The Two Blockbuster Movies That Michael Steinberg And Frank Beddor Produced Together
The creative partnership between Michael Steinberg and Frank Beddor is a fascinating study in Hollywood duality, bridging the gap between edgy, independent thrillers and massive, mainstream comedy blockbusters. As of December 23, 2025, the duo is primarily known for two major, yet wildly different, feature films that left an indelible mark on the late 1990s film landscape, launching major careers and earning significant industry recognition. While their joint projects are in the past, both men remain active in the industry, with Steinberg preparing for a major new directorial effort and Beddor continuing to expand his successful literary universe.
This article dives deep into the two films that define their collaboration, explores their individual paths since then, and provides the latest updates on what these two influential figures are working on today, solidifying their status as key behind-the-scenes players in modern cinema.
Michael Steinberg & Frank Beddor: A Dual Biography and Filmography Profile
The careers of Michael Steinberg and Frank Beddor are marked by a shared willingness to take risks, whether through dark, psychological narratives or groundbreaking comedy. Their paths converged in the mid-1990s, resulting in a potent, if brief, producing/directing team.
- Frank Beddor (Producer, Author, Former World Champion Skier)
- Born: July 31, 1958 (Los Angeles, California)
- Key Roles: Film Producer, Author, Former World Champion Freestyle Skier, Actor, Stuntman.
- Notable Filmography (Producer): There's Something About Mary (1998), Wicked (1998), The Big Kahuna (1999).
- Literary Work: Creator and author of the New York Times best-selling fantasy series, The Looking Glass Wars, which reimagines the world of Alice in Wonderland.
- Awards/Recognition: His production work contributed to a Golden Globe nomination for There's Something About Mary.
- Michael Steinberg (Director, Writer, Producer)
- Born: May 15, 1959 (Rapid City, South Dakota)
- Key Roles: Director, Writer, Producer, often known for his detailed work with actors.
- Notable Filmography (Director/Writer/Producer): The Waterdance (1992), Wicked (1998), The Cave (2005 - Co-Writer), Hell Ride (2008 - Producer).
- Education: Graduate of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television.
- Awards/Recognition: Sundance Award Winner (for The Waterdance), Golden Globe Nominee, Spirit Award Winner, and MTV Movie Award Winner.
The Two Defining Collaborative Films: From Indie Thriller to Global Comedy Hit
While Michael Steinberg and Frank Beddor have extensive individual filmographies, their joint efforts resulted in two highly successful films released in the same year, showcasing their versatile taste and business acumen. These projects, which they collaborated on as Director/Producer and Co-Producers, respectively, cemented their place in Hollywood history.
1. Wicked (1998): The Dark, Genre-Bending Thriller
The first major collaboration saw Michael Steinberg in the director's chair and Frank Beddor as the producer, delivering a dark, psychological thriller that became a critical platform for its young star. Wicked stars a then-16-year-old Julia Stiles in her breakthrough role as Ellie, a troubled high school student who may or may not be a sociopathic killer.
The film is a genre-bending "gem of the macabre," praised for its stylistic approach and Steinberg's direction. Beddor and Steinberg's vision was to create a modern thriller with a distinct, unsettling tone. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, a common venue for Steinberg's directorial work, and is often cited as a key early example of the "evil children" trope in cinema.
- Steinberg's Role: Director
- Beddor's Role: Producer
- Starring: Julia Stiles, Michael Parks, William R. Moses
- Significance: It was a critical stepping stone for both the director and the producer, demonstrating their ability to handle complex, darker material and launch a major acting career.
2. There's Something About Mary (1998): The Blockbuster Comedy
In a surprising pivot from the dark tone of Wicked, Beddor and Steinberg also served as producers on one of the biggest and most influential comedies of the decade: There's Something About Mary. This film, directed by the Farrelly Brothers, was a massive box office success and a cultural phenomenon, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
Their involvement in this project, alongside producers Charles B. Wessler and Bradley Thomas, highlights their versatility and deep connections within the industry. It shows that their partnership was not limited to a specific genre but was rooted in identifying and developing commercially viable and critically engaging projects. This dual success in 1998—a dark indie thriller and a mainstream comedy smash—is a unique highlight of their shared film history.
- Steinberg's Role: Producer
- Beddor's Role: Producer
- Starring: Cameron Diaz, Ben Stiller, Matt Dillon
- Significance: A global blockbuster that showcased their ability to work on large-scale, high-profile studio productions, earning them an MTV Movie Award.
Latest Updates: The Separate and Current Projects of Steinberg and Beddor
While the Michael Steinberg and Frank Beddor partnership has not produced a new film since the late 90s, both figures continue to drive significant projects in the industry. As of late 2025, their individual careers are moving in exciting new directions, with a focus on high-concept storytelling and major feature film development.
Michael Steinberg's Upcoming Directorial Feature: Stained Glass
Michael Steinberg is making a significant return to the director's chair with a new feature film titled Stained Glass. This project, which he is currently casting, is scheduled to begin production in 2026. The screenplay is written by Neal Jimenez, with whom Steinberg previously collaborated on his award-winning debut, The Waterdance. The film is set to be Executive Produced by industry heavyweights, including Todd Field and Alexander. This development signals a major, highly anticipated return to directing for Steinberg, focusing on the character-driven narratives that defined his early career successes.
Frank Beddor's Focus: The Looking Glass Wars Universe
Frank Beddor has successfully transitioned much of his creative energy from film production to authorship, becoming a New York Times best-selling writer. His primary focus is the expansive The Looking Glass Wars book series, a dark, imaginative reinterpretation of the classic Alice in Wonderland story.
Beddor's current work involves developing this literary universe across multiple platforms, including film, television, games, and audio. This ongoing effort to transform his successful book franchise into a major media property is his most significant creative endeavor today, positioning him as a franchise architect rather than solely a film producer.
Although there is no current news of a third collaboration, the mutual respect remains, with Beddor having previously referred to Steinberg as a "fabulous director" and a "pleasure to work with." Their shared history on projects like Wicked and There's Something About Mary remains a compelling chapter in their respective, and now distinct, careers.
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