Monster Trucks trailer: Automotive aliens take the wheel

Monster Trucks sounds like a mash-up of E.T. and The Fast and the Furious: an out-of-place boy finds and befriends a lost alien, and that alien can also supercharge his truck.

In the first trailer for the upcoming family action film, high school senior Tripp (Lucas Till) discovers a friendly, tentacled alien while working on his truck in a junkyard. After discovering that the strange new creature not only loves to attach itself to his truck, but can also serve as a super-powered engine for the vehicle, Tripp takes it out for a joyride with his friend (played by Jane Levy). But it’s not all fun and games; Tripp has to help his new alien buddy reunite with his family, and avoid the bad guys chasing after them.

WANT MORE EW? Subscribe now to keep up with the latest in movies, television and music.

The movie will also star Thomas Lennon as a helpful scientist, Danny Glover as someone who helps Tripp get trucks, and Rob Lowe in a role that’s not yet been revealed. Till is coming off his three-movie run as Alex Summers, or Havok, in the X-Men film franchise, and will play the lead role in CBS’ upcoming MacGyver reboot. Levy is best known for her lead role in the ABC sitcom Suburgatory.

Monster Trucks will roll into theaters on Jan. 13, 2017.