Ink to Film

To cap off their 9th season, in episode 368 James and Luke list their best (and worst) reads, then name the best (and worst) adaptations of the year. It was an exciting year highlighted by their first ever live recording featuring the incredible Martha Wells who joined the show to talk Murderbot at WorldCon in Seattle. The podcast didn't stop at just sci-fi, though, making a deep dive into Dracula, exploring a legendary anime, dissecting a trio of Stephen King movies, laughing with a Shakespeare retelling for the ages, and lamenting a fantasy series cancelled before its time. Topics also include: The Wheel of Time, Nosferatu, Mickey 17, Conclave, The Ring, The Iron Giant, and so much more. Thank you to everyone who made this year a great one for Ink to Film! Categories Intro - 00:00:27 Podcast Stats - 00:02:21 Biggest Surprise - 00:13:42 Worst Read - 00:25:30 Best Read - 00:35:38 Worst Watch - 00:50:53 Best Watch (A.K.A. Best Adaptation) - 01:02:47 Looking Ahead - 01:20:53 Pickup any of the novels they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop! https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects! www.patreon.com/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm) Home Base: inktofilm.com Luke Elliott Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/pub... James Bailey Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/

Katsuhiro Otomo did the impossible when he adapted his own unfinished manga into an anime film that changed everything. In episode 367, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they unpack the making of this landmark film, try to understand a mind-blowing ending, compare different versions of Tetsuo, and finally cast their vote on which one is ultimately better: the manga series or the anime! Pickup Akira or any of the novels they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop! https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects! https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm) Home Base: inktofilm.com Intro/Outro Music "Rebels" by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-wKcIkElIc&t=522s Luke Elliott Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications James Bailey Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/

Katsuhiro Otomo's series is a landmark work in the history of Japanese manga and animation that shaped the industry as we know it today. In episode 366, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they continue their journey through Neo Tokyo by reacting to volumes 2 and 3, debate just how evil (or not) Tetsuo actually is, weigh the pros/cons of color, learn about "gutter loss," and further explore the legacy of this legendary story. Join them again next week when they race headlong into the film! Pickup Akira or any of the novels they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop! https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects! https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm) Home Base: inktofilm.com Intro/Outro Music "Rebels" by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-wKcIkElIc&t=522s Luke Elliott Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications James Bailey Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/

Nobody seems to know for certain who created the first cyberpunk story, but Katsuhiro Otomo has as strong a claim as anyone. In episode 365, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they start their journey into Neo-Tokyo for possibly the most legendary manga of all time, learn the history of manga making into western markets, find a surprising link to "Stranger Things", and admire the sheer technical skill of a master. Join them in the coming weeks as they read volumes 2 & 3, then tackle the renowned anime adaptation! Pickup Akira or any of the novels they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop! https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects! https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm) Home Base: inktofilm.com Intro/Outro Music "Rebels" by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-wKcIkElIc&t=522s Luke Elliott Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications James Bailey Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/

Edgar Wright's adaptation of a Stephen King book and 80s Arnold Action flick seemed like a perfect match, so why didn't this movie rise to the level of his very best? In episode 364, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they unpack what went right and what went wrong in the jump from page to screen. Topics include a rigid plot skeleton, a surprise cameo, some performances that divided our opinions, and finally cast votes on which they ultimately liked better: the book or the movie. They finish by judging both mediums to the recently covered Bachman-story counterparts with THE LONG WALK. Pickup The Running Man or any of the novels they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop! https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects! https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm)+ Home Base: inktofilm.com Intro/Outro Music: "Something Wicked" by Ross Bugden https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zuw_O5MU5CE Luke Elliott Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications James Bailey Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/

From his doublewide trailer in the 1970s, Stephen King was able to authentically tackle class struggle in this early novel originally published under the pen name "Richard Bachman."  In episode 363, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they try to understand Ben Richards, get dystopian and borderline cyberpunk in this flashy vision of the future, react to some uncomfortable hallmarks of the Master of Horror's writing early in his career, and wonder about what changes await in the modern adaptation. Join them next week as they analyze Edgar Wright's version starring Glenn Powell! Pickup The Running Man or any of the novels they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop! https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects! https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm)+ Intro/Outro Music: "Something Wicked" by Ross Bugden https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zuw_O5MU5CE Home Base: inktofilm.com Luke Elliott Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications James Bailey Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/

Join Luke & James on the convention floor as they catch up with former guests Remy Nakamura, Curtis Chen, Kate Ristau, Erik Grove, Jessie Kwak, Fonda Lee, Daryl Gregory, Patrick Swenson, and Rachael K. Jones! Each author shares their experiences at the convention and what they've been up to in the years since their last appearance on the podcast. Find our guests books on our bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/special-guest-books Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects: https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm) Home Base: inktofilm.com Luke Elliott Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications James Bailey Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/

