John Carter with Matt Singer
Summary
Griffin and David are joined by Matt Singer to discuss Disney’s *John Carter*, analyzing its disastrous marketing and comparison to *Avatar*. They also review Singer’s new book on 2010s comedy franchises, sampling a Spider-Man themed coffee along the way. The episode explores how Hollywood misread the source material’s appeal and the shifting landscape of studio blockbusters.
Topics discussed
Mars movie history and John Carter's legacy
Spider-Man coffee taste test and comic art
Discussion on modern franchises and Apatow comedies
Disney's strategy and the failure of John Carter
Adaptation challenges and the Barsoom source material
Andrew Stanton's pitch and production history
Taylor Kitsch's career and casting as John Carter
Casting Willem Dafoe and the Therns
Performance analysis and Disney's mismanagement
Sponsor segments and comparison to Dune
Visual effects, reshoots, and narrative structure
Lynn Collins, the Therns, and plot holes
Tangential discussion on The Wolverine and X-Men
Sponsor segment and the coma plot device
Book vs. movie differences and the ending
Star Wars comparisons and marketing failures
Box office context and Taylor Kitsch's filmography
Final thoughts, sponsor, and credits
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