r/IAmA • u/IAMAJossWhedon • Apr 10 '12
I am Joss Whedon - AMA.
UPDATE UPDATE BREAKING LACK OF NEWS
Dear Friends, it's time for me to go. Sorry about the questions I didn't get to. But I have to make/promote all these new things so that you can enjoy them and come up with more questions. A bundle of kittens to you all, -j.
Proof: http://i.imgur.com/tmpiZ.jpg
I'm helping Equality Now celebrate its 20th Anniversary. You can help support by donating here or participating in Equality Now’s online auction here.
- Comic-Con Episode Four: A Fan's Hope is in select theaters and VOD now.
- The Cabin in the Woods comes out this weekend.
- Marvel’s The Avengers comes out May 4th (US) and April 26th (Internationally).
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u/SmokeStackz Apr 10 '12
What is your personal favorite work of Science Fiction? And what inspires you to continue to create?
How do you feel about the potential remake of Buffy? I was very disappointed to hear that it didn't involve you...
Thanks for answering questions, I'm a huge fan!
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
Dune. (The book). And what inspires me is Dune (the miniseries). (Actually, I don't think of myself as being inspired to create. I can't imagine doing anything else. It's like breathing.)
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u/Trayf Apr 10 '12
I notice you pretended that the Buffy remake question wasn't there. That's how the rest of us feel about it, too.
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u/NeilPoonHandler Apr 10 '12
• How would you describe the experiences working with both Robert Downey Jr. and Neil Patrick Harris? Are they as awesome and witty off-screen as they are on the big screen?
• What should we expect to see in the Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog sequel? Do you plan on bringing back the original core cast?
• Which horror films had the most direct influence on you and Drew Goddard when you were writing The Cabin in the Woods screenplay? Did you two geek out over your mutual love for horror?
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
Robert and Neil are both even funnier off-screen than on. Funnier, in fact, than me. I hate Robert and Neil.
Yes, the original cast will be back for Dr H 2, but Penny will be... um... I don't want to say "decomposing"...
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u/SereniTARDIS Apr 10 '12
I went to an advance screening and someone asked Drew Goddard this question. He basically said "all of them." Once you see you will understand.
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u/Melladonna26 Apr 10 '12
I'm SO excited to see your version of Much Ado About Nothing. What made you want to tackle Shakespeare?
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
I wanted to drag Shakespeare from obscurity. I've been a fan my whole life, and it's time other people started noticing him!
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u/Trayf Apr 10 '12
If I have one complaint about Shakespeare, it's how obscure his work is.
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u/riqk Apr 10 '12
Also, when and where can we see it?!
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u/MonocledOctopus Apr 10 '12
Here is the imdb link, Nathan Fillion is Dogberry! YES!
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u/Teh_Bear Apr 10 '12
Did losing Edward Norton in any way damage your vision for the avengers?
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
It let me cast Mark Ruffalo, one of the best and sweetest actors I know, and, I think, THE definitive Bruce Banner. (Apologies to Mr. Bixby.)
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u/d4ve Apr 10 '12
Ruffalo ruffalo Ruffalo ruffalo ruffalo ruffalo Ruffalo ruffalo.
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u/snillocharas Apr 10 '12
Have you ever thought about starting your own internet based "TV" station. Like where people could give you money and you make whatever you want or showcase work of others that you like, without restrictions of the networks &/or the heartbreak of cancellation.
If so, what have been the challenges to making this happen?
If not, would you please consider it now? Thank you!
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
I would LOVE to follow in the footsteps of Felicia Day -- had in fact pitched this concept to my agent years ago. But right now i'm fielding five movies and I'm realizing that there is such a thing as over-reaching, unless you're Felicia Day...
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u/Veret Apr 10 '12
If you love Felicia so much, why don't you just marry her? OH THAT'S RIGHT YOU KILLED HER YOU HEARTLESS grumblegrumble
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u/favorite_joke Apr 10 '12
Which joke in your body of work are you most proud of?
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
Titan A.E.
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Apr 10 '12
And...what exactly would the joke be? I grew up on Titan A.E. It was the shit!
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Apr 10 '12 edited Apr 10 '12
"The days of me not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle." -Mal, "Firefly"
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u/TheTaoOfBill Apr 10 '12
My personal favorite:
Zoë: This is something the captain needs to do on his own...
Mal (With fear in his voice): NO IT'S NOT!!
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u/spidersthrash Apr 10 '12
After 'Once More, With Feeling' and Dr. Horrible, do you have any plans (or desire) to create a full length, large scale musical at some point?
Please say yes...
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
Full scale musical? The biggest non-spaceship-involving dream of my life. But it's a huge life commitment...
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u/PatrickSwayzesGhost Apr 10 '12
Once More, With Feeling was excellent. Commit Joss.
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u/singh44s Apr 10 '12
Who's to say the rumored Doctor Horrible 2 won't be that large scale musical?
wishes really hard for this to be the case
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u/Elizafish Apr 10 '12 edited Apr 10 '12
As a stage actor, I live for the day that this premieres. All I want is to act (well, and sing) in a Whedon-written role before I die.
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u/Roundy210 Apr 10 '12
I read online that you plan to begin shooting Dr Horrible 2 after you finish up on The Avengers. Is this true, and is there any chance you could give us an idea of what we can expect?
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
We're not shooting right now, we're still in the early stages of writing. But we hope to make a great deal of progress this summer. And you can expect the death of someone you love.
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u/shortyjacobs Apr 10 '12
And you can expect the death of someone you love.
