Hollywood Directors Challenge Online Critics: ‘You Can Go Crazy’

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At the USC School of Cinematic Arts, three alumni gathered for a candid conversation. Kevin Feige, Ryan Coogler and Shawn Levy spoke about filmmaking and online fandom.

Event and participants

The evening celebrated the dedication of the Kevin Feige Division of Film & Television Production. Feige attended with fellow USC graduates Ryan Coogler and Shawn Levy.

Feige leads Marvel Studios. Coogler directed Sinners. Levy helmed the latest Deadpool & Wolverine and is in post-production on the next Star Wars film.

Dealing with internet fandom

The trio addressed the influence of social media on creative work. They urged filmmakers to avoid getting lost in endless commentary.

Feige warned that the volume of theories and hot takes can overwhelm creators. He summed up the risk with the phrase ‘You Can Go Crazy’ to capture the danger of overreading online chatter.

Handling bad test screenings

They also discussed the sting of a failed preview. Feige noted previews often arrive after almost $200 million has been spent.

He recalled audiences reacting with bafflement to films at that stage. Levy described the immediate fallout: panic, self-doubt, then returning to the editing room to fix the film.

Perfection and revisions

Feige admitted he once believed Marvel uniquely struggled to land movies on the first cut. He has since changed his view.

He asked Coogler whether Sinners was flawless early on. Coogler laughed and said it was not perfect, and may still not be.

A reminder for filmmakers

The conversation offered a human view from three leading directors and producers. It underscored that big films remain works in progress until final release.

Filmogaz.com reported the event as a rare glimpse into how top filmmakers survive online noise and creative setbacks.