Coldplay Debuts ‘Magic’ Music Video from New Album Ghost Stories
Coldplay has unveiled the official music video for “Magic,” the lead single from their upcoming album, Ghost Stories, which is set to be released on May 19. Fans who pre-order the album on iTunes can download “Magic” immediately. The new video offers a striking visual complement to the song’s atmospheric sound, blending classic cinema aesthetics with contemporary storytelling.
The video centers on frontman Chris Martin in a dual role: he portrays both the magician’s assistant and the man who torments her. The magician herself is played by acclaimed actress Zhang Ziyi, whose screen presence brings both vulnerability and resilience to the character. Shot with the look and pacing of a silent film, the piece relies on expressive performances, carefully composed frames, and a black-and-white palette to evoke the feeling of an old cinematic melodrama while remaining firmly modern in its themes.
The narrative explores a fraught relationship between performer and assistant, where power and manipulation take center stage. Through a series of staged illusions, close-ups, and dramatic visual motifs, the story follows the magician’s journey from exploitation to self-empowerment. Rather than focusing on spectacle alone, the video uses magic as a metaphor for control, deception, and ultimately liberation. The role reversal—featuring a female magician who puts a man at risk for the sake of her act—subverts common tropes and highlights an empowering dynamic rarely portrayed so plainly on screen.
Visually, the director leans into the conventions of early film: intertitles, period-inspired costumes, and deliberate camera work all contribute to the throwback ambiance. This stylistic choice enhances the emotional weight of the story, giving the viewer room to focus on gesture and expression instead of relying on dialogue. Chris Martin’s performances as both tormentor and supporter are restrained but effective, allowing Zhang Ziyi’s nuanced portrayal to carry the emotional arc. The result is a short film that feels cinematic rather than merely promotional.
Musically, “Magic” complements the visuals with its haunting melody and intimate production. The song’s minimalistic arrangement and Martin’s evocative vocals create a mood that aligns with the video’s themes of vulnerability and resilience. As the lead single from Ghost Stories, “Magic” serves as an introduction to the album’s broader sonic palette, which promises reflective songwriting and atmospheric soundscapes.
Beyond the single, the release highlights Coldplay’s continued interest in blending music with narrative filmmaking. The band has often integrated visual storytelling into their singles, but this video stands out for its cinematic ambition and emotional specificity. By choosing to present the story as a silent-era-inspired short, Coldplay invites viewers to engage more deeply with body language, staging, and the interplay between performer and audience.
On a related note, frontman Chris Martin is also appearing as a key mentor on the television series The Voice, where he is serving as a guide during the Battle Rounds. His involvement on television underscores a broader artistic presence this season, spanning recorded music, visual media, and live mentorship.
In sum, the “Magic” video is a thoughtful, stylized accompaniment to Coldplay’s lead single. It marries period film aesthetics with contemporary concerns about agency and artistic control, anchored by strong performances and a haunting musical backdrop. For listeners and viewers anticipating Ghost Stories, “Magic” offers an immediate glimpse into the album’s mood and the band’s continued evolution as both musicians and visual collaborators.