318: Bonus Ep: Throttle (and Giant Snakes) with Mike P. Nelson Live At Fantastic Fest 2026!
Summary
Host Eric Vesby interviews director Mike P. Nelson at Fantastic Fest to discuss the short story "Throttle" by Stephen King and Joe Hill. The pair analyzes the story’s complex father-son dynamics and visceral action, comparing it to the film Duel. They also engage in a playful hypothetical battle between the giant snake Boyuna and various Stephen King monsters, including Cujo, the Wendigo, and the Leviathan.
Topics discussed
Introduction and guest arrival
Mike Nelson's childhood with Stephen King
Setting parameters for the monster battle
Boyuna vs. Cujo the dog
Boyuna vs. Rat Bat King
Boyuna vs. The Gator from The Gator
Boyuna vs. The Wendigo
Boyuna vs. Pennywise and the Deadlights
Boyuna vs. The Cyborg Bear from Dark Tower
Boyuna vs. Creatures from The Mist and Leviathan
Discussion of the film Duel
Duel: The father-son dynamic and crash
Duel: The biker gang backstory and Lemmy
Duel: The climax and Vince's sacrifice
Adapting Duel and casting the truck driver
The mystery of the truck driver's identity
Themes of revenge and righteous justice
Nostalgia for Tommyknockers and Skeleton Crew
Stephen King's reinvention and legacy
Beware the Boonies release and credits
Listen ad-free on Castria