About this episode

The episode discusses the concept of the Mystery Box in J.J. Abrams' work, particularly in relation to the Star Wars franchise.

It is a truth, universally acknowledged, that any criticism of J.J. Abrams’ work must discuss the Mystery Box. Check out Jon McCoy’s Episode IX Visual Sketchbook - it’s really fuckin cool! Also while you’re at it, Phil Saunders has also shared a heap of his work on the film with explanations of the process AND exact dates that really helped me piece together the timeline on this one. We have a Patreon - if you like what we do, you can be part of it! There are bonus episodes too. I dunno how to promote stuff I don’t like ads either that’s why we don’t run any and instead rely on the generosity of our Patreon Subscribers! Guest Starring: Patrick Tomaso as J.J. Abrams Christian Byers as Chris Terrio Angus Truskett as Rian Johnson Josh Boerman as Bob Iger Abigail Nussbaum as Kathleen Kennedy Asher Elbein as Phil Saunders Grace Koh as Maryann Brandon Kobi Omenaka as Vincent Canby Jackson Ryan as Brian Hiatt Andrew Levins as Fredrick S Clarke (the Cinefantastique reviewer who hated Empire) The Great Jamie Tram as Kelly Marie Tran CLIPS Star Wars Episode IV: Return of the Jedi Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker The Mystery Box : JJ Abrams…

People in this episode

Host: Tansy Gardam

Guests: Patrick Tomaso, Christian Byers, Angus Truskett, Josh Boerman, Abigail Nussbaum, Asher Elbein, Grace Koh, Brandon Kobi Omenaka, Jackson Ryan, Andrew Levins, Jamie Tram

Topics covered

• Star Wars
• J.J. Abrams
• film criticism
• Mystery Box
• visual storytelling
• Patreon

Keywords

• J.J. Abrams
• Mystery Box
• Star Wars
• film analysis
• visual storytelling
• Patreon

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Star Wars Episode IV: Return of the Jedi, Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, The Mystery Box : JJ Abrams TED Talk, The Skywalker Legacy, The Empire Podcast, Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi Audio Commentary

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• The Fall of Skywalker III: TrIXie · May 19, 2026 · 1h 23m
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