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it's a shame it's such a shame because the acolyte and paper had so much potential terrible dialogue story all over the place plot holes poor character decisions.

💨 tl;dr

The Acolyte got canceled after one season due to declining viewership and criticism over its dialogue and character development. Actors often care more about their paycheck than project success. Future projects like Andor season 2 and Shogun are generating buzz, while nostalgia and character cameos remain hot topics.

💡 Key Ideas

• Michael Keaton's indifference to the Batgirl cancellation reflects a common attitude among actors, emphasizing they get paid regardless of the project's outcome.
• The Acolyte was canceled after one season despite a strong premiere, with significant viewership decline contributing to its cancellation.
• Critiques of The Acolyte highlight poor dialogue, plot holes, and weak character development, despite high production costs.
• Andor's season 2 is anticipated to be better than season 1, praised for quality and character depth.
• Speculation surrounds Daredevil: Born Again, with hints at surprise cameos mainly from the Netflix Universe.
• Shogun is expected to dominate the upcoming Emmy Awards, praised for its adaptation and quality.
• The podcast discusses broader concerns about movie theater experiences, including excessive trailers and the need for intermissions.
• There are debates about storytelling in Star Wars, emphasizing that good stories can exist outside the Skywalker era.
• Future projects like Fantastic Four and Sonic 3 generate excitement, with speculation on potential character cameos and narrative directions.

🎓 Lessons Learnt

• Getting Paid is Priority: Actors often focus more on their paycheck than the film's success, viewing their job completion as a success regardless of the outcome.

• Financially Driven Decisions: Companies may prioritize financial viability over artistic merit, as seen with Warner Brothers' decision regarding the Batgirl movie.

• Character Development is Essential: Strong character development is crucial for viewer connection; lacking this can lead to poor audience reception.

• Transparency Matters: Being upfront about project cancellations can prevent unnecessary speculation and disappointment among fans.

• Quality Production Values are Key: High production values enhance audience engagement; lower quality can deter viewers, as demonstrated by The Acolyte.

• Sustain Momentum: A show's success often depends on maintaining viewer interest and momentum throughout its run.

• Nostalgia Resonates: Bringing back beloved characters can enhance audience connection and enjoyment, leveraging fond memories.

• Know Your Audience: Understanding the audience's preferences is crucial for crafting successful content that resonates with viewers.

• Expect Surprises in Storytelling: Characters can sometimes exceed initial expectations, leading to greater engagement than anticipated.

• Avoid Overhyping Cameos: Marketing should not inflate expectations around cameos, as it can mislead audiences and create disappointment.

• Celebrate Quality Entertainment: Supporting and discussing quality shows promotes a positive viewing culture and encourages appreciation for good content.

• Execution Over Concept: A strong premise doesn't guarantee success; the execution is critical to turning ideas into compelling stories.

🌚 Conclusion

In the end, quality storytelling and character development are crucial for success. Companies need to balance financial decisions with artistic merit, and understanding the audience is key. Let's celebrate the good stuff and keep the hype in check!

In-Depth

All Key Ideas

Michael Keaton's Reaction to Batgirl Cancellation

• Michael Keaton was unfazed by Warner Brothers pulling the plug on the Batgirl movie, stating he got paid and was indifferent about the decision.
• The decision to cancel Batgirl was influenced by reports that the film was in very rough shape and would hurt Warner Brothers' brand financially.
• Despite the cancellation, everyone involved in the production received their paychecks.
• Keaton's perspective reflects the mindset of actors as 'hired guns' who do their jobs and get paid for them, regardless of the project's outcome.

Michael Keaton and the Impact of Project Cancellations

• Michael Keaton expresses indifference about a canceled project, emphasizing that he got paid and had a good time working on it.
• He acknowledges the emotional toll cancellation has on directors and performers, highlighting his sympathy for them.
• Chris, as a performer, interprets Keaton's comments as levelheaded rather than cold, suggesting they reflect a common attitude among actors.
• There's speculation about Brendan Fraser's perspective on the cancellation, considering his recent Oscar win.
• The discussion highlights Leslie Grace's situation, noting her role as the lead in a project that was significant for her career.
• The conversation also touches on the overall reception of recent DC films, suggesting that public interest has waned.

