September 24, 2024

From Retro Reels to Comic-Con Feels: The Killer Tomatoes Experience

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"I still have the VHS tapes, the toys, everything. Attack of the Killer Tomatoes isn’t just a movie—it’s part of my childhood, part of my life. And sharing that with my son now, it’s like the tomatoes have come full circle." — Zak Shaffer
Costa Dillon

The cult classic Attack of the Killer Tomatoes continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans, even decades after its original release. This year at Comic-Con 2024, we had the pleasure of catching up with Zak Shaffer, a dedicated fan of the franchise, Mindy Schwartz who shared her uncle’s acting in the movie and Beth Accomando, an editor who worked on the sequels, for a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Zak, a podcaster and voice actor from Los Angeles, shared how Attack of the Killer Tomatoes captivated him as a child. From recording episodes of the animated series on VHS to collecting the toys, Zak’s passion for the franchise is infectious. His love for the series even inspired him to include Fuzzy Tomato, a character from the show, in over 1,200 notes he’s written to his son over the years—a testament to the enduring charm of the Killer Tomatoes universe.

Beth Accomando, now an arts and culture reporter at KPBS, offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the Killer Tomatoes sequels. From editing the films by hand to living off product placement Goobers in the editing room, Beth’s stories highlight the camaraderie and creativity that defined the low-budget filmmaking process.

The episode wraps up with a trip down memory lane, recounting the time when original 35mm film reels of the movie were sold by the foot at a booth—fans eagerly searching for scenes featuring their favorite killer tomatoes. It’s clear that the legacy of Attack of the Killer Tomatoes is alive and well, continuing to inspire and entertain fans of all ages.

Tune in to our latest episode to hear these stories and more, and don’t forget to follow us for updates on future episodes!

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