Selects: Can movies be cursed?

In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant explore the myth of 'cursed movies'—films allegedly plagued by tragedy, death, and misfortune. They examine several high-profile examples, including Poltergeist, The Wizard of Oz, Superman (both George Reeves and Christopher Reeve), The Conqueror, The Omen, Brainstorm, and the never-made adaptations of A Confederacy of Dunces and Atuk. While the hosts acknowledge the real and often tragic events surrounding these productions—such as on-set accidents, untimely deaths, and personal struggles—they emphasize that these incidents are better explained by coincidence, dangerous filmmaking practices, and the high-stress nature of Hollywood rather than supernatural curses. The episode debunks the idea of literal curses while acknowledging how storytelling and urban legends thrive on these dark anecdotes. The hosts conclude with a lighthearted tone, encouraging listeners to enjoy the stories without believing in actual curses. Key takeaways include: 1) Most 'cursed movie' stories stem from tragic real-life events that are later mythologized; 2) Dangerous stunts and outdated safety standards in early filmmaking led to many accidents; 3) The idea of a curse often emerges when people selectively focus on negative events while ignoring the countless films that had no such issues; 4) Personal struggles like addiction and mental health, especially in Hollywood, contribute to tragic outcomes; 5) The 'cursed role' trope is more about cultural myth-making than actual supernatural forces. The episode ends on a warm note with a heartfelt listener message from Melbourne, Australia, praising the podcast’s optimism and inclusivity.