Andor Season 2 Insights

• Adria Arjona, who plays Bix in Andor, claims season 2 is 'way effing better' than season 1, mainly due to her having more scenes.
• The speaker believes Andor is the best Star Wars content ever created after the original trilogy, praising its quality.
• Tony Gilroy's work on season 2 is described as 'mindblowing,' and it will have 12 episodes spanning four years.
• There’s skepticism about second seasons usually not being as good, but Arjona’s enthusiasm suggests otherwise.
• The speaker finds supporting characters, especially Andy Serkis, more interesting than the main character, Cassian Andor.

Daredevil: Born Again Speculations

• One of the stars of a series claims season 2 is much better than season 1, raising excitement levels.
• Charlie Cox hints at surprise cameos in 'Daredevil: Born Again,' sparking speculation.
• The trailer for 'Daredevil: Born Again' feels similar to the Netflix series, suggesting a continuity in style.
• Charlie Cox suggests the cameos will mainly feature characters from the Netflix Universe, with a possibility of including Jessica Jones and Luke Cage.
• There’s speculation about other potential cameos, but the focus seems to be on Netflix characters rather than major MCU figures.

Speculation and Character Dynamics in Upcoming Series

• There's speculation about beloved characters returning, like those from Jessica Jones, and a desire to see characters like White Tiger and Peter Parker in new roles.
• The idea of having Peter Parker as a street-level superhero is discussed, particularly his potential role as a photographer.
• The character Madison, initially annoying, became more popular, leading to a desire for more of her and Wong's dynamic.
• Concerns about how to handle the character Muse, who poses a significant threat requiring collaboration between Daredevil and Kingpin, are raised.
• There's excitement about possible cameos in the upcoming series, with speculation on who they might be from the wider MCU or old Netflix series.
• The Acolyte's future is uncertain, with a mention of Season 2's status being in question.

Podcast Highlights

• The podcast discusses the cancellation of 'The Acolyte' after one season.
• The sponsor of the episode is Miracle Made, promoting their temperature-regulating, self-cleaning bed sheets.
• 'Shogun' is anticipated to sweep major awards at the upcoming Emmy Awards on September 15th.
• The host expresses excitement about 'Shogun,' highlighting its quality and his enthusiasm for the show.
• Predictions are made about various Emmy categories, with 'Shogun' expected to win in several, excluding Best Supporting Actress.

Television Awards and Shows

• Shogun is being heavily favored for multiple awards, including best series, best directing, and best acting categories.
• The show's adaptation from the novel is praised for elevating the original material.
• There is confusion around Emmy categories between drama and comedy, particularly regarding shows like The Bear.
• Shogun is considered the best show on television and is expected to dominate the awards this year.
• A new trailer for Only Murders in the Building was mentioned, highlighting its popularity and a movie adaptation featuring notable actors.

The Acolyte Series Overview

• The Acolyte will not have a second season, as reported by Deadline, shortly after its first season ended.
• The Acolyte had a strong premiere, generating 4.8 million views on its first day and ranking as the biggest series premiere on Disney Plus that year.
• Despite a strong start, The Acolyte's viewership declined significantly, dropping out of the top 10 after three weeks and being believed to have the lowest viewed Star Wars finale.
• There were mixed reactions to the show's cancellation, with some fans expressing happiness over it, which the speaker finds puzzling.
• The speaker initially had high hopes for The Acolyte due to the showrunner and director's past work but ended up disappointed and could not finish the series.
• Unlike other successful shows, The Acolyte's viewership declined week over week, despite a final push for the season finale.

Critique of The Acolyte

• The Acolyte lacked high production value and cinematic feel compared to other successful shows like House of the Dragon and The Last of Us.
• Viewership declined and the show's quality was questioned, leading to its cancellation.
• The show was pitched as a mystery thriller but failed to deliver on suspense and mystery.
• Despite its flaws, the fight choreography was praised as engaging and reminiscent of John Wick.
• The character of the main Jedi was considered poorly written and not effective.
• There was disappointment over the show's potential and cast's desire to continue the story.

