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.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Patreon for monthly bonus episodes! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
9 snips
May 11, 2026 • 1h 19min
Cabaret
They unpack how Cabaret rose from Weimar Berlin’s cabaret culture into a landmark film musical. They trace the story’s path from Isherwood’s writings to the Broadway stage and then to screen. They dig into casting drama, intense on-set clashes, and Fosse’s personal and creative turmoil. They also cover the film’s controversial edits, emotional screenings, and its big awards night.
5 snips
May 4, 2026 • 1h 28min
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
They unpack how Lucas handed off writing and directing while financing the sequel himself. They trek to Hoth and Dagobah to talk cold locations and creature design. They dig into casting choices, on-set struggles, and clashes over edits and famous line decisions. They trace production headaches, budget battles, and what elements rescued the film.
22 snips
Apr 27, 2026 • 1h 25min
The Devil Wears Prada (with Jameela Jamil)
Jameela Jamil, actor and cultural commentator, joins to unpack The Devil Wears Prada. They trace the book-to-film journey, Anna Wintour’s intimidating influence, and the long casting hunt that landed Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Anne Hathaway. Conversation spotlights on-set struggles, design hurdles, and why the film became a lasting cultural touchstone.
6 snips
Apr 22, 2026 • 31min
The Sony Hack | From Revisionist History
Michael Lynton, former CEO of Sony Pictures who ran the studio for over a decade, reflects on the 2014 Sony hack and its fallout. He recalls the chaotic discovery, the emails and data leaks, and how greenlighting The Interview unexpectedly set events in motion. The conversation traces decision-making, diplomatic risks, and the personal consequences that followed.
10 snips
Apr 20, 2026 • 1h 20min
Taxi Driver
A deep dive into how Taxi Driver nearly never reached the screen and the tense studio battles that almost stopped it. Stories about controversial casting decisions and Jodie Foster’s protected arrival on set. Behind-the-scenes grit: guerrilla New York shoots, De Niro getting a cab license, and Scorsese almost walking away before a Spielberg intervention.
Apr 17, 2026 • 1h 12min
Jodie Foster & John Hinckley Jr. (with RedHanded)
Hannah Maguire, true crime researcher and RedHanded co-host, and Suruthi Bala, RedHanded co-host and commentator, unpack the Jodie Foster–John Hinckley Jr. saga. They trace Taxi Driver’s eerie influence, Hinckley’s obsession and descent, the assassination attempt on Reagan, and how the trial reshaped US criminal justice and insanity defenses.
13 snips
Apr 13, 2026 • 1h 40min
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Aaron Tracy, writer-producer and creator of The Secret World of Roald Dahl, brings expert Roald Dahl context. He unpacks the film’s strange tone, Gene Wilder’s unnerving performance, and the odd financing and secret rewrites behind the production. Conversation touches on casting choices, unsafe set stories, and the film’s complicated legacy.
Apr 10, 2026 • 39min
James McAvoy on California Schemin'
James McAvoy, Scottish actor and first-time director known for film and stage work, talks about making California Schemin'. He discusses casting the two leads, staging a 2,000-person concert in Glasgow, and adapting the manager role into a nuanced ally. He also reveals production crises, a key injury that changed the shoot, and the tight musical deadlines that tested the team.
22 snips
Apr 6, 2026 • 1h 31min
Lawrence of Arabia
A wild production tale of David Lean's desert epic, from unfinished scripts and a screenwriter jailed mid-shoot to last‑minute casting swaps. Actors performed dangerous camel stunts and endured brutal location hazards. The conversation also digs into how the film shaped T.E. Lawrence’s public image and the tense choices behind its iconic visuals and score.
Mar 23, 2026 • 1h 17min
American History X
A deep dive into the volatile making of a provocative 1990s film. They unpack on-set clashes, a bitter editing war, and a director's dramatic public protest. Conversation touches casting battles, surprising performances, festival politics, and the film's lasting cultural punch.
