Ep 11. Tom McCarthy Says 'The Cobbler's' Failure "fueled" Him for 'Spotlight'

In season 9 episode 11 of Popcorn With Peter Travers, the acclaimed director Tom McCarthy sits down with Travers to talk about his experiences making movies. In the interview, McCarthy opens up about the failure of his 2014 film The Cobbler, which starred Adam Sandler and received poor reviews from both critics and audiences alike.

Despite the disappointment of The Cobbler, McCarthy says that the experience "fueled" him to make his next film, Spotlight, which went on to win the Best Picture Oscar in 2016. McCarthy talks to Travers about the challenges of making Spotlight, a drama based on the true story of the Boston Globe's investigation into Catholic Church sex abuse, as well as the critical and commercial success of the film.

Throughout the interview, McCarthy reflects on his career as a writer, director, and actor, sharing anecdotes and insights into his creative process and the challenges of the film industry. He also talks about his collaborations with actors such as Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, and Rachel McAdams on Spotlight, as well as his past work on films such as The Station Agent and Win Win.

Travers and McCarthy have an easy rapport in the interview, with Travers asking thoughtful questions and McCarthy responding with candor and humor. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from the importance of storytelling to the power of cinema to inspire and challenge audiences.

Overall, season 9 episode 11 of Popcorn With Peter Travers offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of Hollywood's most talented and versatile filmmakers. Whether you're a fan of McCarthy's work or simply interested in the art of cinema, this episode is a must-see for anyone who loves movies.