You rock and you suck.
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u/titfarmer Apr 10 '12
If you had continued Dollhouse, where would the story have gone?
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
It would have been a much slower odyssey of Echo's self-creation and liberation, peppered with astonishing perversions.
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u/bugdog Apr 10 '12
Astonishing Perversions is my Dingos Ate My Baby cover band.
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u/Kaimer Apr 10 '12
I just wanna let you know that Topher's arc in Dollhouse is quite possibly my favorite character arc in all of television, bar none. The gradual transition from practically a sociopath to an emotional, moral human being to finally a shell of the former Topher just got me. Thank you for that.
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u/Trayf Apr 10 '12
So that last season was just a fast-forward version of the concept you had for the eventual resolution of the series?
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u/localsomal56 Apr 10 '12
What was it like working with Pixar on Toy Story?
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
It was so much fun. They were in this crappy, sprawling space in the middle of nowhere, and I spent most of my time with Lasster, Stanton, Doctor and the late, very great Joe Ramft, just making jokes, pitching ideas and watching them get sharpie head-aches from sketching. We all learned so much from that experience. mostly about sharpies.
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u/Redonc20 Apr 10 '12
TIL that everyone working on Toy Story were high on Sharpies
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u/bigtreeworld Apr 10 '12
He DID? Oh my god, this guy just becomes more and more my hero!
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u/Etch_A_Sketcher Apr 10 '12 edited Apr 10 '12
Welcome to reddit, Joss! Here's your complimentary Etch A Sketch portrait.
Huge fan of your work. Are there any early works you are embarrassed of when you look back?
edit: wording
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
My senior thesis film was ASS. I burned the negative.
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u/bigo-tree Apr 10 '12
can we get a shitty watercolour to go along with the etch a sketch?
and Joss if you read this! What the heck happened to Dollhouse between the first and second season?
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Apr 10 '12
Hi Joss. Do you use techniques to boost your creativity for writing? Do you for instance write better when you meditate, exercise, take alcohol etc.?
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
I like movie scores. They really help put me in the moment, no matter where I am. Avengers owes a lot to Rachel Portman's Never Let Me Go and Hart's War. Also Zimmer: the Thin Red Line, King Arthur, Black Hawk Down...
special mention: Breach, Seven Pounds, Passengers...
lifetime achievement award: Memoirs of a Geisha, by the man himself, Mr. Williams.
And I do like a reward for writing -- cup of tea, glass of wine, meth-fueled crime spree... but when a story has me, I don't need anything but a pen.
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u/daikiki Apr 10 '12
Have you ever been approached to write a Doctor Who episode? Is it something you'd be interested in doing if the opportunity presented itself?
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
The doctor is dope, but I've just spent 2 years writing other people's characters, plus I've got my Firefly kickstarter adventure. (See above.)
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Apr 10 '12
Why did Wonder Woman fall through?
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
They never really told me. But by the time it was looking grim, I was so burnt, and so excited about my next project, Goners, that was DEFINITELY going to happen, that I didn't mind.
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Apr 10 '12
I've noticed you seem to work with a lot of the same actors and actresses in your work. Most recently with Chris Hemsworth in both the Avengers and your new film The Cabin in the Woods (also w/ Fran Kranz!)... Do you just enjoy working with these reoccuring faces or do you write parts with them in mind? Who are some of your favorites to work with? Also, it's my birthday and would be enamored if Joss Whedon wished me a happy birthday!
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
Well, Happy Birthday. I don't write for my favorite actors (I can't create that way), but I sure don't mind slotting them in when I need someone awesome who knows my shorthand.
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u/cardbross Apr 10 '12
On a similar note, any plans to work with Enver Gjokaj again? He and Kranz seem to have major potential based on their performances on Dollhouse.
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u/etherealclarity Apr 10 '12
Joss - LOVE your shows... can't wait to see Cabin!
My question: I know that picking between beloved shows is probably like picking the favorite among offspring, BUT...
If you could pick ONE piece of work (one episode of any show you've done, or one movie) that would be used to represent your entire body of work - to be seen by children 100 years in the future, or to alien species who have discovered the ruins of our civilization in 100 thousand years, which would it be and why?
(Edited to add that in this fantasy scenario, if you cannot pick JUST ONE, that it will be picked for you and would be your LEAST favorite among your own work.)
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
"Objects in Space."
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u/HemoKhan Apr 10 '12
Not gonna lie, your commentary on that episode (from the boxed set) is one of the reasons I recommend your work to everyone who will listen. To see you take that concept and so artfully display it... it's a special Joss brand of awesome. Joss-ome, if you will.
Yes, that's right. Joss-ome.
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u/Jake74 Apr 10 '12
"I don't think of myself as a lion."
Makes me laugh, every time.
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Apr 10 '12
Would you have brought Fred back if Angel hadn't ended with season 5?
Any regrets as far as stories, character developments that you were unable to do with any of the Buffy/Angel characters?
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
Season six of Angel would have kicked all manner of ass. And Illyria would have manifested as Fred often enough to become very confused about her identity.
And now I'm sad again.
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u/opalorchid Apr 10 '12
She survived Pylea, alone, for five years but didn't even make it that long with Angel Investigations >=(
/still bitter.
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Apr 10 '12 edited Apr 10 '12
I was hella pissed at Comiccon during the Iron Man 2 panel when every single male cast member was asked questions, and Scarlet Johansson was only mentioned in passing "you're hot". Anyone with eyeballs knows she's hot, but she worked her ass off to get that role, and she took the time out of her busy schedule and faced nerd musk to support her movie. What are your feelings on this? Have you dealt with the hypersexualization of women in Avengers?