Jake Kasden reimagines Jumanji for a modern audience while making clever connections to the original that manages to keep this latest entry in line with the classic Robin Williams-led version. He delivers star-power with The Rock, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, and Kevin Hart, who all give memorable comedic performances. Join Luke & James for this video-game flavored take on a classic adaptation for this former Patreon-exclusive! Pickup any of the novels they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects: https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm) Home Base: inktofilm.com Luke Elliott Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications James Bailey Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/

In the 90s, Director Kenneth Branagh made a wild heavy metal adaptation of the seminal SciFi novel starring himself, Robert De Niro, and Helena Bonham Carter. Join Luke & James in this former Patreon-exclusive Halloween episode as they debate the value of such an over-the-top take on a literary classic. Pickup any of the novels they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects: https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm) Home Base: inktofilm.com Luke Elliott Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications James Bailey Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/  

Director Rodney Ascher presents some of the wild interpretations of The Shining (1980) that persist to this day, each more fantastical than the next. Some theories seem grounded in reality, but others take massive leaps and arrive at outlandish ideas, none more ridiculous than the "moon landing footage was faked by Stanley Kubrick" theory. But is it possible that the entire documentary is actually a meta-exercise in showing fan obsession and over-analysis? Join Luke & James for this former Patreon-exclusive episode! Pickup any of the novels they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects: https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm) Home Base: inktofilm.com Luke Elliott Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications James Bailey Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/

Author Martha Wells joins LIVE at Seattle Worldcon 2025 to discuss "Murderbot" season 1, adapted by Paul and Chris Weitz for Apple TV+. In episode 356, Luke Elliott & James host their first live-recording in front of a packed room of Martha Wells fans, adding to their "Creative Conversations" series. They kick things off with a special video message from the show's cast for Martha Wells: Noma Dumezweni, Sabrina Wu, Akshay Khanna, Tamara Podemski, Tattiawna Jones, David Dastmalchian, and Alexander Skarsgård! Topics include: the original idea that led to Murderbot's creation, surprise insights into herself after reader reactions, her input and thoughts on the casting of the series' biggest role, her visit to the set (and what she got to take home), and why she pushes back at fans surprised by the show's more comedic tone. Pickup All Systems Red or any of the novels they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop! https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects! https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm) Home Base: inktofilm.com Martha Wells Website: www.marthawells.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/marthawellswriter/ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/marthawells.com Luke Elliott Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications James Bailey Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/

In a surprising twist, Amazon's adaptation of the Fallout video-game franchise is good! Join Luke & James in this former Patreon-exclusive episode as they reminisce about a beloved series, give their spoiler-free reactions to the show, and reflect on what makes Fallout so iconic in the world of post-apocalyptic fiction. Pickup any of the novels they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop! https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects! https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm) Home Base: inktofilm.com   Luke Elliott Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social Writings: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications James Bailey Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/  

In Gore Verbinski's adaptation of RING (and the original Japanese version) analog film takes the spotlight representing a medium in transition. The result is a turning point in modern horror cinema, as the artform transitioned into a more digital age. In episode 355, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they compare the film to the Koji Suzuki novel, unpack the filmmaking choices that make this movie feel cursed, relive the nostalgic terror of seeing this movie as children, and finally cast their votes on which version is ultimately best: the book or the movie?    ANNOUNCEMENT: Ink to Film is attending WorldCon 2025 in Seattle where they will be interviewing Martha Wells in their first ever live show! Join them on 8/15 @ 4:30PM. More information on WorldCon 2025 can be found here: https://seattlein2025.org/ Pickup any of the novels they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop! https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects! https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm) Home Base: inktofilm.com Luke Elliott Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social Writings: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications James Bailey Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/

Author Koji Suzuki's novel RING sparked a resurgence of horror in Japan and launched a franchise that would shock the world, but what disturbing details from his original story didn't make it to the screen? In episode 354, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they try to make sense of Asakawa and Ryūji's characterization, encounter Sadako Yamamura for the first time, try to resist the urge to watch cursed media (fail), and wonder if they'll be next to fall prey to the viral horror. Join them next week when they watch "The Ring" (2002) and relive iconic millennial horror from their childhood.   ANNOUNCEMENT: Ink to Film is attending WorldCon 2025 in Seattle where they will be interviewing Martha Wells in their first ever live show! Join them on 8/15 @ 4:30PM. More information on WorldCon 2025 can be found here: https://seattlein2025.org/ Pickup any of the novels they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop! https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects! https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm) Home Base: inktofilm.com   Luke Elliott   Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social Writings: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications   James Bailey   Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/

