The Town with Matthew Belloni Mailbag! 'Star Wars' and Soderbergh, the Best Home for Warner Bros., and Netflix vs. Theaters.
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Nov 5, 2025 
Craig Horlbeck, a producer on the show, joins Matt to dive into intriguing topics. They discuss the controversial rejection of a Steven Soderbergh-penned 'Star Wars' script, exploring Disney's missed opportunity. The duo examines who should acquire Warner Bros., weighing the benefits of Netflix versus Paramount. They also ponder Netflix's potential theatrical deals and the uncertain future of MTV's 'The Challenge' under new ownership. Tune in for an engaging mix of industry insights and playful banter!
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Why Disney Rejected Soderbergh's Star Wars
- Disney said no to Steven Soderbergh and Adam Driver's Ben Solo script largely for business and franchise reasons.
- Lucasfilm prefers big commercial bets with clear box-office stars rather than smaller character-driven Star Wars films.
Pitch With Box-Office Realities
- Studios evaluate scripts on business, star power, and perceived audience appetite, not just creative merit.
- If you want studio buy-in, align projects with clear commercial prospects or attach major box-office talent.
Star Wars Strategy: Big Over Intimate
- Lucasfilm is prioritizing large-scale, crowd-pleasing Star Wars projects rather than smaller, Empire Strikes Back-style character pieces.
- That strategic choice stems from Disney's desire for big commercial returns and cross-platform franchise moments.