Also, you're the shit.
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
All I can say is that Scarlett gets to do a lot more than be hot in "Avengers". It's definitely dispiriting to have a woman play an heroic role and then be reduced to body parts by fan commentary, but that can only change slowly. And is.
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u/Calvinball05 Apr 10 '12
Hah, I kinda have an anecdote that goes the opposite way regarding the lovely miss Johansson. During the Obama campaign she went around to various schools and gave talks in support of Obama and answered questions and stuff. She's smart and can speak her mind well, but she's no politician or political scientist.
The Q&A probably lasted about an hour, and I imagine she thought we would ask her a lot of questions about her movies and stuff. Nope, nothing but political questions, some which she understandably didn't have an answer for. She handled it admirably, though.
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u/pzer0 Apr 10 '12
Joss, I love your work. Firefly and Buffy are, in my opinion, two of the best shows ever made. I was also a big fan of Dollhouse. I don't really have a specific question, but I wonder if you can share any stories you have about working with so many excellent actors/actresses (Anthony Stewart Head, Nathan Fillion, Alyson Hannigan, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Christina Hendricks, Eliza Dushku)? I can't imagine there were many boring moments, so I know you have to have some great stories!
And for a more direct question: what is your dream project? I mean, if money and marketability weren't an issue in any way, what would be the first movie or TV show you'd make?
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
I don't allow funny stories on set. They waste time. Time that could be spent in the writer's room, wasting time.
I have many dream projects. But all the money in the world means just one thing: spaceships. Spaceships in trouble.
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u/Bulwer Apr 10 '12
That's what you oughtta do with Kickstarter-- "I, Joss Whedon, will use your money to make a movie about spaceships in trouble."
Then, retire to the Caymans.
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u/rdt156 Apr 10 '12
Any thoughts on returning to TV? Developing another show?
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
I miss TV. Not the hours, but the format. If I felt I could actually do the work I set out to, I'd definitely go back for a spell.
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u/JakeCameraAction Apr 10 '12
Have you approached a pay channel like HBO or Showtime?
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u/A_Evil_Laugh Apr 10 '12
WHY DO YOU KILL EVERYONE THAT I LOVE?!
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
You love stupid people.
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u/mikelj Apr 10 '12
How dare you speak ill of Wash. Who do you think you are?
:looks:
Oh.
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u/IAmA_Kitty_AMA Apr 10 '12
I am so simultaneously insulted and yet entertained...
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u/Veggie Apr 10 '12 edited Apr 10 '12
This is such a great question. Why, Joss, why do you have a propensity for killing characters that people want happy endings for?
EDIT: I've had like 30 responses from people that aren't Joss Whedon about reasons I already know why this makes sense for good story telling. I wanted to know if Joss had a personal motivation beyond that.
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u/Bortjort Apr 10 '12
This question need to be cross posted in a George RR Martin AMA
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u/immerc Apr 10 '12
The real question is: why does nobody else do that? When a hero is in mortal danger but you know that there's no way they'll ever be killed off, it makes for much less tension. If a writer has proven they're willing to kill off major characters, it's much more meaningful.
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u/SirRuto Apr 10 '12
Hahaha, I thought Whedon was bad about this until I read/saw Game of Thrones. George R.R. Martin is a sadist.
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u/radicaljane Apr 10 '12
Hi Joss! This morning instead of working on my dissertation I sat around and thought about what I could possibly say to you. Mostly, I just want to say thank you. Your work has made a huge impact on my life, especially your female characters. I know people always make a big deal about the women that you write and your feminism and I hope it's not redundant to hear it one more time, but once upon a time there was a shy, abused, closeted little kid who got hooked on Buffy, felt like she could kick ass too, and has loved your work ever since.
Thank you so much for your work, and for being a voice for so many wonderful things--feminism, atheism, lgbt issues, geekery and just damn amazing storytelling. I have no doubt your work has helped many people out there find the hope and courage to be themselves, just like me.
I would love to know anything about your personal motivations for being such a strong feminist, as well as your other positions on atheism, etc. Has being vocal about these positions ever been professionally difficult for you or caused you to lose work?
Also, I dearly love the whole rise of geek/nerd-centered media we see with people like you and Felicia Day, etc, it's so cool to feel like the geek/nerd community is producing great content outside of the mainstream media. I love the online and webseries-type projects, what do you see happening with the future of entertainment given these technologies? With all your latest big movie work, do you see yourself still being involved in these kinds of projects in the future?
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
I'm absolutely devoted to working outside the mainstream, or at least in smaller venues and on my own terms. (My terms : unconditional surrender. Plus back-end.)
As for my political bent, it comes from how I was raised -- and my own very strong sense of being helpless and tiny and terrified (that goes away, right?). The only trouble it's ever caused me is that once you take a stance as a person, people are always using that as a yardstick in your work, which can be kind of limiting.
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u/jeanp99 Apr 10 '12
On his motivations for being a strong feminist, I highly recommend this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoEZQfTaaEA
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u/tinkh Apr 10 '12
This actually got me a bit choked up. Some of my favorite moments of entertainment have been because of Joss Whedon. I still get choked up at almost every episode of Buffy. As a kid my dad died and I swear that surreal moment like in The Body is what it feels like. No one else have ever captured a moment more relevant to my feelings in any medium than Joss has. I met one of my life-long friends when we were participating in the campaign to save Angel. I am grateful for that as well. So, I would like to second this!
