05.25.2025 TOPIC FREE-FOR-ALL: SKULL-POCALYPSE!!! With JOHN MATTA & G. CHARLES WRIGHT!

May 25

**THE SKULL IS BACK! AND WITH LESS MOLD THAN EVER!**

**JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE,** and **MATT WEINHOLD** bring back the topic, which is all topics! Can your ill-equipped nerves handle the raw intensity and bone-chilling randomness that is... **TOPIC FREE-FOR-ALL: SKULL-POCALYPSE!!!**
For the uninitiated, let us explain: Like in past **TOPIC FREE-FOR-ALL** episodes, we all write several concepts for brief nerdy conversations on strips of paper, and place them within the confines of Larry's vintage plastic skull-shaped Halloween candy bucket. Then, we each take turns blindly choosing one of the strips and reading the topic. What follows is a lively and informative discussion, peppered with opportunities for trivia, merriment, and personal potshots.
Some of these topics come from unchosen strips from past episodes that suffered water damage from a leak in Larry's garage. Yes, they are literally moldy oldies. But a little mold can't dampen the unbridled excitement these personally crafted argument starters bring. So rain? Go suck on it!
Joining us for this cavalcade of categories are not one, but TWO return guests!
First up is an acclaimed comedian, writer, producer, and cartoonist who, for years, has been creating celebrated daily cartoons on cocktail napkins for **MATTANAPKIN.COM**. He's also been the featured guest on many a **TOPIC FREE-FOR-ALL.** Please welcome back, charisma incarnate... **JOHN MATTA! (THE MARTIN SHORT SHOW, DUCK DODGERS, THE EPIC TALES OF CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS, BEWARE THE BATMAN)**
And we're sure you remember our other guest from the now legendary **HORROR & SCI-FI** **CASTING** episode, and his drop-in appearances at **MONSTERAPLOOZA!** He's a casting director powerhouse who teaches the must-attend **G. CHARLES WRIGHT STUDIO AUDITION WORKSHOP,** and if you'd like more information about that, go to **GCHARLESWRIGHT.COM.** Please welcome once again, the delightful and delicious... **G. CHARLES WRIGHT! (THAT 70’S SHOW, THE MIDDLE, ANGER MANAGEMENT, LOPEZ VS. LOPEZ, STAN AGAINST EVIL)**
**WILL YOU SURVIVE THE SKULL-POCALYPSE?! AND SHOULD YOU?!**

Guest(s): G. Charles Wright & John Matta

Follow G. Charles: Instagram (@gcharleswright) | G. Charles Wright | G. Charles Wright Studio | Linktree

Follow John: John Matta (@mattanapkin) | Home - Matta Napkin

KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED:

The hosts—Matt Weinhold, Shawn Sheridan, Larry Strove, and James Gonas—are joined by acclaimed comedian and writer John Matta and casting director G. Charles Wright for a special "Skullpocalypse" edition of their popular topic free-for-all segment.
The unique format of the show involves the hosts and guests randomly drawing discussion topics from a giant plastic skull that once became moldy after being left in a rain-soaked garage.
The group dives into a wide range of genre film debates, including the best movies featuring evil imaginary friends, the most disappointing sci-fi and horror remakes, and films with great potential that were ultimately let down by studio interference.
Personal and passionate discussions arise as the panel shares which celebrity deaths have impacted them the most and debates the merits of fast versus slow zombies.
Lighter, more creative topics are also explored, such as inventing monster-themed breakfast cereals, choosing the best sci-fi hairstyles, and revealing their go-to movie theater snacks.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:03:51: Introduction of guests John Matta and G. Charles Wright.
0:08:51: Topic 1: "Best film with an evil imaginary friend".
0:15:38: Topic 2: "What's the celebrity death that hit me hardest?".
0:29:08: Topic 3: "Which horror, sci-fi, or fantasy film remake did you hate the most?".
0:51:36: Topic 4: "What monster deserves a breakfast cereal and what would it be called?".
0:56:03: Topic 5: "Name a genre film with great potential that you feel was ruined by studio interference or a troubled production".
1:06:27: Topic 6: "What monster slash horror character from a film do you really wish there was an action figure for?".
1:13:40: Topic 7: "What is your favorite horror song?".
1:21:14: Topic 8: "Fast zombies or slow zombies?".
1:26:45: Topic 9: "Are there too many genre shows now?".
1:39:47: Topic 10: "Best science fiction or horror weapon".
1:47:09: Topic 11: "Best sci-fi hair".
1:53:22: Topic 12: "What is your go-to snack at a movie theater? And what is your go-to snack for the home movie experience?".
2:08:13: Final thoughts and plugs for guests' projects.
2:12:02: Listener shout-outs begin.

RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED:

Film

Inside Out: Mentioned as a film with an imaginary friend, Bing Bong, who makes a noble sacrifice.
Harvey: Named as a favorite movie featuring an imaginary friend.
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein: Referenced as a "crazy" film from the past that set high expectations for movies.
Arsenic and Old Lace: Paired with Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein as another influential film from the speaker's childhood.
Drop Dead Fred: Chosen as a favorite and underrated film with an imaginary friend, praised for Rik Mayall's performance.
When Harry Met Sally: Jokingly suggested as an imaginary friend movie where Billy Crystal's character is "dead the whole time".
Psycho: Cited in the imaginary friend discussion, with Norman's mother serving as his "best friend".
The Shining: Mentioned for the character Tony, who is Danny's imaginary friend.
Creature from the Black Lagoon: Discussed in the context of the death of Ben Chapman, the actor who played the land-based creature, which deeply affected one of the hosts.
Godzilla Films: Referenced when discussing the deaths of Haruo Nakajima, the original Godzilla suit actor, and Akira Takarada, an actor from the first film.
The Ghost and Mr. Chicken: Brought up during a discussion about Don Knotts, with one panelist calling it Knotts' "Citizen Kane".
The Love God?: Mentioned as another notable Don Knotts film from his late-60s movie career.
Nosferatu (2024): Heavily criticized as a pretentious and "terrible" remake that was not scary.
Nosferatu (German remake with Klaus Kinski): Praised as a "fantastic" remake in contrast to the 2024 version.
Nosferatu (silent original): Recommended as being "scary as hell" and superior to the modern remake.
The House on Haunted Hill - The Haunting (remake): Disliked for adding a supernatural element that wasn't in the original film. Described as a perfect example of "how to get everything wrong in a remake," particularly criticizing its overreliance on bad CGI.
The Mummy (Tom Cruise version): Criticized for being a Tom Cruise vehicle rather than a proper monster movie and for its failed attempt to launch a shared universe.
The Shape of Water: Mentioned as a film some incorrectly thought was part of a new Universal Monsters series.
The Wolf Man (remakes): Generally described as "horrible" compared to the original, though there is some debate over the 2010 version.
It (2017 & 2019 films): Dismissed as being "so overrated" and "absolutely terrible".
The Day the Earth Stood Still (remake): Called out as a film that "just don't need to be remade" and that ultimately "didn't work".
Battlefield Earth: Jokingly mentioned as the "one fucking movie" Tom Cruise should have been in.
Mission: Impossible film series: Criticized for hijacking the original TV show's IP and turning all the original characters into villains in the first movie.
Day of the Dead: Cited as a film with great potential that was hurt by production issues, as George Romero had to scale back his original, more ambitious script due to budget and rating concerns.
Batman & Robin: Used as an example of a film franchise that "got a little too goofy" due to studio interference.
Batman (Tim Burton films): The second film, Batman Returns, is highlighted as an underrated movie where Tim Burton had more creative control.
Planet of the Apes (Tim Burton remake): Labeled a "disaster" that was likely ruined by studio or production issues.
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace: The feeling of disappointment after seeing it is compared to the experience of watching the Planet of the Apes remake.
Cowboys & Aliens: Mentioned as a film that should have been great given its director and cast, but was ultimately unmemorable and "didn't click".
Alien 3: Brought up as a major franchise disappointment that was hurt by studio interference and for controversially killing off characters from the previous film.
Alien Resurrection: The original Joss Whedon script is praised as being great before the final film was produced.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King: Used as an example of a third film in a franchise that is excellent.
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock: Cited as a third installment that has improved with age.
Escape from the Planet of the Apes: Another example of a successful third film in a series.
The Bad News Bears Go to Japan: Mentioned as an example of a bad third film.
Superman III & IV: Called "travesties" and "unwatchable," representing a severe decline in a franchise's quality.
Fantasia: Described as a "horrible fucking movie" that is only enjoyable if you are on drugs.
Phantasm: The flying sphere is brought up as a favorite horror weapon, and the Tall Man is mentioned as a character deserving an action figure.
Phantom of the Paradise: The characters Beef and Swan are named as characters who should have action figures.
Black Devil Doll from Hell: The dummy from the film is chosen as a desirable, creepy collectible.
Poltergeist: Zelda Rubinstein's character is mentioned as one who deserves her own action figure.
Logan's Run: The characters, particularly Box, are cited as needing action figures. Farrah Fawcett's hairstyle is also named a favorite in sci-fi.
The Keep: The entity Molasar is named as a monster deserving an action figure.
Barbie: The lack of action figures from the movie is briefly discussed.
Oppenheimer: Called an "overrated movie".
Dawn of the Dead (remake): The use of Johnny Cash's "The Man Comes Around" in the opening is cited as a favorite horror song moment.
Pet Sematary: The title song by the Ramones is named a favorite horror song.
Return of the Living Dead: The song "Surfin' Dead" by The Cramps is mentioned as a favorite song from a movie.
The Green Slime: The theme song is named as a favorite.
28 Days Later: Used as a key example of scary, fast-moving viral zombies.
Train to Busan: Also mentioned as a film with effectively scary fast zombies.
Ad Astra: The compressed air guns used during the moon battle sequence are highlighted as a unique and favorite sci-fi weapon.
Hellraiser: The Lament Configuration puzzle box is named as a classic horror "weapon".
Laserblast: The low-budget film's alien rifle is chosen as a cool and unique sci-fi weapon.
The Fifth Element: Gary Oldman's distinct hairstyle in the film is selected as a favorite.
Star Trek: The Motion Picture: Persis Khambatta's shaved head is named as a stunning and memorable sci-fi look.
Swingers: Referenced as a movie that featured the New Beverly Cinema, a local theater the hosts used to frequent.