Critique of The Acolyte

• The Acolyte had a conspiratorial plot that could have been interesting but was executed poorly and too late.
• The character Vanessa seemed shady and lacked clarity, reminiscent of twists in other franchises.
• The show failed to deliver a mysterious and thrilling experience, leading to its cancellation.
• There was a noticeable decline in viewership, which contributed to the decision to cancel the show.
• The cancellation was made public to avoid speculation and ongoing narrative around the show’s status, unlike with Obi-Wan.

Critiques and Reactions to 'Alien Romulus' and 'The Acolyte'

• Some criticism of the characters in 'Alien Romulus' may stem from biases against younger characters, but the desperate situations they face justify their actions.
• 'Alien Romulus' had a successful opening weekend, grossing $108 million on an $80 million budget, and received high audience and critic scores.
• The departure of viewers from 'Alien Romulus' early in the film may be due to various reasons, including unfamiliarity with the franchise or timing issues with other movies.
• A viewer humorously celebrates the cancellation of 'The Acolyte' with significant Super Chat contributions during the show.

Observations on Media and Film

• Physical media is declining in relevance despite its merits, and the debate over whether it should go away is separate from the fact that it is disappearing.
• Joffrey's statements in 'Game of Thrones' may not accurately reflect history, as histories can be skewed, and adaptations like 'House of the Dragon' may take liberties with the source material.
• The financial aspects of movie productions, such as actor paychecks and marketing costs, are often complicated and not always transparent.

Thoughts on Movie Theaters and Marvel Films

• Movie theaters use a tightly governed system to track box office data, involving a third-party organization that oversees both American and global theaters.
• The speaker believes the Multiverse concept in Marvel films is unnecessary and should be closed off after the Secret Wars storyline.
• While the Multiverse works in comics, its implementation in films lacks emotional weight and stakes, especially with constant character resurrections.
• The speaker expresses frustration with repeated advertisements in theaters, specifically mentioning the remix of the Nicole Kidman spot.

Concerns and Suggestions Regarding Movie Experiences

• The excessive amount of trailers and promotional content before movies is frustrating for viewers, making it hard to attract them back to theaters.
• The idea of integrating intermissions in movies is suggested to give audiences a break from all the pre-show content.
• Kathleen Kennedy's future in her role is uncertain, especially after being absent from major events like CinemaCon and Comic-Con.
• The UK model of starting films at the advertised time is praised, contrasting with the experience in other regions where trailers delay the start.

Film and Audience Reception Insights

• The studio is quickly moving 'Borderlands' to streaming, which is seen as a bad decision that conditions audiences to avoid theaters.
• There are concerns about the reception of child actors in upcoming Star Wars projects, referencing past negative experiences with fandom.
• A belief that the audience has learned from past mistakes regarding child actors, hoping for a better response this time.
• 'Harold and the Purple Crayon' made more money than 'Borderlands,' but went unnoticed by many.
• The low earnings of Ryan's World movie highlight the challenges of adapting YouTube stars into films.
• A humorous idea about exploring the everyday lives of non-warrior Predators.

Discussion on The Acolyte and Upcoming Movies

• The Acolyte series was canceled quickly, with criticisms about its terrible dialogue, plot holes, and character decisions despite having a high budget of $180 million.
• There is skepticism about where the budget for The Acolyte went, as the production quality did not match its expense.
• The potential for The Acolyte to be good was acknowledged, but the execution was deemed terrible.
• A sequel titled '28 Years Later' is in the works, with filming beginning soon and a potential release in 2025.
• The discussion includes thoughts on the upcoming Fantastic Four movie, suggesting it may not stray far from the typical Marvel formula.

Thoughts on Storytelling in Star Wars

• Lucasfilm shouldn't assume that cancelling 'The Acolyte' means they need to revert to nostalgic stories from the Skywalker era; great stories can exist outside that framework.
• Writing for games, comics, and live-action shows/movies requires different skills and approaches; a great story in one medium doesn't guarantee success in another.
• The success of a Star Wars story is not tied to its era but to the execution of a well-developed plan.
• The complaint about Marvel fights lacking stakes is oversimplified; the narrative significance matters more than whether the characters are fighting to the death.