As Paul and Chris Weitz's adaptation rounds out its first season the emphasis on comedy is clear, but how does that compare to the tone of the books by Martha Wells that it's based on? In episode 353, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they debate the show's faithfulness, unpack the comedic shift, lobby for slightly longer episodes, and theorize on what might lie ahead in the recently confirmed season 2! ANNOUNCEMENT: Ink to Film is attending WorldCon 2025 in Seattle where they will be interviewing Martha Wells in their first ever live show! Join them on 8/15 @ 4:30PM. More information on WorldCon 2025 can be found here: https://seattlein2025.org/ Pickup All Systems Red or any of the novels they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop! https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects! https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm) Home Base: inktofilm.com Luke Elliott Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social Writings: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications James Bailey Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/

Ink to Film is excited to announce they will be recording their first live episode in front of an audience at Seattle Worldcon 2025! Author Martha Wells joins the Ink to Film podcast to reflect on having her work adapted by Apple TV. From Murderbot's origins to seeing Alexander Skarsgård portray it on the silver screen, come get the inside scoop on the adaptation journey. Friday 8/15 4:30-5:30 PM in the Terrace Suite (4F). Luke Elliott's Schedule of Appearances Wed 8/13 @ 7:30 PM: Lord of the Rings as a Horror Story Thu 8/14 @ 12:00 PM: The Art of Adaptation Thu 8/14 @ 7:30 PM: Are Podcasts the New Fanzines Fri 8/15 @ 4:30 PM: Ink to Film Podcast: Martha Wells on "Murderbot" Season 1 Sat 8/16 @ 1:30 PM: Your Novel Became a Movie/Show. How Did It Go? Sat 8/16 @ 7:30 PM: Movies Based on Video Games James Bailey's Schedule of Appearances Fri 8/15 @ 9:00 AM: Was the Book Better Though? Horror Novels That Made Great Movies Fri 8/15 @ 4:30 PM: Ink to Film Podcast: Martha Wells on "Murderbot" Season 1 Register to attend in person or virtually here: https://seattlein2025.org/memberships/memberships/

Paul and Chris Weitz's Apple TV adaptation of Martha Wells' series "The Murderbot Diaries" sets itself apart from the books from the beginning through shifts in tone, character, and more, but how well are the changes working? In episode 352, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they react to Alexander Skarsgård's performance as everyone's favorite SecUnit, learn to love the goofballs humans Murderbot is trying to protect, unpack the changes that push the show into more of a true comedy than the books, and theorize on what's to come in the second half of the season. Also, they include a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Ink to Film is attending WorldCon 2025 in Seattle where they will be interviewing Martha Wells in their first ever live show! Join them on 8/15 @ 4:30PM. More information on WorldCon 2025 can be found here: https://seattlein2025.org/ Pickup All Systems Red or any of the novels they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop! https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects! https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm) Home Base: inktofilm.com Luke Elliott Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social Writings: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications James Bailey Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/

Martha Wells's career shifted into a whole new gear with the launch of her series "The Murderbot Diaries" which was a surprising success out of the gate. In episode 351, join Luke Elliott and James Bailey as they begin their journey with one of Sci-Fi's newest beloved characters, explore the origins of the iconic bot, unpack neurodivergence coding, talk nonbinary representation, and avoid eye contact as much as possible. Join them next week for the first five episodes of the TV show on Apple! How Martha Wells Wrote Murderbot: https://www.wired.com/story/murderbot-she-wrote-martha-wells/ Pickup All Systems Red or any of the novels they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop! https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects! https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm) Home Base: inktofilm.com Luke Elliott Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social Writings: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications James Bailey Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/

It's Ink to Film's 350th episode, so join Luke & James as they induct the 2nd ever class into their prestigious "Adaptation Hall of Fame." These films will be forever considered true exemplars for all other filmmakers to aspire to when adapting the written word onto the screen. The nominees are: "Blade Runner," "Jaws," "Children of Men," "The Silence of the Lambs," "Arrival," and "The Shining." Six amazing films, but only three can make the cut! Episode Breakdown: Intro Presenting the Contenders Awarding Scores Final Deliberations Announcing the 2025 Class   Pickup any of the novels they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop! https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects! https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm) Home Base: inktofilm.com   Luke Elliott Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social Writings: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications James Bailey Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/

The path to bringing the iconic ogre to the screen was fraught with difficulties, but in the end Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson were able to capture something special from the book SHREK! By William Steig. In episode 349, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they relive a childhood classic, embrace true body positivity, explore the lost version of the movie starring Chris Farley, ask how effectively the movie conveys its themes, and finally cast their votes on which is ultimately the better version: the book or the movie? Pickup Shrek! by William Steig at the Ink to Film Bookshop! https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects! https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm) Home Base: inktofilm.com   Luke Elliott Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/lpelliott/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lpelliott Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/luminousluke.bsky.social James Bailey Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/