Television

The Martin Short Show: Mentioned as a project guest John Matta worked on.
Duck Dodgers: Another show John Matta wrote for.
The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants: Listed as one of John Matta's writing credits.
Beware the Batman: A show that host Matt Weinhold and guest John Matta worked on together as a writing team.
That '70s Show: Guest G. Charles Wright served as the casting director for the show. He also cast Don Knotts in his last role for an episode of the series.
The Middle: Another show G. Charles Wright provided casting for.
Anger Management: Listed among G. Charles Wright's casting director credits.
Lopez vs. Lopez: Another show cast by G. Charles Wright.
Stan Against Evil: A show that both Matt Weinhold and G. Charles Wright worked on.
The Boys: Referenced during the "imaginary friend" discussion for the character Joe Kessler, who appears as an illusion to the character Butcher.
Ultraman: Mentioned in the context of Monsterpalooza bringing the original cast of the show to their convention.
Three's Company: Noted as one of Don Knotts' most well-known shows.
The Andy Griffith Show: Mentioned as another of Don Knotts' famous television roles.
SCTV: Discussed when remembering the late Joe Flaherty, who was described as the "heart of SCTV" and a key part of what made it a favorite comedy sketch show.
Mission: Impossible: The original series is praised as a "genius TV series" with a great ensemble cast, which the panel feels is unlike the Tom Cruise film franchise.
The Fast and the Furious: The film franchise is compared to a TV series and is said to more closely resemble the ensemble nature of the Mission: Impossible TV show than the actual Mission: Impossible movies do.
Space: 1999: The show is brought up when discussing actors Martin Landau and Barbara Bain, who were reportedly difficult to work with on set.
Entourage: Mentioned as a show Martin Landau appeared on.
Coach: Jokingly referenced in the context of owning life-size Craig T. Nelson dolls.
UFO: Actress Gabrielle Drake's purple wig as Lt. Gay Ellis on the show is chosen as a "best sci-fi hair" candidate.
Star Trek: The Original Series: The episode "The Gamesters of Triskelion" is cited for the green bouffant hairstyle of Angelique Pettyjohn's character, Shawna.
The Walking Dead: Used as an example of a show with slow zombies, which a panelist finds less scary because characters could just "walk around them".
Black Summer: Mentioned as a show with fast zombies that was considered an "antidote" to the slow zombies of The Walking Dead.
Battlestar Galactica (original): Named as one of the few sci-fi shows available to watch in the past, along with Buck Rogers.
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century: Paired with Battlestar Galactica as an example of the limited genre television options in a previous era.
Godzilla (Monarch): Referencing Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, this show is called a "complete fucking waste of time" and an example of a series that only exists as "filler to keep the IP alive".
Obi-Wan Kenobi: Grouped with the Godzilla series as another show considered a "complete waste of time" that was made just to keep a franchise in the public eye.
Channel Zero: Mentioned as a great horror anthology series that "came out of nowhere".
Slow Horses: A panelist notes they are a fan of this show when Gary Oldman is mentioned.
Hacks: Guest John Matta mentions his wife, Rose Abdoo, is on the show.
Quincy, M.E.: Used as an example of a show from a time with few networks, where everyone knew of its existence even if they didn't watch it.
Norsemen: This international comedy series about Vikings is praised as a "genius" show that successfully crossed over to American audiences.
Captain Fall: An animated series from the creators of Norsemen.

Print & Other Media

Cowboys & Aliens Graphic Novel The film of the same name was based on this popular graphic novel.
IT (book) When discussing the movie adaptations, a host recommends that people read Stephen King's original book.
"The Man Comes Around" by Johnny Cash This song is named a favorite "horror song" for its effective use in the opening credits of the Dawn of the Dead remake.
"I Don't Want to Be Buried in a Pet Sematary" by The Ramones Chosen as a perfect horror song because its lyrics tell the story of the film Pet Sematary.
"Black Sabbath" by Black Sabbath Named as one of the most famous and "terrifying" horror-themed songs in heavy metal.
"Surfin' Dead" by The Cramps Picked as a favorite song from a movie, featured in Return of the Living Dead.
"The Green Slime" (theme song) The theme from the movie of the same name is called a "great rocking song".
"Monster Mash" by Bobby Boris Pickett A panelist whose birthday falls on Halloween calls this a classic and his personal favorite song.
"Dinner with Drac" by Zacherle Mentioned as another classic horror-themed novelty song.
"Monster Holiday" by Zacherle This song, featuring vocal work by Lon Chaney Jr., is also mentioned.
San Francisco Ballet's Frankenstein During the listener shout-out segment, a host gives a detailed and glowing review of this ballet production, describing it as a beautiful, tragic, and courageous adaptation of the classic story, complete with pyrotechnics. (Bonus: Full Royal Ballet Version)