A new trailer shows Sir David Attenborough reflecting on the most important place on Earth, as he prepares to turn 99 in a new documentary on the ocean

Undated handout photo issued by Sliverback Films/ Open Planet Studios of Sir David Attenborough who reflects on what he has learned across his almost 99 years of life in the trailer for a new documentary Ocean With David Attenborough, celebrating the ocean. Viewers can watch the film in cinemas from May 8, the day the veteran broadcaster turns 99. Issue date: Friday April 4, 2025.
Sir David Attenborough reflects on what he has learned across his almost 99 years of life(Image: Copyright remains with handout provider)

In a gripping trailer for his latest documentary, Sir David Attenborough has shared an emotional message as he prepares to celebrate a huge milestone.

In his latest documentary the TV icon reflects on a lifetime of learning, spanning nearly 99 years, culminating in ‘Ocean With David Attenborough’ — a film celebrating the majesty and critical importance of the ocean. The upcoming feature sees the esteemed broadcaster exploring the vital role of the oceans and sharing his aspiration for its recovery.

‌

Viewers are treated to stunning visuals of coral reefs, majestic icebergs, and the boundless open sea, with Attenborough himself narrating from an expansive, windswept beach.

Sir David Attenborough portrait
Ocean With David Attenborough sees the veteran broadcaster speak about the importance of saving the sea, as well as his hope that it can recover(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

‌

Turning 99 on May 8 – coinciding with the release date of the documentary in cinemas – Sir David is best known for enthralling audiences through BBC documentaries like Wild Isles and the Planet Earth series. In the trailer, he shares a poignant revelation: “After living for nearly 100 years on this planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.”

He continues with passion: “Through the course of my life we have been on a voyage of ocean discovery. Only now are we understanding what it means for the future of our world. What we have found could change everything, for once you’ve truly seen the sea, you’ll never look at earth in the same way again.”

He emphasizes the ocean’s critical role as Earth’s lifeline and its capacity to combat climate disaster: “The ocean is our planet’s life support system and our greatest ally against climate catastrophe.”

‌

However, he highlights the urgent challenges: “Yet it’s at a cross roads. We are draining the life from our ocean. Today it is in such poor health, I would find it hard not to lose hope were it not for the most remarkable discovery of all.” With a touch of optimism, he adds, “The ocean can recover faster than we had ever imagined. It can bounce back to life.”

He remarked: “It may not just recover, but thrive beyond anything anyone alive has ever seen. This is the story of our ocean and how we must write its next chapter together. For if we save the sea, we save our world. After a lifetime of filming our planet I’m sure that nothing is more important.”

The world premiere of the film is set for Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London on Tuesday May 6. Showcasing oceans from the Americas to Europe, Africa, and Oceania, the film will highlight efforts to reverse the damage caused by human activity on coral reefs, mangroves, coastal communities, fish farms, marine sanctuaries, and various other ecosystems.

Worldwide screenings, including those in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, will start from May 8. Later in the year, ‘Ocean With David Attenborough’ will be available globally on National Geographic, Disney+, and Hulu.