• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

John August

  • Arlo Finch
  • Scriptnotes
  • Library
  • Store
  • About

The Summer Superhero Spectacular

Episode - 144

Go to Archive

May 20, 2014 Comics, Scriptnotes, Three Page Challenge, Transcribed

John and Craig are joined by the writers of the some of the biggest superhero movies to talk about why these characters resonate. Andrea Berloff looks for the primal essence of Conan. Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely discuss the challenge of bringing Captain America to a global audience. David Goyer talks about keeping Batman grounded even while Superman flies. Then the whole panel gets busy rebooting randomly-assigned superheroes.

Then it’s time for the Three Page Challenge, with special guest judge Susannah Grant joining us to look at three entrants with scripts ranging from singers to zombies to yes, superheroes.

This episode was produced as a benefit for the Writers Guild Foundation, whose programs support writer education.

Links:

  • The Writers Guild Foundation
  • Andrea Berloff on IMDb, and Deadline’s Conan announcement
  • Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely on IMDb, and their interview on LA Times Hero Complex
  • David Goyer on IMDb, and his BAFTA Screenwriters Lecture
  • David Goyer’s arms
  • Spider-Man, Hulk, Martian Manhunter, Wonder Woman, Lex Luthor and Storm
  • Susannah Grant on IMDb, and a feature on her from Salon
  • The three Three Page Challenge entries, and all 57 that were submitted
  • Intro/Outro by Scriptnotes editor Matthew Chilelli (send us yours!)

You can download the episode here: AAC | mp3.

UPDATE 5-23-14: The transcript of this episode can be found here.

Related Posts

  1. The Scriptnotes Summer Superhero Spectacular
  2. Superhero music
  3. Three Page Challenge, Live Edition

Primary Sidebar

Each week, screenwriters John August and Craig Mazin discuss screenwriting and things that are interesting to screenwriters, everything from the craft to the business to the best ways to get yourself writing.

The most recent 20 episodes are available for free on this site and Apple Podcasts. The entire 430+ episode back catalog, plus bonus content and episodes, are available to Premium Subscribers.

Where to Find It

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • RSS

Scriptnotes Premium

  •   Bonus segments and episodes
  •   Early access to events
  •   450+ episode back catalog
  •   Use your favorite podcast player.

Join now

Scriptnotes Shirts

Every Scriptnotes shirt is available on-demand from Cotton Bureau. 14 designs and counting.

All-time listener favorites include Scriptnotes Midnight Blue, Three-Act Structure and the Scriptnotes Tour Shirt.

These high-quality tees are super soft and available in all sizes, including children’s and hoodies.

Browse the catalog

© 2025 John August — All Rights Reserved.