Media Analysis and Critiques

• The Deadpool and Wolverine fights lacked stakes but served to tell a story about their frustration.
• References to Supernatural in The Boys, suggesting a playful connection between the two shows.
• A lighthearted critique of Mamma Mia regarding the lack of a paternity test as a plot solution.
• Inside Al2 is projected to be the highest-grossing animated film but may struggle to reach $1.7 billion.
• The Old Man show received high praise for its pilot, directed by John Watts.

Movie Discussions and Anticipations

• Discussion about unexpected actor roles in movies, referencing Kevin Spacey in A Bug's Life and James McAvoy in Wanted.
• Excitement for the upcoming Sonic 3 trailer release.
• Snow White needs to gross at least $336 million to break even, and there's uncertainty about its profitability despite the positive reception of its trailer.
• Mention of the financial success of The Little Mermaid, which made around $600 million.
• Anticipation and mixed reviews regarding the Shang Chi 2 preview called Jackpot.
• Thoughts on the trailer for Y2K, described as a fun but not Oscar-worthy film.
• Excitement for James Gunn's Superman, although not at the same level as Deadpool and Wolverine.

Discussion Topics

• Excitement for upcoming movies like Superman and Paddington in Peru, with a strong opinion on Paddington being potentially a top five trilogy.
• Discussion of Clint Eastwood's Western films, highlighting 'Outlaw Josie Wales' and 'Unforgiven' as favorites.
• Mention of a charity live stream by Rob Buck, who appreciates the professionalism of the show.
• Speculation about the ongoing bids for Paramount, with a belief that Sky Dan will likely succeed.
• Thoughts on Robert Downey Jr.'s potential cameo in Fantastic Four and the implications for marketing if he is featured.

Thoughts on Robert Downey Jr.'s Doom

• The idea of Robert Downey Jr.'s Doom has potential narrative upside but may not be executed well.
• If Doom is in Fantastic Four, they shouldn't market it as a quick cameo to avoid disappointing fans.

All Lessons Learnt

Insights on the Film Industry

• Getting paid is the priority: Michael Keaton's response reveals that actors often prioritize their paycheck over the success of a film. If they fulfill their job, they see it as a success, regardless of the project's outcome.
• Decisions can be financially driven: Warner Brothers' choice to pull the Batgirl movie highlights that sometimes companies make decisions based on financial viability rather than artistic merit.
• Honesty in the industry is refreshing: Michael Douglas's perspective emphasizes that actors view their roles as jobs. This honesty about the nature of their work can provide a clearer understanding of the industry's dynamics.

Insights on Project Involvement and Emotional Investment

• It's okay to be detached from a project after completing your work on it.
• Understand the emotional investment of others in a project.
• Maintain composure in public situations.
• Speculation can lead to empathy towards other performers.
• Recognize that not all projects will be critically acclaimed.

Insights on Television Seasons

• Enthusiasm Can Signal Quality: When actors express genuine excitement about a new season, it can indicate the season may be better than expected, as shown by Adria Arjona's comments about Andor season 2.
• Second Seasons Can Surpass Expectations: It's common to expect a sophomore slump, but sometimes the follow-up can be even better, demonstrating that creators can build on initial success effectively.
• More Content Can Enhance Storytelling: Longer seasons with more episodes can provide a deeper, more complex narrative, as seen with Andor's 12 episodes spanning four years compared to shorter seasons.
• Character Development Adds Value: Having more screen time for supporting characters can elevate the overall quality of a show, as noted in Arjona's increased role in season 2.

Daredevil Series Insights

• Expect Cameos to Enhance Projects: The presence of surprise cameos can significantly boost excitement and viewer engagement in series like 'Daredevil Born Again.'
• Familiarity Matters: Creating a trailer that resonates with fans of previous series (like Netflix's 'Daredevil') can make audiences feel connected and invested in the new iteration.
• Focus on Character Continuity: Incorporating characters from the original Netflix universe can maintain continuity and satisfy long-time fans, enhancing their viewing experience.