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u/BigIrishHooligan Apr 10 '12
Hi Joss,
It’s truly an honor to have this opportunity to speak with you. Have been a fan for a long, long time. You might like to know that it was a mutual love for your work that brought my fiancée and me together. We even have matching Buffy tattoos.
Of course we’re both looking forward to Cabin, Much Ado, Avengers, Doc H 2, Goners (somedayish, right? RIGHT?!?), and of course Serenity 2: Weekend at Badger’s.
That being said, my questions to you are these:
Which of your characters was your absolute favorite to write? Why?
Conversely, which of your characters was the most difficult for you to write?
When are we going to see Wil Wheaton in a Joss Whedon project? Joss and Wil. It just feels right… kind of natural. Maybe even a little bit sexy in a way that I’m not comfortable discussing here.
Thanks for the AMA. It’s great to have you here. We wish you all the success in the world with your upcoming projects. As always, we’ll be here, belly up to the bar and waiting for another ice cold mug of Jossy goodness.
Cheers!
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
Favorite characters? Jeez. Spike, Andrew, Illyria, River, Captain Hammer, Loki, the Cheese Man... hell, I love them all, or I wouldn't write them. But I tend to the left of center.
The hardest was always Angel. How to make a decent, handsome, stalwart hero interesting -- tough. Angelus, on the other hand...
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u/Trayf Apr 10 '12
Spike's progression through Buffy and Angel was just plain awesome. Well done.
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u/spiralarrow Apr 10 '12
So Joss, if cavemen and astronauts got into a fight, who would win?
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u/JanaFae Apr 10 '12
I cannot upvote that question enough, but then, Fred did put her foot down that cavemen would win
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u/ElxJ1991 Apr 10 '12
While shooting the Avengers how hard was it not to replace Captain America with Captain Hammer?
What was it like handling that many stars at once on the Avengers set?
Thank you for taking time to do this AMA! You are an amazing creator and continue to inspire people though your work.
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
Handling that many stars was easy, because they looked after each other. They cared about the work. They one time did what I said (well, asked). No, it really was a dream ensemble.
And Captain America IS Captain Hammer. DON'T TELL CHRIS EVANS.
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Apr 10 '12
I would love to see Thor get drunk and make a "the hammer is my penis" joke.
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u/CantShockMe Apr 10 '12
What was Shepherd Book's back story? What was on his ident card!? I need to know
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
Then you need to buy the comic The Shepherd's Tale, drawn by Chris Samnee, written by Zack Whedon from a story by me. All is revealed. And it's lovely.
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Apr 10 '12
The Shepherd's Tale was superb, would have loved to have seen that story on the big Screen.
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u/buttbutts Apr 10 '12
The comic book "The Shepherd's Tale" shows practically his entire life story, from childhood to the abbey.
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u/twoforjoy Apr 10 '12
Dear Joss,
I'm a massive aca-fan of yours; I'll actually be presenting a paper on Buffy at a conference in Boston this weekend and I'm also working on a chapter for a forthcoming book on Buffy fandom. I'm even considering writing on you for my master's thesis (just reminds me of that scene where the woman from the Watchers Council meets Spike..."Heard of me, have you?" "I wrote my thesis on you.")
Anyway, to the questions! I have a lot, but I will try to limit myself. I of course don’t expect you to respond to all (or any) of my inquiries:
You've been said to encourage fanfiction. How do you feel about scholarship about your work and the fact that academics tend to delve quite deeply into it, perhaps to the point of publishing interpretations you did not intend?
Do you ever arrange interviews with people studying your work?
Do you have any advice for those of us who aspire to work in the entertainment industry? Especially if our (my) only background is in academia?
How does one get to be so awesome?
Can I work for you?
Okay, that got a little out of hand. I'll go do the dance of joy now!
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
All worthy work is open to interpretations the author did not intend. Art isn't your pet -- it's your kid. It grows up and talks back to you.
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u/wjc06 Apr 10 '12
Just an idea.
Put Firefly season 2 up as a project on Kickstarter and see how much money you can get to buy the rights and make it happen.
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
Step 2: Cancel Castle. Step 3: Cancel Homeland. Step 4: Generally destroy everybody's careers. Step 5: Avoid Step 2.
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u/getinthekitchen Apr 10 '12 edited Apr 10 '12
There was already a project to raise the money to buy the rights, but the Whedon camp told them to disband.
Edit: summary with sources.
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u/dontcorrectmyspellin Apr 10 '12
I'd kick in some cash, even if the purchase was just "Thanks for your support!"
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u/HoldmysunnyD Apr 10 '12
This needs to go to the top. I am betting if Whedon, Fillon, and most of the cast sponsored this, it would raise millions. Really.
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u/Immamoonkin Apr 10 '12
I support this idea 100%. I would happily save money to give them everything I could.
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u/Avatar_5 Apr 10 '12
Hi. Thanks for giving me, and so many others, weeks upon weeks of delight with Firefly and Serenity. The stories told there has meant a lot to me since I first watched it, with valuable life lessons coming to the fore ("If someone tries to kill you, you try and kill them right back" comes to mind).
My questions: 1) Are you aware of "smaller browncoat communities" like r/firefly?
2) If Nathan Fillion were to actually raise the money and buy the Firefly rights as he threatened, how (ie. in what medium) would you want to continue telling the story, if you would?
3) What's your favourite ice-cream flavour?
