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Rogues Gallery

27th Letter Productions

Kristen, M.J., and Chris investigate pop culture's most memorable villains, antiheroes, and misunderstood monsters to find out how they make being bad look so good. New episodes every other Thursday.

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Monday · 1 hr 51 min
Case File 130: Wes Craven's New Nightmare
Ten years after Freddy Krueger first invaded our dreams, Wes Craven returned to the franchise he created with something very different in mind. New Nightmare brought Freddy into the "real world," with Craven, Heather Langenkamp, Robert Englund, and John Saxon playing versions of themselves in a film that blurred the line between fiction and reality. Join us as we trace Craven's complicated history with the Nightmare on Elm Street series, what brought him back after years away, and how New Nightmare allowed him to reconsider both Freddy Krueger and the effect the character had on popular culture. Along the way, we dig into Freddy's radical redesign, the film's ambitious effects and set pieces, Heather Langenkamp's unusually personal performance, the ways real events from her life found their way into the story, and the movie's darker approach to a character who had gradually become as much comedian as monster. We also discuss the film's disappointing reception in 1994, its influence on the self-aware horror boom that followed, and how New Nightmare holds up more than thirty years after audiences weren't quite sure what to make of it. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler
July 23 · 2 hr 2 min
Case File 129: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers - The Movie
Released at the height of the franchise's popularity, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie brought the titular heroes to the big screen with a larger budget, redesigned costumes, and a brand new villain to contend with. Behind the scenes, however, there was an entirely different battle being fought. We trace the project's troubled development and the many changes that reshaped the film along the way. We also discuss the movie's complicated relationship with the continuity of the television series, how it was received by critics and fans, whether or not this feels suitably cinematic compared to the show, and much more! Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler
July 2 · 2 hr 9 min
Case File 128: Zombieland
Originally pitched as a television series in the early 2000s, Zombieland was ultimately reconceived as a feature film. Join us as we trace the project's unusual journey from rejected TV pilot, to low-budget direct-to-video concept, to hit studio release. Along the way, we dig into the film's distinctive sense of humor, the chemistry between its unforgettable cast, and how the story evolved as its scope grew larger. We also discuss whether Zombieland: Double Tap managed to recapture the original's magic, the ill-fated Amazon television pilot that brought the franchise full circle, where Zombieland could go from here, and much more! Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler
June 18 · 2 hr 4 min
Case File 127: Final Destination
What began as a spec script for The X-Files evolved into one of horror's most enduring modern franchises. By stripping away the traditional slasher formula and replacing the killer with fate itself, Final Destination turned everyday spaces and ordinary objects into sources of dread. We trace the project's unconventional origins and how director James Wong and writer Glen Morgan transformed a familiar teen horror setup into something more unique. Along the way, we dig into the film's elaborate death sequences, the challenge of creating tension without a physical antagonist, how later entries perfected the formula, and much more! Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler
June 4 · 1 hr 37 min
Case File 126: Dressed to Kill
This week, we're stepping into the stylish, seductive, and deeply divisive world of Dressed to Kill. Released at the height of Brian De Palma's fascination with voyeurism, identity, and cinematic sleight of hand, the film is both a love letter to classic thrillers and a provocation in its own right. Drawing heavily from the work of Alfred Hitchcock (that's putting it mildly) while pushing further into sex, violence, and dreamlike excess, Dressed to Kill quickly became one of the most controversial films of its era. We discuss how De Palma's visual style helps put a new spin on familiar material, dig into the film's elaborate set pieces, and of course, attempt to unpack its depiction of gender and identity. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler Chris's new EP on Spotify and Bandcamp
May 21 · 2 hr 8 min
Case File 125: Resident Evil (2002)
After years in development hell, a live-action adaptation of the blockbuster survival horror video game Resident Evil finally hit screens in 2002. As opposed to just retelling a story fans were already familiar with, this was intended to be a prequel featuring a new set of characters and references to the series deeper lore. That's... sort of what this is. Not really. And as a result, the film's financial success was offset by a backlash from gamers who didn't appreciate the bait and switch. Or a Resident Evil that was light on gore and heavy on post-Matrix style action. But now that we're on the eve of Zach Cregger's reboot, we thought it would be a good time to take a look back at where it all began for RE on the big screen. Topics include: earlier incarnations that were more reflective of the first game, George A. Romero's involvement with the project (and unceremonious departure), why Paul W.S. Anderson was exactly the right guy for the approach the producers favored, how many similarities this shares with his eventual Alien Vs. Predator film, the make-up and effects, whether or not the lack of gore is the real issue here, thoughts on the sequels, hopes for the reboot, and much more! Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler Chris's new EP on Spotify and Bandcamp
