Well it looks like Michael Bay’s closest competition next year may come in the form of a “Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Robots”-inspired boxing movie that is also executive produced by Steven Spielberg. After the somewhat underwhelming teaser trailer for Transformers: Dark of the Moon, the first trailer for Real Steel has arrived online this week and offers a little bit more in the way of robot-on-robot action. I have to admit, I was a bit surprised by the grittiness of the trailer, considering that it’s from Shawn Levy, director of Night at the Museum. I wouldn’t say I’m sold on it yet, but I’m definitely more interested than I was before.

Hugh Jackman stars as Charlie Kenton, a former boxer who now makes a living as a small-time promoter, but also dreams of building a championship robot contender. That opportunity does not come until he teams up with his estranged son Max (Dakota Goyo). The trailer wisely keeps the father / son stuff out of the equation, but knowing Spielberg I’m sure it will still be a major component of the story. The movie also co-stars Evangeline Lilly, Kevin Durand and Anthony Mackie. Real Steel hits theatres on October 7th; check out the trailer after the jump and see what you think.