A Werewolf by Night Special Presentation: Michael Giacchino & Andy Park

We promised on the last episode that we would return from the Fantastic Fest film festival with some seriously cool filmmaker conversations, but we had no idea we would come back with these two rad discussions. We're thrilled to have Michael Giacchino and Andy Park on the show this week, chatting about their Marvel Studios experiences and how they're transforming their childhood comic book obsessions into a live-action reality. These two geeks have done so much good for their nerd community.

Up first, we chat with director/composer Michael Giacchino about Werewolf by Night, the first-ever Marvel Studios "Special Presentation," set to air on Disney+ this Friday (10/7). We were lucky enough to catch the Werewolf by Night Fantastic Fest Secret Screening, and we're delighted to report that the film is spooktacular. While it feels and looks unlike any other entry in the franchise, Werewolf by Night contributes tremendously to the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Giacchino tells us about his earliest experiences with the Werewolf by Night comic books and how his passion for them extends from his passion for Universal monster and Hammer horror movies. These influences are readily apparent in his adaptation, shot lovingly in black and white, and performed by incredible actors (Gael García Bernal, Laura Donnelly) who are locked into a similar, nostalgic spirit.

In the episode's second half, we speak with Andy Park, Marvel Studios' Director of Visual Development. Our first encounter with the MCU's live-action characters frequently occurs through his artwork. Neither of us will forget the first time we saw Park's concept art for Captain Marvel projected in Hall H, and we're still reeling from how his Thunderbolts piece roared through the D23 Hall in Anaheim.

Park discusses the challenges of adaptation, knowing when to deviate from comic book designs and when to adhere to them strictly. As a massive fan of these characters and as a comic book artist himself, Park strives to replicate the look and tone of these iconic costumes. This passion is most notable when explaining why the Scarlet Witch had to have a proper, physical crown, not a CGI halo. If Marvel was gonna go full Witch, they had to go full witch, right?

Be sure to follow Andy Park on Twitter, Instagram, and his Website. Let Michael Giacchino know how much you love Werewolf by Night this weekend via his Twitter, Instagram, and Website.

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