May 7 · 1 hr 36 min
Case File 124: Ready or Not
Welcome back to Rogues Gallery! This week, we're gearing up for a deadly game night with Ready or Not. What began as a sharp high-concept pitch from writers Guy Busick and R. Christopher Murphy became one of the most crowd-pleasing horror films of the last decade: a blood-soaked satire about wealth, tradition, and the kind of family that would literally kill to preserve both. We trace the project's origins and how directing duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett balanced brutal horror with pitch-black comedy without letting either undercut the other. Along the way, we dig into Samara Weaving's star-making lead performance, the bizarre and dysfunctional Le Domas family, the surprisingly restrictive filming location that shaped parts of the production, and the practical effects work behind the film's gleeful carnage. We also discuss the movie's original ending, why changing it altered the entire point of the story, and where Ready or Not fits within the larger tradition of horror-comedies. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler Chris's new EP on Spotify and Bandcamp
April 23 · 1 hr 53 min
Case File 123: Weapons
This week, we're opening a case file on Aunt Gladys, the instantly iconic villain at the center of Weapons. Told across multiple perspectives and timelines, the film constantly shifts its footing, forcing the audience to piece together what's really happening… and whether or not there's even a single, coherent truth to find. Topics include: the two separate ideas Cregger combined to create this story, how different the film might have been if the SAG-AFTRA strike hadn't forced them to recast almost all of the major roles, details we didn't notice until subsequent viewings, Amy Madigan's Oscar-winning performance, our reactions to the news that a Gladys prequel is on the way, and much more! Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler Chris's new EP on Spotify and Bandcamp
April 9 · 1 hr 56 min
Case File 122: Hellraiser
The pod. You opened it. We cast. Welcome to a brand new season of Rogues Gallery! We're kicking things off by opening the puzzle box on the original Hellraiser. It's a film that didn't just push the boundaries of horror, but gleefully tore them apart. What began as a low-budget adaptation of Clive Barker's own novella The Hellbound Heart evolved into something far stranger and more enduring: a nightmarish blend of desire, pain, and the grotesque. It also introduced the world to one of horror's most iconic figures in Pinhead. We trace how Barker's uncompromising vision made it to the screen largely intact, and how its emphasis on obsession and forbidden pleasure set it apart from the slashers dominating the late '80s. Along the way, we dig into the film's tactile, skin-crawling practical effects, the eerie mythology of the Lament Configuration, and the ways the franchise's legacy has been both expanded and diluted by decades of sequels. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler Chris's new EP on Spotify and Bandcamp
Oct 15, 2025 · 2 hr 12 min
Case File 121: Halloween H20
It's the season finale of Rogues Gallery, and our final investigation of the year leads us into the eerily empty halls of Hillcrest Academy for a look back at Halloween H20: 20 Years Later. What began as a modest direct-to-video sequel was reborn as a prestige anniversary event, bringing Jamie Lee Curtis back for one last confrontation with the Shape... or so we thought. We dig into how a late-stage rewrite and a scrapped subplot shaped this sleek, surprisingly brisk entry, and whether the glossy, post-Scream style enhances or undermines what made the early films so haunting. Along the way, we also unpack the chaotic saga of the four different Michael Myers masks, the eleventh-hour overhaul of its controversial score, and whether or not it truly delivers the cathartic ending it intended. Finally, we debate where H20 ranks among the Halloween films we've covered thus far, and Kristen makes her predictions for the next entry. Our next season begins April 9th! Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler
Oct 1, 2025 · 1 hr 52 min
Case File 120: Total Recall
It's Fall Verhoeven on Rogues Gallery! Our retrospective of Paul Verhoeven's work is winding down, and we're capping it off with a trip to Mars in his 1990 action/sci-fi fever dream Total Recall. Join us as we dig into the chaotic production history, break down the wild practical effects, and debate whether or not this is all real or just an implanted fantasy. Get ready for some open-your-mind weirdness because we've got a lot of thoughts about this one. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler
Sep 17, 2025 · 1 hr 29 min
Case File 119: Paranormal Activity
A young couple sets out to capture proof of the strange disturbances in their suburban home, but what begins as an experiment in home video quickly spirals into a relentless descent into fear. With its no-frills found-footage style and chillingly simple premise, Paranormal Activity turned a $15,000 indie project into a box office phenomenon and reignited a wave of supernatural horror. On this episode, we dig into the indie sensation that terrified audiences, examine how it reshaped the horror landscape of the 2000s, and debate whether or not the scares hold up when viewed outside the hype. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler
Sep 3, 2025 · 2 hr 6 min
Case File 118: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Lisbeth Salander had already become an international icon before David Fincher brought her to Hollywood with his visceral and uncompromising retelling of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, but is this the definitive interpretation of this character and story? That's what we're digging into this week. So join us as we discuss Fincher's exacting craft, Rooney Mara's transformation, the major differences between this and the previous adaptation, the sequels that never materialized, the enduring pop culture legacy of everyone's favorite hacker vigilante, and much more! Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler
