Clint Eastwood’s ‘Juror #2’ out performs Warner Bros.’ investment; ‘The Penguin’ showrunner Lauren LeFranc talks crafting a Gotham crime boss

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Actor/director Clint Eastwood arrives at the AFI FEST, 2019. Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/NurPhoto (via Reuters)

Warner Bros. unceremoniously released Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2 in less than 50 theaters nationwide, but the mid-budget film has exceeded expectations. After a strong limited opening, the film will see a modest expansion and a light awards push from Warner’s. What prompted the studio to bury what could potentially be the last film from the 94 year old director? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate. 

Plus, Eric Deggans talks to Lauren LeFranc about creating the HBO mini series, The Penguin. The writer discusses the challenges of adapting a well known comic book villain into a complex, three dimensional character and she shares why her perspective as a woman writing a show about a middle-aged crime boss makes for interesting storytelling. And of course, she talks about the joys of working with Colin Farrell, who is both the star of the show and an involved executive producer.

Credits

Host:

Kim Masters

Producer:

Joshua Farnham