

WHAT WENT WRONG
Sad Boom Media
What Went Wrong covers Hollywood’s most notoriously disastrous movie productions, digging into the behind-the-scenes insanity of everything from massive flops to record-breaking blockbusters. In each episode, hosts Lizzie Bassett and Chris Winterbauer dive into a new film to explore the mind-blowing (and sometimes numbing) reasons why making a movie is nearly impossible (especially a good one). Produced by David Boman.JOIN OUR PATREON FOR 'WWW' BONUS CONTENT!
Episodes
Mentioned books

22 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 1h 35min
A Nightmare on Elm Street
Dive into the nightmare world of Freddy Krueger with fascinating insights from Wes Craven's inspiration. Discover Johnny Depp’s early career in a film with a budget so tight it had to get creative. Marvel at the culinary touch behind Freddy's iconic makeup, born from real-life burns. Unravel the casting decisions that fatefully brought Robert Englund to life as the horror icon. Plus, hear about the daring production challenges that transformed a low-budget flick into a legendary franchise.

Oct 10, 2025 • 11min
Listen Now: American Hysteria - Movie Curses
Join an intriguing discussion on the chilling phenomenon of movie curses! The hosts explore the idea of curses as a marketing tool, while balancing skepticism and personal beliefs. Delve into iconic films like The Exorcist, examining its deeper themes and context within the tumultuous 1970s. Experience a mix of haunting memories and cultural analysis that teases the line between superstition and reality, all wrapped in a compelling exploration of how movies can shape our perceptions and fears.

32 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 43min
Interview with the Vampire
Tom Cruise was excited to play Lestat, unaware that Anne Rice hated his casting. The film's journey spanned nearly 20 years, facing numerous challenges, including initial studio reluctance and casting battles. Brad Pitt's struggles on set and Kirsten Dunst's controversial scenes added drama behind the scenes. The production boasted stunning visuals and makeup, but it was Rice's eventual praise of the film that surprised everyone. Dive into this captivating tale of creative clashes and unexpected successes.

21 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 19min
Vampires! A Primer
Dive into the eerie history of vampires, from the chilling exhumation of Mercy Brown to the Great New England Vampire Panic. Uncover the origins of these mythical creatures, linked to diseases and fears throughout the ages. Explore the literary evolution sparked by John Polidori and Bram Stoker's Dracula, cementing vampire tropes in pop culture. Discover Anne Rice's transformative vision that made vampires sympathetic, and see how modern tales shift back to terrifying monsters, reflecting contemporary anxieties.

10 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 19min
[Bonus Preview] One Battle After Another Review
Lizzie and Chris dive into the intricacies of Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film, celebrating its political themes and the journey to its creation. They highlight standout performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio Del Toro while discussing how the cast contributes to the film's narrative. The conversation covers the film's ambitious $150M budget, its historical context, and PTA's unique shooting style. Expect engaging insights about the film's script evolution and the influences behind its greenlighting.

6 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 41min
Catwoman (with Ryan Bailey)
Ryan Bailey, the host of 'So Bad It's Good with Ryan Bailey', joins the discussion to unpack the tumultuous journey of *Catwoman*. They dive into the film's chaotic production, from the casting of Halle Berry to the bizarre choices made in its script. The group explores the impact of Michelle Pfeiffer's iconic portrayal and the messy attempts to reboot Catwoman over the years. With a mix of nostalgia and humor, they reflect on Halle's Razzie acceptance and the movie's place in the 'so-bad-it's-good' realm.

Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 19min
The African Queen (1951)
Dive into the chaotic production of a classic film from 1951, exploring wild stories of elephants, dysentery, and even cannibalism. Discover why Hollywood icons fled to Africa amidst political turmoil and the hunting detours of director John Huston. Hear about the challenges they faced with bugs, leeches, and legal disputes, all while capturing stunning cinematography. Despite the on-location disasters, the magnetic performances of Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart shine through, showcasing both the art and chaos of filmmaking.

45 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 46min
Back To The Future
Discover the surprising journey of a beloved classic, where script changes and studio pressures shaped a pop culture phenomenon. Laugh at terrible title ideas and dive into the casting drama that led to Michael J. Fox's iconic role. Explore themes of nostalgia, creative tensions, and even Crispin Glover's landmark struggles in the franchise. Delve into how the film evolved through its rewrites and production challenges, ultimately becoming a timeless favorite that still resonates today.

Sep 10, 2025 • 19min
[Bonus Preview] The Conjuring: Last Rites
Chris and Lizzie dive into the real-life inspiration behind Ed and Lorraine Warren, debating their portrayal in films. They humorously discuss a youthful actor’s apparent agelessness and the underrepresented Amityville Horror. Analyzing emotional depth and family dynamics, they explore what made the franchise a success. The hosts tease details about the latest film, including Annabelle's new owner and box office predictions, while unpacking the franchise's commercial triumph and its potential future.

18 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 1h 12min
This Is Spinal Tap
Imagine a world without the iconic rock mockumentary! The hosts dive into the struggles of financing 'Spinal Tap' and how Tom Petty inspired its creation. They share hilarious behind-the-scenes anecdotes, including a confused bassist. Discover the journey from skit to screen and the awkward but amusing demands of performers. The episode also highlights the film's lasting impact on comedy and its ongoing financial battles, reminding us of the fine line between parody and homage.