Apple TV+ released the first trailer for Fountain of Youth, starring John Krasinski and Natalie Portman, and it’s already an improvement on its Netflix counterpart. The upcoming heist adventure movie directed by Guy Ritchie and written by James Vanderbilt revolves around estranged siblings (played by Krasinski and Portman) who team up to search for the elusive, famous Fountain of Youth. The mythical spring, which has been depicted in many films and shows, is said to bestow the gift of youth (as its name suggests) onto anyone who drinks from it, which is why it’s so highly sought after.
Fountain of Youth premieres on Friday, May 23, 2025, on Apple TV+.
Krasinski’s character, Luke, is a treasure hunter who enlists the help of his sister (Portman’s Charlotte, a gallery curator) to locate the Fountain of Youth in the Apple TV+ original movie. They travel the world, from England to Egypt, in search of the magical spring. Of course, along the way, Luke and Charlotte struggle to reconnect, which is difficult given their conflicting personalities. They also encounter people who want to stop them from finding the Fountain of Youth. Essentially, Fountain of Youth is a treasure-hunting flick through and through, similar to a previous Netflix film.
John Krasinski & Natalie Portman’s Fountain Of Youth Looks Like Red Notice, But Better
Red Notice Was A Major Disappointment
Despite Red Notice‘s star power, production value, and hype, Netflix’s 2021 original film was a disappointment. Thankfully, Apple TV+’s answer to the action comedy, Fountain of Youth, appears to be making up for its major letdown. Even though Red Notice is one of Netflix’s most-watched movies of all time, that doesn’t mean it’s actually any good. Many critics found fault with the cast’s performances, the poorly written script, the easily forgettable (somewhat convoluted) narrative, and more.
|
Fountain of Youth Cast |
Role |
|---|---|
|
John Krasinski |
Luke Purdue |
|
Natalie Portman |
Charlotte Purdue |
|
Eiza González |
Esme |
|
Domhnall Gleeson |
Owen Carver |
|
Carmen Ejogo |
Deb McCall |
|
Stanley Tucci |
The Elder |
The good news is that, although Fountain of Youth seemingly shares some things in common with Red Notice (they both center around treasure hunts, feature an all-star cast, etc.), it looks so much better. Firstly, the brother-sister dynamic is much more interesting and unique than the typical partnership-of-convenience trope. As director Guy Ritchie said (per PEOPLE):
“With brothers and sisters, there will always be squabbling. And, as far as I’m concerned, squabbling is the best version of arguing. Brothers and sisters can say things to each other that no one else can. You can warm your hands off that kind of banter.”
John Krasinski and Natalie Portman’s characters’ dynamic in the Fountain of Youth trailer is more alluring than Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds’ characters’ relationship in Red Notice. Since the two movies rely on these respective dynamics, Fountain of Youth is a lot more promising. Plus, Ritchie is a reliable, renowned director. The upcoming heist adventure film is also already being compared to Indiana Jones, which is high praise.
Fountain Of Youth Could Be The Start Of A Major New Adventure Franchise
Apple TV+ Needs More Franchises
One thing that Apple TV+ is lacking is franchises, and Fountain of Youth can be the perfect start to one. Perhaps John Krasinski and Natalie Portman can reprise their roles in sequels featuring their characters looking for more mythical treasures. Of course, this is dependent on how the first movie ends. Nevertheless, Fountain of Youth has everything that an adventure franchise needs — big stars, great action, and intriguing treasures.
Source: PEOPLE
