What the R-Rating Means for the Audience Experience

If the premise of a brain-controlling, body-bursting fungus wasn't clear enough, the film's R-rating for "violent content, gore, and language" certainly drives the point home. This isn't going to be a lighthearted romp; expect some seriously messy sequences and intense visuals as the microorganism unleashes its terrors. The trailers already tease plenty of infected humans and animals literally bursting with killer fungus goo, reminiscent of the disturbing elements seen in popular franchises like The Last of Us or classic outbreak thrillers like The Andromeda Strain. So, if you're squeamish, you've been warned!

The Long Wait for a Viral Outbreak: Anticipation Builds for 2026

A minor limitation for eager fans is the wait until 2026. While the trailers are exciting, having to wait over a year can test patience. This gap allows for more marketing build-up, but it also means the initial buzz could fade if not consistently nurtured. However, the pedigree of the talent involved, especially David Koepp's established reputation for crafting compelling genre narratives, offers a strong counterpoint. His involvement alone suggests a film that will likely deliver on its promise of an exhilarating and surprising experience, making the wait worthwhile.

Another potential counterpoint lies in the genre blend itself. While sci-fi horror comedies can be incredibly effective, striking the right balance between genuine scares and effective humor is notoriously difficult. Too much comedy can undermine the horror, and vice versa. However, David Koepp's vision, as described in his own words ("scary, funny, exhilarating, surprising, and riotously entertaining"), indicates a clear intent to weave these elements seamlessly rather than letting them clash. Director Jonny Campbell's experience with varied projects also bodes well for a nuanced execution.

An Example of a Wild Night Shift Scenario

Picture this: Sarah, a new employee at "SecureStore-It," is on her third graveyard shift. She's mostly scrolling through social media, occasionally fielding a call from someone who forgot their unit number. Suddenly, a strange gurgling sound echoes from the lowest, rarely-accessed sublevel. Her colleague, Mark, a cynical veteran, dismisses it as old pipes. But then the security cameras flicker, showing strange, pulsating growths spreading rapidly across a wall in the sealed section. A moment later, a terrified scream, cut short, crackles over the intercom. Sarah and Mark's mundane night just became a desperate struggle to understand and contain an evolving horror, forcing them to confront their deepest fears and trust each other with their lives.

The Ensemble Cast's Impact and Potential Scene-Stealers

The strength of Cold Storage also lies in its diverse cast. Beyond the core trio, the involvement of talents like Vanessa Redgrave and Lesley Manville adds significant depth. Liam Neeson himself praised Redgrave's performance, predicting she's "probably going to steal the movie" and that she is "perfect casting for it." This insider praise hints that even the supporting roles will be dynamic and memorable, contributing significantly to the film's overall impact. While Neeson clarified he didn't share scenes with her, their paths crossed, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the production. Source: [IrishCentral.com, "WATCH: Liam Neeson joins 'Stranger Things' star for 'the wildest night shift ever'", November 13, 2025].

Practical Takeaways for Anticipating Cold Storage's Release

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  • Mark Your Calendar: Clear your schedule for February 13, 2026, as Cold Storage promises a unique theatrical experience.
  • Revisit Koepp's Work: If you're a fan of David Koepp's writing, consider re-watching classics like Jurassic Park or checking out his original Cold Storage novel to get a feel for his style.
  • Prepare for the Unexpected: This isn't just a horror flick; expect a rollercoaster of sci-fi thrills, genuine scares, and darkly comedic moments.
  • Gather Your Movie Crew: With its R-rating and intense premise, this film is best enjoyed with friends who appreciate a good creature feature with a side of laughs and gore.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Storage

  • When is the official release date for Cold Storage? The film is currently slated for a nationwide theatrical release on February 13, 2026.
  • Where can I watch the Cold Storage trailers? Both the teaser and full official trailers are available on platforms like YouTube, and featured on various movie news sites.
  • What is Cold Storage rated, and what does that mean? It's rated R for "violent content, gore, and language." This means viewers can expect mature themes, graphic visuals, and strong language throughout the film.
  • Is Cold Storage based on a book? Yes, the film is adapted by David Koepp from his own 2019 novel also titled Cold Storage.

Sources

  • JoBlo.com, "Cold Storage trailer: Liam Neeson, Joe Keery sci-fi virus thriller looks to be a slime-coated blast", November 13, 2025
  • Bloody-Disgusting.com, "Cold Storage: Joe Keery & Georgina Campbell Battle a Parasitic Fungus on February 13, 2026", November 13, 2025
  • FirstShowing.net, "Joe Keery & Liam Neeson in Sci-Fi Horror 'Cold Storage' Official Trailer", November 13, 2025
  • IrishCentral.com, "WATCH: Liam Neeson joins 'Stranger Things' star for 'the wildest night shift ever'", November 13, 2025
  • DarkHorizons.com, "Second Trailer For 'Cold Storage'", November 13, 2025
  • Nerdtropolis.com, "A new sci-fi comedy from David Koepp arrives this February.", November 13, 2025
  • HeyUGuys.com, "Cold Storage...", November 14, 2025
  • TheArtsShelf.com, "'Cold Storage' Trailer – Joe Keery, Georgina Campbell and Liam Neeson Face a Fungal Apocalypse", November 13, 2025
  • FANGORIA.com, "COLD STORAGE Trailer: Joe Keery And Liam Neeson Battle Mutant Fungus", November 13, 2025
  • RogersMovieNation.com, "Movie Preview: An outbreak, a 'Thing is spreading,' and Liam Neeson's here to help put it in 'Cold Storage'", November 13, 2025