Franchise Detours

Rocky (and, by extension, Rocky II) tells one of the greatest underdog stories in cinema history. But with audiences clamoring for more of "The Italian Stallion," how could writer/director/star Sylvester Stallone build upon Rocky Balboa's story after he has achieved the ultimate goal of claiming the heavyweight championship? The answer lies in the characters themselves. With 1982's Rocky III, Stallone ups the personal stakes for the titular hero, while also continuing to follow how the relationships between the core characters evolve. Buoyed by appearances from professional wrestler Hulk Hogan and Mr. T as Rocky's nemesis, Clubber Lang, as well as a hot soundtrack, the movie perhaps marks the series' biggest success to date. Writer Jeannette Miller joins us to discuss how Rocky III continues the series' character-focused storytelling. We'll discuss why it switches up the structure of its predecessors, how it mirrors Stallone's own life and career, and which character relationship might be the series' best. So start pumping Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" and get ready to enter the ring once again.

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Even decades after its release, 1976's Rocky stands as the ultimate cinematic underdog story. But following its critical acclaim, box office performance, and awards wins, it's only natural that everything involved — including star and screenwriter Sylvester Stallone — would explore what happened next in the lives of Rocky, Adrian, Paulie, Mickey, and of course, Apollo. Darin Lundberg of NostalgiaCast and Back To Bluey joins us to talk about how 1979's Rocky II expands on the original film. We'll discuss whether the movie undercuts its predecessor with a Rocky and Apollo rematch, how the movie cements Stallone as the primary creative force of the franchise, and whether the film successfully justifies Rocky's return to the sport. Join us as we step back into the ring with Rocky and his crew for a sequel that dares to push boundaries. With Rocky II, Stallone sharpens the stakes to focus on the theme of redemption and hones in on the emotional journeys of both Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed. It's a can't-miss entry in a franchise that still has so much more ground left to cover.

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Long before Franchise Detours began, the Rocky/Creed series was well on our radar. Following the Crooked Table Podcast's (now Close Watch) monthly coverage of the Star Wars and Harry Potter films, "The Italian Stallion" was eyed as the next long-running, beloved series to take the spotlight. Alas, plans changed, and we didn't enter the ring until now. At last, we tackle the 1976 classic that is Rocky. One of only four franchise films to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, the film—directed by John G. Avildsen (The Karate Kid)—introduced Sylvester Stallone's leading-man status and has left an indelible mark on the industry in the nearly five decades since it first hit the big screen. Lauren Knight from That Movie Is Fine joins us to chat about the enduring legacy of Rocky. We'll discuss how its themes still resonate today, why Stallone needed to write his own star-making project, and how the film lays the groundwork for what has become a decades-long character study. More about people than boxing, Rocky is so much more than a sports movie. Join us to discover why Rocky still justifies the cultural phenomenon it created. We bet you'll be jogging up the nearest staircase in no time.

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Six years and one major studio acquisition later, Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool finally joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But after Deadpool seemingly shattered the superhero movie formula and Deadpool 2 doubled-down on the scale of the Merc with the Mouth's particular corner of the universe, where could "Deadpool 3" go to keep upping the ante? In a word, *SNIKT*. After years of development, it was the addition of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine that finally helped Reynolds and director Shawn Levy (Free Guy, Real Steel) crack the code that ultimately led to the first Marvel Studios' billion-dollar grosser since the similarly multiverse-centric Spider-Man: No Way Home. But does this third entry confirm Deadpool as Marvel Jesus? Chauncey Telese of LA Podfidential joins us to discuss Deadpool & Wolverine as it continues its rampage through theaters. We'll chat about how the franchise makes the shift to the MCU, whether those surprise characters add or distract from the story at hand, and where the film's conclusion leaves the title characters amid the upcoming MCU slate.

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Despite its crass humor and ultraviolence, 2016's Deadpool professed itself to be a self-described "love story." Likewise, its even more over-the-top sequel fancies itself a "family film." With a budget roughly twice that of its predecessor, Ryan Reynolds' second turn in the iconic red suit was a similar box office hit, expanding the first film's themes and taking bigger chances. As the road to Deadpool & Wolverine continues, Matthew Anderson of The Lone Screenplay Nominee Podcast joins us to dig into 2018's Deadpool 2. We'll discuss what the direction of franchise newcomer David Leitch (John Wick, Atomic Blonde) brings to the series, how the film doubles-down on its R rating, and why it could perfectly lead into the character's MCU debut. So join us as Deadpool crosses paths with the likes of Josh Brolin's Cable and Zazie Beetz' Domino, has his first brush with time travel and how the Deadpool franchise comments and complements the mainline X-Men films. Also, keep an eye on the Crooked Table Patreon for a bonus episode on the movie's PG-13 cut, theatrically released as Once Upon a Deadpool!