Storytelling Insights

• Embrace Nostalgia: Bringing back beloved characters can resonate well with audiences, as it taps into their fond memories and attachments.
• Small Cameos Matter: Incorporating brief appearances or interactions between characters can create meaningful moments without requiring significant time from the actors.
• Character Development is Key: Developing street-level characters can strengthen the narrative, making the story relatable and grounded.
• Expect Surprises: Sometimes, characters can exceed initial expectations, turning out to be more engaging than first perceived (like Madison).
• Balance Tone: It's essential to maintain a balance between serious themes and lighthearted moments to avoid alienating the audience.
• Know Your Audience: Understanding what the audience wants (e.g., not wanting a 'kiddy' version) is crucial for successful storytelling.

Key Takeaways from the Podcast

• Invest in Quality Sleep Products: The podcast emphasizes the importance of sleep quality and suggests using temperature-regulating and self-cleaning bed sheets, like those from Miracle Made, to enhance your sleep experience.
• Celebrate Quality Entertainment: The excitement around the show 'Shogun' highlights the value of supporting and promoting quality television that resonates with audiences, encouraging discussions in social circles about great content.
• Recognize Outstanding Performances: The discussion about award predictions teaches listeners to appreciate and acknowledge exceptional performances in shows, as it can elevate conversations and recommendations among peers.

Insights on Adaptations and Awards

• Adaptations Can Elevate Original Material: Shogun shows that a well-done adaptation can enhance the source material, making it better suited for film.
• Awards Predictions Are Often Unreliable: While there are strong predictions for Shogun winning awards, it’s important to remember that the final outcomes can differ from expectations.
• Clarity in Genre Categorization Is Important: The confusion around what qualifies as a drama or comedy can detract from the awards process; more specific categories could help.
• Excitement for New Projects Can Be Contagious: The buzz around new adaptations and projects, like the trailer for 'Only Murders in the Building,' can generate excitement within the audience.

Key Insights on Television Shows

• Momentum is key for a show's success.
• Subjectivity in entertainment is important.
• Don't hate-watch content.
• Word of mouth can significantly impact viewership.

Key Elements of a Successful Show

• High production value is crucial for audience engagement. The Acolyte lacked the cinematic feel that resonates with viewers, making it feel less compelling compared to other high-production shows.
• Mystery thrillers need to maintain suspense and intrigue. If a show is pitched as a mystery thriller, it must actually deliver on those elements; otherwise, it risks losing the audience quickly.
• Strong fight choreography can elevate a show's appeal. Despite the overall shortcomings, the fight choreography in The Acolyte was praised and kept viewers engaged during action scenes.
• Character development is essential for viewer connection. The failure to effectively develop key characters, particularly the main Jedi, detracted from the show’s overall quality and enjoyment.
• Good directing can be overshadowed by poor writing or character choices. Even a capable director can struggle if the script and character development are lacking; the show's shortcomings were not necessarily a reflection of the director's abilities.

Lessons from Successful Shows

• If you're going to be a mystery thriller, you got to feel mysterious and you have to be thrilling. This emphasizes that a successful mystery show needs strong intrigue and excitement to engage viewers.
• It's better to be upfront about cancellations than to let speculation drag on. This suggests that transparency can prevent unnecessary rumors and disappointment among fans.
• A show needs a strong fan base to survive, as seen with the comparison between 'The Acolyte' and 'Obi-Wan.' This highlights the importance of viewer support in determining a show's longevity.
• Personalize experiences for better engagement, like Hungry Root does with customized grocery plans. This lesson indicates that catering to individual preferences can enhance satisfaction and loyalty.

Insights on Film and Audience Reactions

• Desperate characters make unwise decisions: Characters in dire situations, like those in 'Alien Romulus,' often act irrationally due to their desperation, which can lead to misunderstood actions by the audience.
• Not all movies resonate with everyone: Audience reactions can vary greatly; some may leave a film for reasons unrelated to its quality, highlighting that not every movie will appeal to every viewer.
• Celebrate successes, even in niche contexts: Whether it's a movie's performance or a personal event, it's worthwhile to celebrate achievements or milestones, as seen with the party for 'The Acolyte.'

