Hey there, TV lovers! If you’ve been binge-watching Apple TV+’s latest comedy gem, The Studio, you’re probably wondering about that Martin Scorsese Jonestown movie popping up in the show. Is it real? Did Scorsese really plan a film about the infamous Jonestown Massacre? Well, grab your popcorn because I’m diving into this juicy topic with all the details you need. Plus, I’ll sprinkle in some insider scoop from TV Acute to keep things fresh and fun!
What’s The Studio All About?
First off, let’s talk about The Studio. On March 26, 2025, this hilarious series premiered its first two episodes, and I assure you, it’s an exciting journey. Seth Rogen plays Matt Remick, a guy who’s just been handed the keys to Continental Studios—a fictional Hollywood giant that’s seen better days. Matt’s job? Matt is tasked with turning things around while juggling crazy artists, pushy corporate bosses, and his own ambitions. The show, co-created by Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and a talented crew including Frida Perez, Peter Huyck, and Alex Gregory, mixes satire with a peek behind Hollywood’s curtain. And yes, it’s already got a 98% on Rotten Tomatoes—pretty impressive, right?
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. In the series, Matt greenlights a movie about the Jonestown Massacre, supposedly directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese. It’s called Kool-Aid, tying into the chilling real-life event where cult leader Jim Jones convinced hundreds to drink poisoned Kool-Aid in 1978. But is this Scorsese project legit? Let’s dig in.
The Jonestown Movie: Fact or Fiction?
The Scorsese Jonestown movie in The Studio is totally made up. Yep, it’s a clever plot twist dreamed up by the show’s writers. Matt pitches it as a way to satisfy his CEO, Griffin Mill, who’s obsessed with a “Kool-Aid movie,” while still keeping some artistic cred with Scorsese’s name attached. However, the situation rapidly deteriorates as Matt makes significant mistakes, leading to the cancellation of the project. It’s a humorous and chaotic portrayal of how Hollywood aspirations can ultimately fail.
However, there is a glimmer of truth in this situation. The Jonestown Massacre has inspired real movie ideas before. Back in November 2021, Deadline dropped news about a Jim Jones film at MGM. Guess who was set to star and produce? Leonardo DiCaprio, Scorsese’s go-to guy from flicks like The Wolf of Wall Street. The script, written by Scott Rosenberg, focused on Jones and that tragic day in Guyana. Sounds intense, right? The problem is, no director—like Scorsese—was ever confirmed, and after MGM merged with Amazon, the project fizzled out. DiCaprio moved on, and that was that.
So, while The Studio’s Kool-Aid movie isn’t real, it borrows vibes from stuff like the MGM idea. The writers clearly did their homework, mixing real Hollywood flops with their own spin to keep us hooked.
Why This Fake Movie Matters
Even though it’s fictional, the Jonestown movie in The Studio isn’t just random. It’s a smart jab at the film industry’s chaos—how art and money butt heads daily. Matt thinks he’s clever, using Scorsese’s clout to mask a corporate cash grab. But when it all falls apart, we see how tricky his job really is. It’s a laugh-out-loud moment that also makes you think: “Yep, that’s Hollywood for ya!” Plus, it adds a layer of satire that fans over at TV Acute can’t get enough of—showing how even big names can’t always save a sinking ship.
Meet Patty Leigh: The Ex-Boss with Attitude
Speaking of chaos, let’s chat about Patty Leigh, played by the amazing Catherine O’Hara. She’s the former head of Continental Studios, booted out when Matt takes over. Patty’s a total pro—tough, smart, and a little ruthless. But losing her gig sends her spiraling. One moment, she’s a formidable figure, and the next, she’s struggling to rebuild her life. O’Hara perfectly captures the unstable nature of Hollywood jobs by characterizing Patty’s life as “ungrounded“.
Here’s the cool part: Patty’s not real either. Rogen and Goldberg cooked her up, pulling from their own Hollywood adventures. They engaged in conversations with actual studio executives to gather insights, subsequently crafting Patty as a blend of reality and imagination. She’s the kind of character who keeps Matt in check while showing us how brutal this biz can be. Ever wonder what it’s like to lose everything overnight? Patty’s your gal.
Why You Should Watch The Studio
So, why should you care about all this? Because The Studio isn’t just a comedy—it’s a front-row seat to Hollywood’s wild side. With stars like Ike Barinholtz, Kathryn Hahn, and Chase Sui Wonders joining Rogen and O’Hara, the cast is stacked. The show’s got sharp writing, big laughs, and a knack for blending fake drama (like that Scorsese movie) with real feels. New episodes drop every Wednesday until May 21, 2025, so you’ve got plenty of time to catch up.
We at TV Acute are captivated by its ability to deconstruct the intricate layers of filmmaking. Consider your own job, where you find yourself torn between your passion and financial obligations. That’s Matt’s world, and it’s fascinating to watch him navigate it.
Final Thoughts: Real or Not, It’s a Win
So, No, Martin Scorsese isn’t making a Jonestown movie—at least not yet. The one in The Studio is pure fiction, but it’s inspired by real projects that never took off. And honestly? That’s what makes the show so good. The show balances authenticity with its own unique ideas. Whether you’re into Hollywood gossip or just want a solid laugh, this series delivers.
Got questions about The Studio or any other shows? Drop me a line—I’m here to chat TV all day! What do you think—would you watch a real Scorsese Jonestown flick if it ever happened? Let’s hear it!
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