The much-anticipated film Freaky Tales, set against the vibrant backdrop of 1980s Oakland, has moviegoers buzzing as Lionsgate unveiled the official trailer this week. The excitement surrounding the film, which was shot in Oakland, has been building since late 2022 when Pedro Pascal was first spotted filming near the Fox Theater. The trailer, packed with local references and nostalgic nods to the Bay Area, is sure to captivate audiences both familiar and new to the region.
The film, inspired by Oakland legend Too Short’s iconic 1987 hit single, Freaky Tales, made waves last year at the Sundance Film Festival, where organizers were forced to add a second screening due to overwhelming demand. The trailer’s opening shot sets the tone with an “East Bay Mix” mixtape being slid into a car’s cassette deck, instantly familiar to Oakland locals.
The voiceover by Pascal, who plays a debt collector, sets the stage for the film’s narrative, with lines like, “The underdog believes he can do the impossible… defeat the bully… sell enough mixtapes to get out of the hood.” However, the mood shifts dramatically when Too Short’s own voice interrupts, saying, “Now hold up, we’ve got to take it from the top.”
Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the duo behind Captain Marvel, Freaky Tales immerses viewers in the culture of 1987 Oakland, weaving in themes of hustle and ambition. The trailer features numerous local landmarks, from the Mormon Temple lit up at night to Sweet Jimmie’s nightclub, now the New Parish. A particularly outlandish moment in the trailer sees Warriors legend Sleepy Floyd battling Nazis outside the infamous punk venue 924 Gilman.
While Freaky Tales fictionalizes certain locations, such as the video store Late Night Video, the nearby Jasmine African Hair Braiding salon offers a real-world touch.
In addition to Pascal, the film stars Ben Mendelsohn, Jay Ellis, and singer Normani. Tragically, it marks the final appearance of Oakland actor Angus Cloud, who passed away in 2023. The film also features cameos from both Too Short and Tom Hanks, further adding to its local appeal.
As the trailer concludes with Too Short’s narration, “It wasn’t every day a story like this hit The Town,” audiences will soon have the chance to experience it for themselves when Freaky Tales hits theaters nationwide on April 4.
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