Disney’s 1941 animated feature Dumbo did not have much of a script. The film, which saw the titular pachyderm go off an adventure of a lifetime after he was separated from his mother, explores themes of friendship, tolerance of differences, and self-confidence. So when it was announced that the studio would be releasing an updated version of that with a live-action retelling, they tasked writer Ehren Kruger with expanding upon the original while also making it fresh by adding new themes to it.

At the Dumbo press conference, Kruger spoke about some of the challenges that came with expanding the animated original, which was 60 minutes long, to an updated 100-plus-minute film.

Director Tim Burton and composer Danny Elfman have collaborated as a directing and scoring duo for at least 17 films, beginning with 1985’s Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. While many would believe that the long working relationship between the two would mean that they know what they want from each other, that wouldn’t be the case, at least, according to Elfman.

After working together on such contemporary favorites like Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands, the two join forces once again for Disney’s Dumbo, a live-action reimagining of Disney’s 1941 animated classic. In it, Colin Ferrell play Holt, a former circus star who finds his life turned upside down when he returns from World War I a changed man and is tasked with taking care of Dumbo, a new baby elephant whose giant ears make him the laughing stock of an already struggling circus. Little do they know that the elephant has a special talent that will not only save their circus, but also attract some persuasive entrepreneurs who will exploit that talent for their own greedy needs.

We were recently invited to sit down with our fellow journalists at the press conference for Dumbo. During that time, Elfman talked about his working relationship with the unpredictable Burton, creating new music inspired by a classic film, and more. Check out what he had to say here below.

Recently Geeks of Doom was invited to attend the Captain Marvel press conference, where we got to chat with stars Brie Larson (Captain Marvel), Lashana Lynch (Maria Rambeau), Jude Law (Yon Rogg), Gemma Chan (Doctor Minerva), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), and Clark Gregg (Phil Coulson).

In this interview, Larson, Lynch, and Chan talk about being more than just a superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. See what they had to say below.

Though there have been many strong female characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain Marvel is the first time that Marvel Studios brings its fans a female superhero standalone film. The film sees Brie Larson play Carol Danvers, a highly skilled soldier of Star Force, an elite Kree peacekeeping force, separated from her troop when she crash lands on the planet Earth. Determined to reunite with her team, she soon discovers that she has a deep connection with this planet, and starts to search for the clues that could help unlock the memories of her mysterious past.

We were invited to attend the Captain Marvel press junket with our fellow journalists to talk to Larson, Lashana Lynch (Maria Rambeau), Jude Law (Yon Rogg), and Gemma Chan (Doctor Minerva). Additionally, MCU alum members Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury) and Clark Gregg (Phil Coulson) also attended to chat about appearing in the upcoming film.

As much as this is a continuation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain Marvel holds so much more meaning for the studio. It’s Marvel Studios’ first female standalone film, and one with such an empowering message and a character who will be a symbol of inspiration to everyone, especially young girls. And that would not have been possible without directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, who took their character-driven story approach to the upcoming film. Find out more about their leap from small films to Marvel Studio blockbuster tentpoles below.

When Marvel Studios releases Captain Marvel this week, you can expect audiences to have their full attention on the title character as she lights up the screen. However, there’s one particular character that might steal the show: an orange cat named Goose. But don’t let his appearance fool you — Goose is actually a flerken, a mighty and powerful alien that just happens to look like a feline.

Geeks of Doom was invited to attend the Captain Marvel press conference, where Brie Larson (Captain Marvel), Lashana Lynch (Maria Rambeau), Jude Law (Yon Rogg), Gemma Chan (Doctor Minerva), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), and Clark Gregg (Phil Coulson) talked about what it was like to work with a “snack-oriented” cat and his three other stunt doubles, as well as letting a cat do their thing while filming, and how the cats demanded respect. Check out what they all had to say here below.