Key Insights on Media and Adaptations

• Physical media is still valuable: Despite the shift towards streaming, physical media has unique merits that can’t be replaced, such as accessibility to hard-to-find titles.
• History can be skewed: Just because a character in a story states something as fact, it doesn't mean it's accurate; historical narratives can be distorted, especially when passed down verbally.
• Anticipate changes in adaptations: When watching adaptations like 'House of the Dragon,' understand that liberties are often taken with source material, which may not align perfectly with the original story.

Lessons on Movie Theaters and the Multiverse

• The movie theater revenue system is tightly governed.
• The Multiverse concept can dilute storytelling stakes in films.
• Effective storytelling in the Multiverse requires clear stakes and emotional investment.

Movie Experience Guidelines

• Respect Movie Start Times: If a movie is advertised to start at a specific time, it should start on time. This helps set clear expectations for the audience and avoids frustration.
• Limit Pre-Movie Advertising: Excessive trailers and ads before a movie can drive people away from theaters. Keeping it concise can enhance the viewing experience.
• Consider Intermissions: Having an intermission could allow viewers to take breaks without missing content, making the experience more enjoyable.
• Be Cautious with Industry Rumors: Information about changes in leadership or projects may not always be reliable. It's best to be skeptical and not take rumors at face value.

Lessons from the Film Industry

• Dumping movies to streaming quickly conditions audiences.
• The Star Wars fandom can learn from past mistakes with child actors.
• High-profile flops might be worse than low-profile bombs.

Key Points on Show Quality

• Terrible execution can ruin potential: Even with a good premise, poor dialogue, plot holes, and character decisions can lead to a disappointing result, as seen with 'The Acolyte.'
• Budget doesn't guarantee quality: A high budget doesn't always reflect in the final product; sometimes, you can't see where the money went, which raises questions about production choices.
• Good actors can't save a bad show: A talented actor can shine despite overall poor execution, but that doesn't make the show worth watching.
• Concepts in theory can fail in practice: Just because something sounds good on paper doesn't mean it will translate well into a successful show or movie; execution is key.

Lessons in Storytelling

• Don't assume great stories in one medium will translate perfectly to another.
• Execution is key regardless of the story's setting.
• Stakes in storytelling can be subjective.

Insights on Storytelling

• Stakes in storytelling aren't always crucial. Sometimes, the emotional culmination of character frustrations can be more important than having high stakes in a fight scene, as seen in the Deadpool and Wolverine fights.
• Nostalgia can enhance enjoyment. References to beloved shows like Supernatural in other series, such as The Boys, can create a sense of connection and joy for fans, making the viewing experience more enjoyable.
• Paternity tests are a logical solution in stories. In narratives, if a paternity test is available, it can seem illogical not to use it, which can detract from the story's believability, as highlighted in the discussion about Mamma Mia.
• Anticipation can be built through directors' reputations. Knowing that a respected director like John Watts is behind a show can significantly increase viewer anticipation and interest in the series.

Lessons Learned from Movies

• Movies can surprise you with casting choices.
• Trailers can be misleading.
• Financial success of a film often depends on family appeal.
• Reviews can influence viewing choices.

Key Considerations for Events and Marketing

• Charity Events Require Planning: Hosting a charity live stream is a big task, and it’s important to run it smoothly to make it look easy, as demonstrated by Rob’s successful yearly events.
• Marketing Needs Caution: If Robert Downey Jr. has a brief cameo in a film, it’s better not to include him in the marketing to avoid misleading audiences and creating unrealistic expectations.
• Bidding Processes Can Be Uncertain: In high-stakes bids, like the one for Paramount, it’s essential to remember that the situation can change rapidly and that there might still be opportunities for other bids.

Lessons from Marketing and Audience Engagement

• Don’t overhype cameos in marketing.
• Appreciate audience support.