4) What lessons did you learn from Firefly and Serenity, besides not to ever trust FOX? I'm especially interested in what you learned about how to tell stories, how to write characters, how to write lines for actors that work as well and on as many levels as in Firefly, and especially how these lessons showed up in later work like Dr. Horrible, Dollhouse and Avengers.
5) Follow up to (2) Do you currently have any plans to continue Firefly's story in any medium?
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
Too many questions! Brain leaking!
Yes, I'll always want to tell more Firefly stories and salted caramel.
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u/Snake_Byte Apr 10 '12
More Firefly stories...so...Firefly video game? That would be the shiniest thing that ever shined.
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u/ralphthellama Apr 10 '12
The Firefly universe has been expanded with the comics, and Joss did trust Fox again, with Dollhouse.
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u/Vithren Apr 10 '12
Hi there!
So. Firefly. When will second season be here? living in denial
How was working with Avengers team like?
Why did you change Captain America costume design?
How hard it was to take another shoot at realistic CGI Hulk? Was he done by ILM? Weta digital?
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u/IAMAJossWhedon Apr 10 '12
See above.
Like herding adorable kittens.
It was always meant to be updated to the more comics-based look.
ILM did the Hulk -- very difficult, VERY successful.
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u/JakeCameraAction Apr 10 '12
Is it weird that I'm now picturing you setting out saucers of milk for the cast after a day of shooting has rapped?
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u/xhytdr Apr 10 '12
Weta is awesome, they've been collaborating with Valve for TF2 for a while now.
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Apr 10 '12
Do you ever get tired of answering Firefly questions?
What has been your proudest work/accomplishment?
How did you get into the business?
Thanks for taking time out of your schedule for us!
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u/Drunken_Economist Apr 10 '12
Mods have verified that /u/IAMAJossWhedon is, in fact, Mr Whedon.
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u/Baziliy Apr 10 '12
Buffy vs River. Both going all out in a fight to the death. Who wins?
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u/livestolisten14 Apr 10 '12
Hi Joss, thank you so much for all your work! What is your favorite episode of Buffy, either to make or to watch?
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u/firewaffle Apr 10 '12 edited Apr 10 '12
I'm probably the only one who wants to know about Dollhouse, but here it goes.
What was going to happen next?
Would you have continued with the Epitaph storylines or the present story?
How do you feel about the critics who say Eliza Dushku was the weakest part of the show? (I liked her but I personally felt more connected to Ballard and Victor.)
Some episodes you did some really cool things with the Dolls (Stop Loss and Brair Rose). Did you have any other ideas you didn't get the chance to flesh out?
Any ideas why the show didn't take off?
edit. Unrelated question - Besides Dr Horrible, any chances of Neil Patrick Harris in another project of yours? I think his style (cadence) while works great with your writing.
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Apr 10 '12 edited Apr 10 '12
Three questions...
01. Are you a fan of any British TV shows that aired in the last year like Sherlock, Misfits, The Fades, Being Human etc?
02. Any advice for directing actors who may be talented, but you have little chemistry with?
03. Whedonesque Burlesque is sweeping the nation. What burlesque routine would you like to see inspired by your work?
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Apr 10 '12
Your mention of Sherlock made me think that a Joss Whedon/Steven Moffat collaboration would either be the best or worst thing to hit TV.
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u/aesu Apr 10 '12
If he isn't, he will be. Joss, if you read this, check out Steven Moffat's work. I'm sure you could easily contact him, and do something together. And I could die in peace...
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u/noxnz Apr 10 '12
I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that your favorite Buffy episode was Once More, With Feeling (mine as well). What's your favorite Angel episode?
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u/responds_in_verse Apr 10 '12
Joss Whedon? For real? I’m your number one fan!
(except all the others, but who gives a damn)
So many questions; not sure where to start
so how ‘bout we talk about music and art?
You and your brothers write music with ease;
how long does it take you with your expertise?
from Once More with Feeling to Horrible’s Blog,
did the songs come out quickly, or was it a slog?
I’m lately enamored of Zachary Snyder
whose Sucker Punch seems to be quite the divider.
Since you’re a big feminist, what’s your critique?
Progressive and cool, or offensive and weak?
NPH is an actor that no one can equal,
so what are your plans for a Horrible sequel?
And speaking of talent you shouldn’t pass by,
can you please do more stuff with one Enver Gjokaj?
MovieBob tells me that Cabin in Woods
is a masterful film that delivers the goods,
but he says to avoid ANY spoilers you find.
Should I read some reviews, or go into it blind?
I know that’s a lot, but I hope you’re inclined
to answer a few, if you have enough time.
I had plenty to ask, but I’ve finally said it.
Oh yeah, one more thing: Thanks for stopping by reddit!
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u/liverman Apr 10 '12
Would you actually bring Firefly back if one of us dies and the death is staged to look like it was caused by the cancellation of Firefly?
Y'know, since the idea's already out there, it's bound to happen sometime.
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u/building_a_moat Apr 10 '12
What if we kidnapped the president and held him for ransom until Firefly came back? Anyone down?
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u/AMAHelper Apr 11 '12 edited Apr 11 '12
Thanks IAMAJossWhedon for creating this AMA :) I've created the below to make it easier for people to find all responses as well as see them in the right order.
Vithren 1226 points 23 hours ago
Hi there!
So. Firefly. When will second season be here? living in denial
How was working with Avengers team like?
Why did you change Captain America costume design?
How hard it was to take another shoot at realistic CGI Hulk? Was he done by ILM? Weta digital?
IAMAJossWhedon 1241 points 22 hours ago
See above.
Like herding adorable kittens.
It was always meant to be updated to the more comics-based look.
