Source: IGN | Posted By: Dan Geer

Disney has unleashed the first full epic trailer today for their upcoming fantasy film, John Carter, starring Taylor Kitsch. Adapted from the famous Edgar Rice Burroughs’ novel, John Carpenter of Mars, the story follows the title character as he is mysteriously transported from Earth to Mars, where he winds up entangled in an epic war amongst the inhabitants of the planet who end up depending on Carter’s leadership to pave the way for their survival.

The following preview sells the film quite well, much more so than the first teaser that debuted this past July. Definitely looking forward to this one (despite the fact that “of Mars” was dropped from the title for no apparent reason). Hit the jump to check it out!

Official Plot Synopsis:

From Academy Award(R)-winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton comes “John Carter”–a sweeping action-adventure set on the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars). “John Carter” is based on a classic novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, whose highly imaginative adventures served as inspiration for many filmmakers, both past and present. The film tells the story of war-weary, former military captain John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet, including Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe) and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins). In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands.

Anybody else think the arena battle looks strikingly similar to the one in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones?

John Carter, directed by Andrew Stanton, stars Taylor Kitsch, Willem Dafoe, Bryan Cranston and Lynn Collins. The film is slated for release nationwide on March 9, 2012.