Inside Whirlwinds of Collaboration: Jake Schreier Reveals the Electrifying Journey with Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, and the World of Thunderbolts!

Summary

Jake Schreier has had an impressive year, with his involvement in the hit Netflix series Beef and the upcoming Thunderbolts.

Beef has received nominations for 13 Emmys, with Schreier having directed six episodes on the show. Additionally, Schreier has been enlisted to direct an episode of the highly anticipated Disney+ series, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, which is being created by Jon Watts and Christopher Ford.

Jake Schreier has had an impressive year, with his involvement in the successful Netflix series Beef and the highly anticipated upcoming film Thunderbolts. In Beef, Schreier takes on the role of executive producer and directs six out of the ten episodes. The series has garnered an impressive 13 Emmy nominations. Additionally, Schreier is set to direct an episode of the upcoming Disney+ series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, which was created by Jon Watts and Christopher Ford. Skeleton Crew features Jude Law in a mentor-like role, as he guides a group of four lost kids in their quest to find their way home in the galaxy.

As for Thunderbolts, Schreier's Marvel movie, it promises to showcase a unique team-up of villains and anti-heroes from the MCU. Although details of the story are being closely guarded, the Thunderbolts lineup was unveiled during D23 2022, creating excitement among fans. It is important to note that this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, and the creation of these shows and movie would not have been possible without the hard work of the writers and actors from both unions.

Jake Schreier discussed his work on several projects during an interview with Screen Rant. This includes the films Beef and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, as well as the upcoming Thunderbolts movie. During the conversation, Schreier talked about collaborating with Ali Wong and Steven Yeung. He also mentioned the possibility of a second season for Beef. Additionally, Schreier revealed that the creators of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew were his college roommates. He also touched on how director Watts approaches the show following the Spider-Man trilogy. Furthermore, Schreier gave a hint about a new storyline for Thunderbolts, promising a fresh take on the well-known characters.

Jake Schreier Talks Beef, Thunderbolts & Star Wars Skeleton Crew

Screen Rant: I love Beef! It is such a good show. And after watching it, I was even more excited for Thunderbolts, which I didn't think was possible.

Jake Schreier: Fantastic! We've successfully completed all of the missions.

Episode nine takes the intensity to a whole new level, resembling a thrilling roller coaster ride. It delves into the realm of horror unlike any other episode. Could you share your approach in crafting the scenes set at Jordan's house and the building tension throughout?

We aimed to establish a heightened quality in the scenes at Jordan's early on in the show, which was complemented by Grace's exceptional production design. However, our focus was primarily on the writing and delivering genuine character moments, without excessive reliance on genre tropes.

If we were to convey this approach on set, it might give the impression that the entire series has taken a sudden change in direction. Our intention was to stay true to the authenticity of the character moments. Although these moments have a heightened quality, we treated their direction and emotion in the same way as we did in earlier episodes.

You nailed it! It was an absolute blast. Now we eagerly await season two. We're all dying for season two. It would likely be more of an anthology series, with Danny and Amy's story tying up the season. If there is a second season, would you be interested in returning? And is there a specific community or conflict that you'd like to delve into?

Jake Schreier: Absolutely, if it happens again, count me in. It could be a bit challenging schedule-wise with Thunderbolt, but we're currently trying to make it work. Sunny is still figuring out the direction it would take, but once he has a vision, I'm definitely up for it.

I genuinely appreciate that. Additionally, Ali and Steven contributed as executive producers for the project. Which aspect of their contribution held the most significance for you?

Jake Schreier: They were already involved during the early stages of development with Sunny, and their immense dedication shines through in these stories. Countless extensive discussions were held between them and Sunny, drawing heavily upon their personal experiences to shape these characters. As a result, when you step onto the set, it feels like you're not searching for those authentic elements anymore.

You can genuinely engage in these intimate conversations and understand their unique perspective. And they are able to openly communicate that with you. Sunny, of course, can articulate his aspirations, but also delve into their personal connection to it. Therefore, it results in a more profound and fascinating dialogue with an actor who has been extensively involved in creating and shaping that project since its inception.

I absolutely adore that. It's also fantastic to have Steven and Sung Jin joining you for Thunderbolts. Could you discuss the experience of collaborating with them again in Thunderbolts and the unique qualities they bring to the movie?