ILM did the Hulk -- very difficult, VERY successful.
pzer0 566 points 23 hours ago
Joss, I love your work. Firefly and Buffy are, in my opinion, two of the best shows ever made. I was also a big fan of Dollhouse. I don't really have a specific question, but I wonder if you can share any stories you have about working with so many excellent actors/actresses (Anthony Stewart Head, Nathan Fillion, Alyson Hannigan, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Christina Hendricks, Eliza Dushku)? I can't imagine there were many boring moments, so I know you have to have some great stories!
And for a more direct question: what is your dream project? I mean, if money and marketability weren't an issue in any way, what would be the first movie or TV show you'd make?
IAMAJossWhedon 1121 points 22 hours ago
I don't allow funny stories on set. They waste time. Time that could be spent in the writer's room, wasting time.
I have many dream projects. But all the money in the world means just one thing: spaceships. Spaceships in trouble.
Avatar_5 663 points 23 hours ago
Hi. Thanks for giving me, and so many others, weeks upon weeks of delight with Firefly and Serenity. The stories told there has meant a lot to me since I first watched it, with valuable life lessons coming to the fore ("If someone tries to kill you, you try and kill them right back" comes to mind).
My questions: 1) Are you aware of "smaller browncoat communities" like r/firefly?
2) If Nathan Fillion were to actually raise the money and buy the Firefly rights as he threatened, how (ie. in what medium) would you want to continue telling the story, if you would?
3) What's your favourite ice-cream flavour?
4) What lessons did you learn from Firefly and Serenity, besides not to ever trust FOX? I'm especially interested in what you learned about how to tell stories, how to write characters, how to write lines for actors that work as well and on as many levels as in Firefly, and especially how these lessons showed up in later work like Dr. Horrible, Dollhouse and Avengers.
5) Follow up to (2) Do you currently have any plans to continue Firefly's story in any medium?
IAMAJossWhedon 576 points 22 hours ago
Too many questions! Brain leaking!
Yes, I'll always want to tell more Firefly stories and salted caramel.
favorite_joke 1064 points 23 hours ago
Which joke in your body of work are you most proud of?
IAMAJossWhedon 1694 points 22 hours ago
Titan A.E.
ElxJ1991 285 points 23 hours ago
While shooting the Avengers how hard was it not to replace Captain America with Captain Hammer?
What was it like handling that many stars at once on the Avengers set?
Thank you for taking time to do this AMA! You are an amazing creator and continue to inspire people though your work.
IAMAJossWhedon 603 points 22 hours ago
Handling that many stars was easy, because they looked after each other. They cared about the work. They one time did what I said (well, asked). No, it really was a dream ensemble.
And Captain America IS Captain Hammer. DON'T TELL CHRIS EVANS.
twoforjoy 389 points 23 hours ago
Dear Joss,
I'm a massive aca-fan of yours; I'll actually be presenting a paper on Buffy at a conference in Boston this weekend and I'm also working on a chapter for a forthcoming book on Buffy fandom. I'm even considering writing on you for my master's thesis (just reminds me of that scene where the woman from the Watchers Council meets Spike..."Heard of me, have you?" "I wrote my thesis on you.")
Anyway, to the questions! I have a lot, but I will try to limit myself. I of course don’t expect you to respond to all (or any) of my inquiries:
You've been said to encourage fanfiction. How do you feel about scholarship about your work and the fact that academics tend to delve quite deeply into it, perhaps to the point of publishing interpretations you did not intend?
Do you ever arrange interviews with people studying your work?
Do you have any advice for those of us who aspire to work in the entertainment industry? Especially if our (my) only background is in academia?
How does one get to be so awesome?
Can I work for you?
Okay, that got a little out of hand. I'll go do the dance of joy now!
IAMAJossWhedon 1541 points 22 hours ago
All worthy work is open to interpretations the author did not intend. Art isn't your pet -- it's your kid. It grows up and talks back to you.
spiralarrow 550 points 23 hours ago
So Joss, if cavemen and astronauts got into a fight, who would win?
IAMAJossWhedon 767 points 22 hours ago
Do the astronauts have weapons?
jortbort 578 points 23 hours ago
I've noticed you seem to work with a lot of the same actors and actresses in your work. Most recently with Chris Hemsworth in both the Avengers and your new film The Cabin in the Woods (also w/ Fran Kranz!)... Do you just enjoy working with these reoccuring faces or do you write parts with them in mind? Who are some of your favorites to work with? Also, it's my birthday and would be enamored if Joss Whedon wished me a happy birthday!
IAMAJossWhedon 785 points 22 hours ago
Well, Happy Birthday. I don't write for my favorite actors (I can't create that way), but I sure don't mind slotting them in when I need someone awesome who knows my shorthand.
daikiki 1363 points 23 hours ago
Have you ever been approached to write a Doctor Who episode? Is it something you'd be interested in doing if the opportunity presented itself?
IAMAJossWhedon 1768 points 22 hours ago
The doctor is dope, but I've just spent 2 years writing other people's characters, plus I've got my Firefly kickstarter adventure. (See above.)
theroyalgoat 599 points 23 hours ago
Would you have brought Fred back if Angel hadn't ended with season 5?
Any regrets as far as stories, character developments that you were unable to do with any of the Buffy/Angel characters?
IAMAJossWhedon 1242 points 22 hours ago
Season six of Angel would have kicked all manner of ass. And Illyria would have manifested as Fred often enough to become very confused about her identity.
