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How Did This Get Made?
How Did This Get Made?

Stealth w/ Charlie Sanders (Classic)

August 18, 2026 • 46m

Summary

⏱️ 7 min read

Overview

Paul Scheer and Jason Mantzoukas are joined by writer-producer Charlie Sanders to dissect the 2005 military action film Stealth, a $135 million box office disaster that only made $13 million. The movie follows three elite fighter pilots partnered with an AI-controlled stealth plane called EDI that goes rogue after being struck by lightning. The hosts examine the film's absurd logic, casual military protocol violations, bizarre character choices, and inexplicable product placement decisions, including constant green apples and an Incubus-heavy soundtrack.

Introduction and Movie Overview

The hosts introduce Stealth, a 2005 Rob Cohen film that bombed spectacularly despite its massive budget. They discuss how the movie follows three hotshot pilots—Josh Lucas, Jessica Biel, and Jamie Foxx—who are paired with an AI plane that goes rogue. Charlie Sanders joins as a guest and shares his enthusiasm for the film's ridiculous premise and execution. The group notes how the film was supposed to be set in the "near future" of 2016 but features nothing futuristic except Google Glass and kayak-style pilot seats.

  • Stealth cost $135 million but only made $13 million, making it the eighth biggest flop of all time
  • The movie was made in 2005 and set in the "future" of 2016 with minimal futuristic elements
  • Three elite pilots get partnered with EDI, a sentient AI-controlled stealth plane
  • Rob Cohen, director of Fast and Furious films, directed this movie
" It's short circuit meets top gun sprayed in axe body spray. "
" They fly so fucking close together. And they're always turning out the window to talk to each other. They're like, hey, what's up? As if there's not glass between them. "

Jamie Foxx's Death and Casual Racism

The hosts express shock at Jamie Foxx's early death at the hour mark, especially since this was his next film after winning an Oscar for Ray. They examine several moments of casual racism, including a scene where Foxx's character is mocked for being excited about meeting another Black captain, and his relationship with a Thai woman who speaks no English but somehow ends up making out with him. The group notes the undercurrent of uncomfortable racial dynamics throughout the film.

  • Jamie Foxx dies at the one-hour mark, shocking given this was post-Oscar for Ray
  • Foxx's character is mocked by other pilots for being excited about a Black captain
  • Foxx pursues a Thai woman who speaks no English, asking if she can cook
  • The film features terrible mock-Asian accent work by Foxx
" He was, you know, great and charming. And Josh Lucas was totally fine and charming. Josh Lucas was totally an actor that was doing scenes and saying lines. "

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