Jake Schreier: While I may not be specifically addressing Thunderbolts, I can confidently say that when you find people you deeply enjoy working with, you naturally want to collaborate with them as often as possible. In the case of Beef, we frequently discuss how the remarkable synergy between collaborators profoundly impacts the final product that audiences get to witness.

Everyone, including Grace, Larkin (our exceptional cinematographer), and all the actors, brings so much to the table that it inspires everyone else to excel. The level of dedication from everyone involved is truly incredible. Working with Sunny and Steven is not just limited to Thunderbolts; I would love to collaborate with them repeatedly throughout my career. Once you discover such a harmonious partnership, you simply want to continue nurturing it.

That's remarkable. Now, what sets Thunderbolts apart from other MCU movies, particularly team-ups like Guardians or Avengers?

Jake Schreier: The content has a sense of something different, a specificity of character that adds a universal appeal. Thunderbolts is not a sequel, but a fresh story with characters we may have seen in the MCU before, yet with a unique perspective on who they are and their collective journey. It's not what people might anticipate, but unfortunately, I cannot reveal more.

I find it fascinating. Did any Thunderbolt team member capture your attention while reading the script?

Jake Schreier: I'm going to refrain from answering that question. I have to go make this movie and at this point, I can't show any favoritism. What immediately struck me about this project was the extraordinary cast that was put together. I mean, who wouldn't want to collaborate with such an outstanding group of actors in any capacity? So, I am genuinely thrilled about each individual in the cast. It's an opportunity to showcase their talent in relation to these characters and really delve into a more profound understanding of who these characters are.

I had the opportunity to work on another major Disney franchise, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. As a huge Star Wars fan, I'm extremely excited about it. This series stands out from the other recent Star Wars series on Disney Plus. I can't wait for people to see it, as it features an amazing group of talented individuals. What made the experience even more special for me was that Jon Watts and Chris Ford, who happened to be my college roommates, were also involved in the project. It felt like being back in film school, but with much bigger resources. They bring a unique perspective to the story, and the collaboration with other directors is truly incredible. This series has a lot of heart, and I believe it will be a really enjoyable watch for everyone.

Can you discuss collaborative Jon Watts briefly? One of the exciting aspects is his transition from directing a coming-of-age story in the Spider-Man trilogy.

Jake Schreier: Personally, I've learned a great deal about filmmaking through debates with Jon, Ford, Ben, and our film school friends. Witnessing his growth as a director in various genres has been truly remarkable. His infectious enthusiasm shines through in his approach to filmmaking, which is evident in Spider-Man and the contributions Tom made to it. I believe audiences will find a lot of that same energy in Skeleton Crew, making it a fun watch.

What has been your favorite aspect of world building in both the MCU and Star Wars?

Jake Schreier: What strikes you is the sheer presence of numerous talented artists who are passionate about these franchises, each bringing their own unique perspectives and ideas. Unlike smaller projects where you have to choose one idea and stick to it, here you have the luxury of exploring various concepts and making them successful.

The exciting aspect of these worlds is the opportunity to delve deeper and potentially make mistakes, allowing for adjustments, different perspectives, and the freedom to envision what something or which world one would like to explore. It is a wonderful luxury to witness the abundance of unique ideas and the passion people have for these worlds. If one could harness that energy, it has been an incredibly enjoyable experience over the past year or so. I appreciate your cautious approach when discussing both of these projects.

Jake Schreier: I am taking utmost caution to avoid any problems.

I completely understand! Here's a challenge for you. Can you think of one or two words to describe each?

Jake Schreier: I apologize if I sound apprehensive, but I fear that I may stumble while attempting to answer this question. Is it permissible for me to refrain from responding? I hope you understand my concern about potentially providing incorrect information. Moreover, I must admit that my ability to provide concise dual-word explanations is not at its peak capacity.

About Beef

The story of Beef revolves around a clash that arises from a road rage incident involving two unknown individuals. Danny Cho (played by Steven Yeun), an unsuccessful contractor burdened by resentment, finds himself in direct confrontation with Amy Lau (portrayed by Ali Wong), a self-made entrepreneur leading a seemingly perfect life. As their heated rivalry escalates, the consequences start unraveling their personal lives and interconnected relationships. With a blend of dark comedy and profound emotions, this series offers a captivating and thought-provoking narrative.

All 10 episodes of Beef are currently available to stream on Netflix.

Source: Screen Rant Plus