In Honor of Kevin Smith's Pilot, 5 Filmmakers We'd Rather See Host a Talk Show

Today, Vulture reported that outspoken filmmaker, discriminated plane passenger and interview over-sharer Kevin Smith is developing a half-hour syndicated talk show. Which is fine, and honestly, a naturally-fitting format for Smith. No disrespect to Smith -- even if we did once resolve to silence him by wiring shut his mouth -- but he already has podcast and Twitter platforms to preach from, and we'd rather see a few other filmmakers host a talk show first. Take a look at our suggestions and share your own in the comment section below.

Jon Favreau

The most capable candidate on our list is Cowboys & Aliens helmer Jon Favreau, who perfected the talk show art back in 2006 on his IFC series Dinner For Five where he hosted four other guests (ranging from Alanis Morissette to Will Ferrell) at actual restaurants. He can deftly transition conversations and find interesting talking points without making the interview about himself. Favreau proved that his interviewing skills haven't rusted last month when he teased entertaining anecdotes out of notoriously difficult interview subject Harrison Ford as part of his Cowboys & Aliens marketing campaign.

Diablo Cody

Like Favreau, writer/producer/future director Diablo Cody has already tried her (Oscar-winning) hand at talk show hosting with her delicious Red Band Trailer series. In her first season, she interviewed Chelsea Handler, Jason Bateman and Adam Brody from the comfort of her Airstream (with Robert Pattinson pillow nearby) and proved to be a witty host with excellent taste (she chose Movieline's own Louis Virtel to co-host a segment with Megan Fox, embedded below). Our only complaint is that she doesn't produce nearly enough Red Band output. Perhaps this would change if she was given a cable home and four to six more hours each day.

Quentin Tarantino

One of the most eccentric directors in Hollywood, Quentin Tarantino has never hosted a talk show but he has directed and produced a memorable episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and successfully co-hosted an episode of American Idol, proving that he is a skilled talker who can connect to any kind of guest emotionally and pop culturally. As a bonus, he seems to have an unlimited arsenal of bizarre stories that always seem to interest us.

Steven Spielberg

If there is one filmmaker who could give Oprah Winfrey a run for her (retired) money, it's Steven Spielberg. As he proved this weekend at Comic-Con, he can bring an audience of 7,000 to tears with inspirational stories, wisdom and tales of hope. Now, can he connect with a Chilean miner or make interesting conversation with a booted reality show contestant as his producer motions wildly that it's time for a commercial break? Not sure, but we're willing to give him a chance.

Uwe Boll

He may be difficult to understand with that thick German accent but Uwe Boll, a/k/a the "Worst Director of All Time" would be an entertaining talk host, partly because of his inclination to challenge anyone to a physical fight and partly because of his political incorrectness. May we suggest Lars von Trier as Boll's sidekick?

· Kevin Smith Is Hosting a Talk-Show Pilot [Vulture]