🐉 How E.T. Influenced the Director of How To Train Your Dragon

Today’s newsletter seems to tie together a lot of moments that could have been. While many films and television shows leave forgotten scenes on the cutting room floor, we were able to learn about director and creator visions that were nearly very different from what ended up on screen.

In our interview with director Dean DeBlois, for example, we learn about a pivotal scene in How To Train Your Dragon that might have been very different (and perhaps less poignant) without some insightful input from Steven Spielberg. And in our Andor piece, we learn that series creator Tony Gilroy was voted down in his wish to include an extra bit of revenge for Adria Arjona’s character, Bix.

Often these changes are less about editing for time or story and more about determining the tone of a scene. Even subtle differences can have a big impact!

— Michael Ahr, Newsletter Editor

IN THIS ISSUE

• The latest episode of In the Den with director Dean DeBlois 🎬

• Insight from Andor creator Tony Gilroy about a pivotal season 2 moment 🧁

• Our reaction to news of a Spaceballs sequel 40 years after the original 🚀

• …and more!