Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi

In this episode, Tony Tellado looks back at a key moment in Wonder Woman’s legacy: her first standalone animated film. With insights from key creators and talent behind the project, this episode shines a light on how the Amazonian icon finally took center stage in animation, the creative decisions that shaped her portrayal, and the mythology that grounds her character. Featured Guests Bruce Timm (Producer, Animation Legend) Lauren Montgomery (Director) Michael Jelenic (Screenwriter) Topics Covered Why Wonder Woman Took So Long: Bruce Timm discusses the wait before Wonder Woman received her own animated feature, and the importance of finally giving her the spotlight. Creating Wonder Woman’s Story: The challenge of weaving together various comic book versions to create a fresh, definitive take on the character. Portraying an Icon: Insights into the complexities of bringing Wonder Woman to life as a lead, and how her character differs from the animated Justice League version. Controversy and Fan Expectations: From the invisible jet to whether she should fly, the episode explores passionate fan debates and production decisions. Voice Casting Magic: Highlights of Keri Russell’s and Nathan Fillion’s performances as Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor, plus Alfred Molina as Ares. Mother and Daughter Dynamics: Thematic exploration of Wonder Woman’s relationship with Hippolyta and the generational tension within Amazonian society. Villains & Mythology: Deep dive into the film’s Greek mythological roots and how Ares was developed as a formidable antagonist. Directing Animated Features: Lauren Montgomery on the unique challenges of directing animation versus live action, and her experience shaping Wonder Woman’s look and story. Scriptwriting Challenges: Michael Jelenic on translating Wonder Woman’s complex legacy into an engaging origin story and balancing mythos with originality. Female Superheroes in Animation: Reflections on the importance of featuring more female leads and untapped potential in the DC universe, from Wonder Woman to future hopes like Aquaman. Key Quotes “Sometimes you don’t want to give the audience what they want. You give them what they need.” – Bruce Timm “Wonder Woman was the start, and it was so much fun to work on the project, and I’d love to be able to do more female lead characters.” – Lauren Montgomery Where to Watch Wonder Woman’s animated feature is available on Max, Blu-Ray, and a special two-disc DVD edition. Start Your Free One Year Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today  

Episode Overview: Tony takes listeners on a tour of the biggest headlines and developments in the worlds of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and comics. This week’s episode is packed with news, opinions, and a touch of industry analysis from Tony’s unique perspective. Highlights: Superman Movie Update MPAA has rated the upcoming Superman film PG-13 for violence. Tony shares his early impressions of the trailer and the film's tone. Harry Potter TV Series News Main trio cast: Dominic McLaughlin (Harry), Alistair Stout (Ron), Arabella Stanton (Hermione). John Lithgow cast as Dumbledore. Supporting cast announced; key roles still uncast. San Diego Comic Con: Marvel's Hall H Absence Marvel will skip Hall H; presence focused on “Fantastic Four.” Tony’s take on Marvel’s “villain problem” post-Thanos. Stranger Things Final Season Season will premiere on November 26, 2025, split in three parts. New cast includes Linda Hamilton and more. Doctor Who Casting Ncuti Gatwa’s tenure ends; Billie Piper set to “morph” into The Doctor. Billie Piper expresses excitement about returning. Monster High Live Action Movie Announced Directed by Gerard Johnstone. Movie based on popular doll franchise; potential for franchise expansion. Blumhouse Adapting ‘Phasmophobia’ Hit horror investigation game to become a movie. The Sandman Series Finale Second and final season coming to Netflix, with a bonus “Death”-focused episode. Sci-Fi Movie Recommendations ScreenCrush’s best sci-fi of the decade, with Tony’s commentary on top picks. Industry Insights “Andor”’s $650M budget revealed. Sam Altman’s AI ambitions and sci-fi’s influence on real technology. “Severance” Season 2 updates and hints at possible spin-offs. Handmaid’s Tale Final Season Everett Carradine (Naomi Putnam) reflects on her journey with the show. Scream 7 Reunion Kevin Williamson discusses returning focus to Sidney Prescott. Wednesday Season 2 Sneak Peek Netflix releases first six minutes, featuring creepy new villain played by Haley Joel Osment. Gen V Season 2 Premiere “The Boys” spin-off returns September 17, 2025. Splinter Cell Movie in Development Sydney Sweeney cast; John M. Chu set to direct. List: Worst Superhero Movies Ever Tony reacts to Fiction Horizon’s fan-voted list. Start Your Free One Year Trial At Sci-Fi Talk Plus,Today

My subscribers picked this episode at number 28 for The Mix 100 about a future, where a space station orbits a very toxic Earth. Astronauts find survivors in protective domes that houses the elites. So the question is, do they rescue them or themselves? Director  Magdalena Lauritsch based this script on a real life refugee crisis. Julia Franz Richter is one of the astronauts whom she cites gave her lots of emotional range to play.  Start Your Free One Year Trial at Sci-Fi Talk Plus

Based on his book, The Human Rights Movement, his film Interreflections is different in form from his book. The film is broken up in three different time lines with each scene is an investigation of social issues. There is also a satirical science fiction layer with an antagonist, a protagonist, they're debating life in space.  Start Your Free One Year Trial At Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today 

At number 65 my subscribers picked my interviews from San Diego Comic Con for the animated series Undone. But star Rosa Salazar approached it like doing live action despite it being rotosoped. She was impressed by the painted backgrounds added later which she said look classical. You're hear from the creative team in how this series was put together.  Start Your Free One Year Trial At Sci-Fi Talk Plus 

Interview with Paula Brancotti, Creator Aaron Martin, director Adam McDonald and executive producer Ian Carpenter on this horror series.  Start Your Free One Year Trial At Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today 

Actor who plays Doc Holliday on this series talks coming back for the last season. He's Your Huckleberry. Start Your Free One Year Trial For Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today 

The animated film's producer talked about what elements of the story from the comic had to be in this movie. He talks about his voice cast including David Dastmalchian, Naya Rivera, Troy Baker, and getting Jack Quaid before his role in The Boys. It was important to keep the Holiday killer vague to show up unexpectedly.  Start Your Free One Year Trial at Sci-Fi Talk Plus today.   

Charlie and Max Carver who play the twin bouncers at the Iceberg Club cited Robert Pattison's high energy in their fight scenes together. They brought their unspoken twin bond to help establish the bond between their characters. Production designer James Chinlund tells me about designing the Riddler's apartment that helped define who he was, plus the design of the Iceberg Club.  Start Your Free One Year Trial at Sci-Fi Talk Plus today   

My Subscribers at number 32 selected the costume designer for "The Changeling".  I dive into the world of costume design with the incredibly talented Ane Crabtree. In this episode, Ane shares her unique approach to designing costumes, discussing how music guides her creativity and how she incorporates diverse cultural influences into her work. Join us as we explore Ane's process, her inspiration behind the costumes for "The Changeling," and the transformative nature of her fittings for actors. We'll also discuss Ane's experiences with "The Handmaid's Tale," the impact of her work, and its eventual placement in the Smithsonian collection.  Start Your Free One Year Trial At Sci-Fi Talk Plus today