Best Of: 'Spider-Man' dir. Destin Daniel Cretton / Novelist Harriet Clark
Aug 15, 2026 · 48m
Summary
Fresh Air Weekend features Destin Daniel Cretton, who discusses directing the record-breaking Spider-Man: Brand New Day and how his past work at a group home influenced his storytelling. The episode also includes an interview with author Harriet Clark about her novel The Hill, which draws from her experience visiting her mother, a former Weather Underground member, in prison for 37 years.
Topics discussed
Intro, sponsors, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day teaser
Destin Daniel Cretton's background and Marvel transition
Peter Parker's loneliness and the 'Brand New Day' theme
Jean Grey's role and the choice of antagonist
Sponsors: GoodRx and Raymond James
Cretton's early work at a group home and Short Term 12
Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson, and narrative change
Childhood influences, family dynamics, and filmmaking roots
Shang-Chi, cultural identity, and relationship with his father
Conclusion of Cretton interview and sponsors
Harriet Clark's novel and her mother's imprisonment
Growing up in a political collective and prison visits
The Brinks robbery details and grandmother's burden
Feelings of abandonment vs. maternal love
Mother's release and their current relationship
Credits and final sponsor message
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