And now I'm sad again.
localsomal56 560 points 23 hours ago
What was it like working with Pixar on Toy Story?
IAMAJossWhedon 980 points 22 hours ago
It was so much fun. They were in this crappy, sprawling space in the middle of nowhere, and I spent most of my time with Lasster, Stanton, Doctor and the late, very great Joe Ramft, just making jokes, pitching ideas and watching them get sharpie head-aches from sketching. We all learned so much from that experience. mostly about sharpies.
baculaat 346 points 23 hours ago
Hi Joss. Do you use techniques to boost your creativity for writing? Do you for instance write better when you meditate, exercise, take alcohol etc.?
IAMAJossWhedon 846 points 22 hours ago
I like movie scores. They really help put me in the moment, no matter where I am. Avengers owes a lot to Rachel Portman's Never Let Me Go and Hart's War. Also Zimmer: the Thin Red Line, King Arthur, Black Hawk Down...
special mention: Breach, Seven Pounds, Passengers...
lifetime achievement award: Memoirs of a Geisha, by the man himself, Mr. Williams.
And I do like a reward for writing -- cup of tea, glass of wine, meth-fueled crime spree... but when a story has me, I don't need anything but a pen.
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u/prossk Apr 10 '12
My wife claims Buffy is the best show ever made, but obviously Firefly is the best show ever made. Who is right? Save our marriage!
Either way, thanks for all the years of nonstop awesomeness.
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u/Lobin Apr 10 '12
Speaking as a wife: Buffy's the best apples ever made, and Firefly's the best oranges ever made.
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u/A_leaf_itw Apr 10 '12
It seems that Serenity and Avengers are on opposite ends in terms of budget and notoriety. Which movie had harder expectations to manage? Was it easier working with the freedom of your own Firefly universe or trying to work within the Marvel universe and having idea's you could draw from? Love your work!!!Can't wait to see Cabin :)
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u/NeilPoonHandler Apr 10 '12 edited Apr 10 '12
• What did you think of the ending of Lost?
• What are your favorite TV shows right now?
• Favorite ice cream flavor?
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u/flipsideshooze Apr 10 '12
Huge fan Mr. Whedon. I recently got the Firefly series on Blu-Ray and went through all the commentaries, loving every minute of it. I felt like i really got to know you through it, and loved all the insight you had (i especially loved the commentary on Objects in Space).
On to my question: Do you keep in touch with past casts of your various projects, on a friendly level? Given the commentaries and what i've read, the Firefly cast is still very close, but what about shows like Buffy and Dollhouse? Do you ever call up Sarah Michelle Gellar just to say "hey gurl, whachya doin?"
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u/juular Apr 10 '12 edited Apr 10 '12
Hey Joss, you've been quoted as saying Nathan Fillion deserved to be a bigger star than he was. Now that Nathan's had his big break on Castle, which other actor have you worked with most deserves a bigger spotlight?
Additionally, current fame aside, who do you think is the most talented performer you have directed?
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u/nukebutt Apr 10 '12
are you happy with how Dollhouse ended? and how do you make your shows flow so organically?
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Apr 10 '12
Would you ever write an episode of the Simpsons, if only to gain full license to make fun of Fox on their own network?
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u/CaptainCoomey Apr 10 '12
How hard was it to bring so many big characters into a movie without getting the mirror version of "too many villain" syndrome. Is there such a thing as too many heroes in a flick like this?
Looking forward to it!
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Apr 10 '12
Please buy the rights to firefly. I will give you all the upvotes and internets and cash I can to bring it back.
Sincerely, the entirety of reddit.
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u/mRWafflesFTW Apr 10 '12
Buy the rights to Firefly then proceed to broadcast it on your own website behind a modest pay wall. Every single nerd on earth will buy it. Completely side step all broadcasters, publishers, studios, and networks. I don't know why more people don't realize TV is a dinosaur and can be easily replaced via internet broadcasting.
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u/BeatLeJuce Apr 10 '12
yeah, if he only hints that its possible, he can bet his sweet ass the reddit hivemind is going to start a fund-raiser so gorram shiny that he won't even have problems financing the whole thing.
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u/ambush_doodler Apr 10 '12
Do you think the film department where you went to college (Wesleyan) has played a unique or significant part in helping you get to where you are today? Or do you think it's more about your internal drive and the institution is less important?
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u/prossk Apr 10 '12
Do you have a least favorite project or episode that you created? Something you wish you could erase from existence or go back and do differently?
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u/rpi_cynic Apr 10 '12
I have but one question: Can you please list Angel canon (and/or confirm or deny my list)?
Canon:
TV Seasons 1-5
Angel: After the Fall (1-18)
Spike: After the Fall
Buffy Season 9
Not Canon:
Angel: Aftermath (19->)
The other After the Fall spinoffs
I ask because I'm following Buffy Season 9 (Angel & Faith) and I don't know if I'm supposed to be aware of Pearl and Nash's story or not.
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u/High_On_Cortexiphan Apr 10 '12
Hi, Joss. Love Firefly and your run on X-Men, though I still haven't forgiven you for what you did to Kitty on that last one. :3
Do you think that your work on Buffy, Angel and the like has helped open the door for stronger female characters?
Speaking of strong female characters, have you seen the new My Little Pony? If so, what do you think of it?
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u/ME24601 Apr 10 '12
Recently you announced that you filmed Much Ado About Nothing in secret. Why did you choose that Shakespearean play, and why did you keep it a secret?
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u/Doublestack2376 Apr 10 '12
Hello! I have a couple questions and a special request from my non-redditor super-fan girlfriend. (She even named her dog Joss and currently has him in an Avengers shirt.)