Aug 20, 2025 · 1 hr 46 min
Case File 117: Killer Klowns From Outer Space
This week, we're diving into one of the weirdest invasions ever committed to celluloid: Killer Klowns from Outer Space. When a group of extraterrestrial circus clowns land in a small town, they don't come in peace... unless "peace" involves cotton candy cocoons, shadow puppet executions, and balloon animal bloodhounds. Topics include: how the Chiodo Brothers' low-budget labor of love turned into a cult phenomenon, why the clown aesthetic is so effective (and so unsettling), and how this movie manages to be both a parody of '50s B-movies and an earnest entry in the horror-comedy canon. Along the way, we talk creature effects, missed sequel opportunities, and more! Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler
Aug 6, 2025 · 1 hr 41 min
Case File 116: Saw
We want to play a game. That's right, it's time to investigate 2004's Saw - the low-budget sleeper hit that became a phenomenon and kicked off one of the most lucrative horror franchises of the last two decades. But this original entry has some key differences from the majority of its sequels, so join us as we unpack the film we remember this being vs. what it actually is. Topics include: the short film that was sent out with copies of the script, the unusual course of events that led to Danny Glover accepting one of the important supporting roles, some of the major inconsistencies with Jigsaw's methodology, how the abbreviated shooting schedule prevented director James Wan from getting all of the footage he needed, the creative solutions that were employed to patch those holes, why the opening fifteen minutes is still our favorite part of the movie, what we think of the sequels, where the franchise goes from here, and much more! Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler
Jul 23, 2025 · 1 hr 48 min
Case File 115: Deep Blue Sea
"Deepest. Bluest. My hat is like a shark's fin." - Henry David Thoreau This week, we're visiting the Aquatica Research Facility and submerging ourselves in the 1999 sci-fi/action/thriller Deep Blue Sea. Originally conceived as Jurassic Park meets Jaws, the filmmakers ultimately decided to take a page from Alien's playbook instead. Join us as we discuss the pros and cons of that approach, compare the finished film with earlier iterations of the script, go over our favorite characters and set pieces, dissect the lyrics of LL Cool J's tie-in song, try to make sense of the two straight-to-video sequels, and contemplate DBS's place in the pantheon of non-Jaws shark movies. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler
Jul 9, 2025 · 2 hr 27 min
Case File 114: I Saw The TV Glow
"Sometimes The Pink Opaque feels more real than real life." On this episode, we're traversing The Midnight Realm and opening up a case file on Mr. Melancholy from I Saw The TV Glow. Topics include: writer/director Jane Schoenbrun's inspiration for the story, our own personal connections to the media that this is influenced by, how authentically this captures the miasma of 1990s suburbia, the way our feelings about the movie evolved after subsequent viewings, interpretations of the ending, the incredible soundtrack, and much more! Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler
Jun 25, 2025 · 1 hr 31 min
Case File 113: Arachnophobia
This week, we're headed to the quiet town of Canaima, where a deadly infestation is crawling just beneath the surface. We're breaking down Arachnophobia, the Spielberg-produced "thrill-omedy" that gave audiences a reason to check their shoes before putting them on. Topics include: the more straightforward tone of the original script, how the finished film aims to balance those genuine scares with campy charm, our favorite characters and moments, the complex logistics behind wrangling hundreds of real spiders on set, the comic book, the video game, the abandoned remake, and more! Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler
Jun 11, 2025 · 2 hr 40 min
Case File 112: Jurassic World
This week, we're strapping into our Gyrospheres and heading back to Isla Nublar to unlock the secrets of 2015's Jurassic World. After spending over a decade exploring (and ultimately rejecting) various story ideas, Steven Spielberg finally hit upon a concept for the long-awaited fourth film in his blockbuster franchise... Open the park. But even with those guardrails in place, this installment went through a wild ride to get to the big screen. On this episode, we're digging into all the behind-the-scenes info and trying to figure out how we feel about this one ten years later. Topics include: the absolutely bonkers version of Jurassic Park IV they came very close to making in the early aughts, why it took so long to shift gears, the big differences between the original draft of this script and director Colin Trevorrow's rewrite, the creation of the Indominus Rex and why the meta aspect they're going for winds up falling flat, the best and worst moments, some mixed feelings about one of the movie's standout sequences, our rankings of these films, thoughts on the upcoming Jurassic World: Rebirth, and much more! Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler
May 14, 2025 · 1 hr 36 min
Case File 111 - Friday the 13th: A New Beginning
This week, we're revisiting the infamous fifth installment of the Friday the 13th franchise: A New Beginning! The film that dared to continue Jason Voorhees' legacy without the man himself. Set five years after the events of The Final Chapter, this entry follows a troubled Tommy Jarvis as he grapples with trauma and a new wave of murders at a halfway house for troubled teens. While the hockey mask returns, the man behind it is not who you'd expect, leading to one of the series' most controversial twists. Join us as we dissect the film's bold choices, its place in the slasher genre, and whether A New Beginning deserves its notorious reputation. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

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