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Deadpool. That sounds like a f**king franchise. Right? After the character's big-screen debut (kinda) in 2009's X-Men Origins: Wolverine, it sure didn't seem that way. Ryan Reynolds' take on Marvel Comics' fourth wall-breaking quasi-superhero Wade Wilson aka Deadpool seemed like it had its one shot. Then some leaked footage later, the Merc with the Mouth got a new life. Following our X-Men mega-series from 2023, we return to the world of Marvel's mutants with a mega-series all about what will soon be the Deadpool trilogy. Of course, we'll kick it off this episode with the film that started it all, from first-time director Tim Miller. Listen as Jeff Johnson and Kev Smith of Suns and Shadows join us to touch all over 2016's Deadpool. We'll discuss why the film pushed the boundaries of the superhero genre, how its meta-commentary has aged, and why it is perhaps exactly what Marvel and the X-Men films needed. We'll also chat in-depth about Reynolds, who championed the project and has leveraged the success of Deadpool to propel his career in Hollywood to new heights. Beneath its snark and violence, there’s also real heart in Deadpool. Wade’s romance with Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) adds emotional depth. And in this episode, we'll uncover that Deadpool is, really and truly, a love story. So whether you’re a die-hard Marvel fan or recently caught up with Deadpool ahead of the upcoming release of the third film, cue the music and enjoy!

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After eight films (including the meta-horror of Wes Craven's New Nightmare) and nearly 20 decades, Robert Englund wore the razor glove for the final time. But in keeping with the history of A Nightmare on Elm Street, Freddy Krueger's curtain call wasn't what anyone expected it would be.   Clare Brunton of W-Rated helps us close down this mega-series with 2003's horror monster mash-up Freddy vs. Jason. We'll discuss how the movie deftly combines the Elm Street films with Friday the 13th, whether its lack of intense scares detracts from the film, and the missed sequel opportunities.   Directed by Ronny Yu, Freddy vs. Jason might not be considered a cinematic turning point at large, but the film did unite two of horror's biggest bads just before their respective series faced the reboot treatment. So choose your fighter, and secure ringside seats to the ultimate horror showdown.

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Given its title, Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare seemingly plunged the final nail into the coffin of Robert Englund's infamous horror villain. And yet, it was ultimately Wes Craven — writer-director of the original A Nightmare on Elm Street — who gave Freddy Krueger a new lease on life. Film professor and author Ryan L. Terry joins Franchise Detours to slash our way through 1994's Wes Craven's New Nightmare. We'll discuss how the film celebrates the tenth anniversary of the original film, why it was a box office disappointment, and how it shaped the next phase of horror. As the only installment not in continuity with the rest of the A Nightmare on Elm Street films, Wes Craven’s New Nightmare marks a true "franchise detour.” So curl up for a dark tale as we reunite with Craven, Englund, Heather Langenkamp, and John Saxon for a nightmare unlike any other.

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In hindsight, it makes sense the diminishing returns of A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child might signal Freddy Krueger should quit while he was (at least relatively) ahead. So two years later, longtime creative collaborator Rachel Talalay took the director's chair for the "final" entry. Kev Smith of Suns and Shadows-Cast joins us to discuss 1991's Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare. We'll discuss how the film expands Freddy's mythos, whether the full-tilt lean into comedy works, and whether Freddy's supposed final bow serves as a satisfying end to Wes Craven's creation. Join us on the latest Franchise Detours as we dissect the dreamscapes of Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare. We’ll slice into the film’s horror elements, its ties to the overarching Elm Street mythology, and how it originally sought to lay Freddy to rest with a rare definitive end of an icon.

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A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master introduced fans to a brand-new final girl in Lisa Wilcox's Alice Johnson. So all its sequel had to do is build on that character and her story to keep that momentum going. But does A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child deliver a winner? David Rosen of Piecing It Together joins us to discuss how the Stephen Hopkins-directed film taps into the primal fears of impending parenthood, whether its bleaker edge fits at this point in the franchise, and why this less-talked-about installment might hold the key to rebirthing the series. Join us as we delve into A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child, examining how it breaks tradition regarding its tonal balance, character arcs and visual palette. So tuck in for a night of reflection as we contemplate how this fifth entry affected the longevity of this iconic series.

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