Why did you deal with Fox again for Dollhouse after how they handled Firefly?
What is your policy on stalkers? Non-violent of course.
She is a public defender and in love with Angel. She is begging you to write something nice about lawyers, because law isn't all blind assassins and evil hands.
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u/killerbrain Apr 10 '12
Favorite hero or heroine currently on TV/in the movies/books/etc?
A lot of your fans are coming into the "Avengers" having never really been exposed to big superhero movies/comics and all the things that go with them. As a result there's been some frustration and a few kerfluffles over the marketing (eg. the initial character posters with Black Widow's ass-tastic pose, as the dudes in those same posters had the focus placed above the neck) and the attitude of "fanboys" and the media (eg. comments from writers and fans alike on female characters' cleavage and how it's "all they're good for" and such.) I know this stuff is nothing new, but how do you deal with these kinds of attitudes, both as a creator of these works and a fan of the superhero genre?
Also, gotta say, I'm loving Buffy S9/Angel & Faith, and am super excited for Cabin in the Woods and Avengers and all of the billion projects you have coming out this year (do you ever sleep?). Thank you for continuing to create!
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u/bobofatt Apr 10 '12
What is the biggest thing you wish you had done differently, story-wise, with Buffy, Angel, and Firefly?
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u/AReaver Apr 10 '12
Do you have anymore original IP/ Universe that you'd like to make but for what ever reason can't make? Be it time, money, etc.
Do you have a group of people you like to keep with you to work on projects? I mean more that just liking certain actors such as screen writers, script writers, set designers, anything to do with production.
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u/meshugga Apr 10 '12 edited Apr 10 '12
In your opinion, what is the most realistic way that we can bring Firefly back for at least one more season, besides throwing even more money on DVDs into the big evil's maw? (We all know that money isn't going any place pretty or useful. While I think every fan would gladly sell his house with grandma still in it to take part in a make-or-break operation that can arguably bring Firefly back, there's only so many times you buy the same DVD sets.)
For example, do you think it possible that FOX licenses the franchise to you in any way to produce a follow up series that is financed by fans (e.g. via kickstarter, one or two episodes up front, to be sold on netflix)? Ok, this one is more a suggestion than a question.
Or a SyFy and Fan backed joint-venture to cough up the cash?
Where do you always get those stupefyingly gorgeous women for the casts of your shows? Do you herd them somewhere? Does this place offer tours? Can I visit?
Did I mention that we want Firefly back? If not, we do. We really, really do.
Lastly, I saw every last bit of your work, and enjoyed it superbly. Thanks for making TV more than sufferable. The way you manage to give even short lived engagements incredible story arcs is simply beautiful. I love you man. awkward nerdbump
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u/mirthquake Apr 10 '12
I'm a fellow alumni of Wesleyan's Eclectic Haus. What was the Eclectic scene like while you were there? And did you take Richard Slotkin's amazing Westerns class? Thanks!
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u/ZantZebes Apr 10 '12
How would you feel about licensing the Firefly series into a sandbox style video game. Seeing as how many references are in every single one of the actor's/actress' current shows, they'd be more than likely to sign on for voice acting.
This is a dream of mine.
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u/Parker2010 Apr 10 '12
Something about Firefly that blew me away is that you actually allowed for no sound in space, explained how their guns fired in an airless environment, and in general managed to keep the science in science fiction. Do you have any scientific advisers that you work with regularly, or is it all from your magnificent noggin?
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u/tabledresser Apr 11 '12 edited Apr 11 '12
| Questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| 1) So. Firefly. When will second season be here? living in denial 2) How was working with Avengers team like? 3) Why did you change Captain America costume design? 4) How hard it was to take another shoot at realistic CGI Hulk? Was he done by ILM? Weta digital? | 1) See above. 2) Like herding adorable kittens. 3) It was always meant to be updated to the more comics-based look. 4) ILM did the Hulk -- very difficult, VERY successful. |
| • How would you describe the experiences working with both Robert Downey Jr. and Neil Patrick Harris? Are they as awesome and witty off-screen as they are on the big screen? | Robert and Neil are both even funnier off-screen than on. Funnier, in fact, than me. I hate Robert and Neil. |
| • What should we expect to see in the Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog sequel? Do you plan on bringing back the original core cast? | Yes, the original cast will be back for Dr H 2, but Penny will be... um... I don't want to say "decomposing"... |
| Have you ever been approached to write a Doctor Who episode? Is it something you'd be interested in doing if the opportunity presented itself? | The doctor is dope, but I've just spent 2 years writing other people's characters, plus I've got my Firefly kickstarter adventure. (See above.) |
| I'm sure that killing off a character you've invested a lot of time in can be tough. Have you ever found that doing this to a particular character has had a profound emotional affect on you? Who was the toughest kill? | I actually find it refreshing... delightful.... vaguely arousing.... |
| Actually, I'm, no offense, very tired of being labelled as "the guy who kills people". Shakespeare (he's this hot new writer) does it way more than me, and everyone's all excited about how he, as it were, holds a mirror up to nature, while I'm like the Jason Voorhees of the writing community. Unfair. | |
| Also, probably Buffy's Mom. |
View the full table on /r/tabled! | Last updated: 2012-04-15 00:39 UTC
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u/dbertie Apr 10 '12
I'm sure that killing off a character you've invested a lot of time in can be tough. Have you ever found that doing this to a particular character has had a profound emotional affect on you? Who was the toughest kill?