‘The Studio’ Makes Hollywood Look Cool Again. Plus, ‘Dope Thief.’
Mar 27, 2025
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The future of James Bond takes a new turn with Amy Pascal and David Heyman at the helm. Seth Rogen's 'The Studio' impressively showcases the art of production with a refreshing twist. Meanwhile, 'Dope Thief' dives into the gritty underbelly of Philadelphia, featuring gripping performances and a recovering addict's journey. The hosts reflect on the evolving Hollywood landscape, touching on nostalgia and the importance of storytelling in today's entertainment industry. Prepare for a lively discussion packed with insights!
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Quick takeaways
The hiring of Amy Pascal and David Heyman for the James Bond franchise signals a significant shift in its production direction under Amazon's ownership.
‘The Studio’ effectively blends comedy and insight, showcasing the challenges of the film industry while appealing to audiences interested in creative processes.
Apple TV+ continues to invest heavily in original content like ‘Dope Thief’ despite significant financial losses, emphasizing their commitment to long-term growth in the streaming market.
Deep dives
Coffee Mate's Tropical Offerings
The episode highlights the collaboration between Coffee Mate and HBO's The White Lotus, introducing two new limited-time coffee creamers inspired by the show's setting in Thailand. The flavors introduced are Thai iced coffee and pina colada, designed to deliver tropical notes that evoke a vacation vibe. The hosts express their excitement about these unique creamers, noting the resemblance of the Thai iced coffee to the real beverage with its condensed milk richness. The pina colada flavor also garners praise for its refreshing taste that transports drinkers to a carefree beach atmosphere.
Discussion on Dope Thief and The Studio
The hosts dive into discussions about two shows, Dope Thief and The Studio, both produced for Apple TV+. They express admiration for the quality of both series, highlighting their unique styles and narrative approaches. The conversation touches on the ability of Dope Thief to engage audiences through crime drama elements while The Studio offers a comedic yet insightful look into the film industry. The chemistry between the hosts reveals their genuine enthusiasm for these shows, appreciating the creative talents behind them including directors and writers.
James Bond's Franchise Future
The podcast explores the implications of Amazon's acquisition of the James Bond franchise, particularly the hiring of notable producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman. This move signals a shift in how franchise management will function, especially in an era dominated by tech companies like Amazon. The hosts reflect on the legacy of the Bond series and the challenges of maintaining its traditional essence while adapting to modern audiences. The potential for new adaptations and expansions of the Bond universe raises questions about preserving the franchise's integrity amid evolving industry dynamics.
Apple TV+'s Content Strategy
The conversation addresses Apple's substantial financial investment in producing content for Apple TV+, noting a reported annual loss of one billion dollars. Despite these figures, Apple continues to pour resources into high-profile projects, showcasing a willingness to spend for potential long-term brand and market benefits. The hosts discuss how this approach contrasts with other networks and its implications for Apple's content strategy moving forward. They highlight the challenge of balancing artistic vision and financial realities in the ever-evolving streaming landscape.
Character Dynamics in Dope Thief
In Dope Thief, the performances of Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Mora are praised for their chemistry and depth as they navigate the complexities of their characters' lives as small-time crooks. The show delivers a mix of drama and humor, with Henry's portrayal being particularly noted for its charisma and emotional range. The supporting cast contributes to the narrative, enriching character backstories and motivations that enhance the show's intrigue. The dynamic between the leads captures the trials of friendship and survival in a chaotic environment of crime and deception.
Chris and Andy talk about the news that Amy Pascal and David Heyman have been chosen to produce the next James Bond movies for Amazon and what that could mean for the future of that franchise (03:17). Then they talk about the new Seth Rogen series, ‘The Studio,’ and how this show succeeds at the difficult task of making a show about making things (28:25). Finally, they talk about the new Apple TV+ series ‘Dope Thief,’ a crime show sort of set in Philadelphia that stars Brian Tyree Henry (44:31).