# Joker (2019) and Cat's Eye (1985) | Two lower budget films, only one grossed a billion

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/film-stories-with-simon-brew-606292/joker-2019-and-cat-s-eye-1985-two-lower-budget-films-only-one-grossed-a-billion
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/film-stories-with-simon-brew-606292/joker-2019-and-cat-s-eye-1985-two-lower-budget-films-only-one-grossed-a-billion.md
Podcast: [Film Stories with Simon Brew](https://stenobird.com/podcast/film-stories-with-simon-brew-606292)
Published: 2026-03-09T06:49:00+00:00
Episode link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/WHYNOW6841704766.mp3?updated=1773039876
Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/WHYNOW6841704766.mp3?updated=1773039876
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Duration seconds: 5073

## Resource

Jared Leto was the reigning Joker. Todd Phillips couldn't get the films he wanted to do off the ground. The DC range of movies was having a whole range of challenges for Warner Bros. And constant changes at the studio were leading to regular challenges of direction. In the midst of this, a relatively slim production, Joker, would have notable ramifications. Similarly slim, Cat's Eye marks the first credited screenplay for a man called Stephen King. But this too had challenges, when the original financing plan fell apart. And then, another film - Firestarter - had a bit of a knock-on effect... Stories of both are told in this episode. Please like/subscribe/leave nice reviews. Thank you! Find more at www.filmstories.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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## Transcript

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