"What happens when you drag Tarzan out of the jungle and into the House of Lords? An overly complicated plot and some very toned muscles, apparently."
Episode Description
In this episode, Landen and Truman explore The Legend of Tarzan (2016), a film that asks, “What if Tarzan fought colonialism?” and then barely answers. From Alexander Skarsgård’s meticulously sculpted physique to Christoph Waltz’s villain in a white suit, they examine what worked (Samuel L. Jackson’s quips) and what didn’t (pretty much everything else). Along the way, they question...
"What happens when you drag Tarzan out of the jungle and into the House of Lords? An overly complicated plot and some very toned muscles, apparently."
Episode Description
In this episode, Landen and Truman explore The Legend of Tarzan (2016), a film that asks, “What if Tarzan fought colonialism?” and then barely answers. From Alexander Skarsgård’s meticulously sculpted physique to Christoph Waltz’s villain in a white suit, they examine what worked (Samuel L. Jackson’s quips) and what didn’t (pretty much everything else). Along the way, they question whether it’s even possible—or necessary—to update pulp characters for modern audiences.
Major Cast and Crew
- Director: David Yates
- Writers: Adam Cozad, Craig Brewer
- Main Cast:
- Alexander Skarsgård as John Clayton / Tarzan
- Margot Robbie as Jane Clayton
- Christoph Waltz as Leon Rom
- Samuel L. Jackson as George Washington Williams
- Djimon Hounsou as Chief Mbonga
Film Synopsis
Tarzan, aka John Clayton (Alexander Skarsgård), has traded his loincloth for a three-piece suit as a member of England’s House of Lords. But when his wife Jane (Margot Robbie) is kidnapped by colonial forces led by Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz), he must return to the jungle to save her. Joined by American diplomat George Washington Williams (Samuel L. Jackson), Tarzan battles villainous Belgians, awkward racial politics, and his own irrelevance in a modern blockbuster landscape.
Episode Highlights
- The evolution of Tarzan from literary icon to Hollywood’s least requested reboot.
- Samuel L. Jackson playing second fiddle to a man raised by apes—and the absurdity of it.
- A breakdown of Tarzan’s outdated pulp origins and their clash with 21st-century sensibilities.
- Alexander Skarsgård’s dedication to his physique: Tarzan abs or modern art installation?
- The fascinating (and infuriating) true history of George Washington Williams, reduced to a sidekick role.
What’s your favorite (or least favorite) pulp character adaptation? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
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