The New Mutants (2020), and a big missed opportunity

The New Mutants (2020), and a big missed opportunity

Author: Simon Brew June 1, 2026 Duration: 59:43
The idea wasn't a bad one. With the cost of X-Men movies spiralling, 20th Century Fox was interested in a lower cost, slightly more niche film in the saga. One that could perhaps appeal to a teen audience, that wouldn't put quite the strain on the old finances. Josh Boone - off the back of The Fault In Our Stars - was brought in to write and direct, a dream project for him. But the dream would soon turn sour, with two big, unexpected obstacles, and a whole lot of to and fro over potential reshoots... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder what really happened behind the scenes of your favorite film? Film Stories with Simon Brew pulls back the curtain, exploring the fascinating and often chaotic journeys movies take from script to screen. Host Simon Brew, founder of Den of Geek, guides each episode, delving into the untold narratives that shaped cinema. You’ll hear about productions plagued by unexpected hurdles, complex rights battles that stalled projects for years, and the sheer luck or stubborn determination that finally got a film into theaters. This isn't just a review show; it's a deep dive into the history and human drama of filmmaking. Each story reveals the layers hidden within a finished movie-the near-cancellations, the last-minute rewrites, and the creative clashes that are all part of the process. Tune in for a compelling look at how films are truly made, far beyond what appears in the final cut. This podcast celebrates the resilience and sometimes madness inherent in bringing stories to life, offering a fresh perspective for anyone who loves the world of TV and film.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Film Stories with Simon Brew
Podcast Episodes
Judge Dredd (1995), and the long battle to get it made [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:32
In 1980, an option was taken out on Judge Dredd with a view of getting a movie of Mega City One's legendary law enforcer to the big screen. In the years that followed, it looked like Tony Scott might direct a film based…
X-Men (2000), and how it changed superhero cinema [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:47
No two ways about it, 2000's X-Men movie was a massive gamble. At a time when studios needed movie star vehicles, 20th Century Fox found itself without a summer blockbuster due to a delay on a Tom Cruise film. It'd alrea…
In conversation with Drew Goddard | A very nerdy film chat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:00
Here's a special episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, where Simon is joined by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Drew Goddard. Drew was in town to talk about his script for Project Hail Mary. But as you're about to hear,…