Sometimes perfecting the one thing can be the enemy of getting any traction on anything else.
Jay RoachMini-Me was the pint sized clone that was the perpetuation of Dr. Evil's own legacy [in Austin Powers]. That concept earned the sequel.
Jay RoachHedda Hopper was a better direct opponent to [Dalton] Trumbo. We wanted to use Trumbo's battles to represent the larger battles, so the audience could understand the personal sacrifice he went through and the personal damage to his family. The choices were about who were the best representations of his antagonists, which is why we chose as we did.
Jay RoachWhen something so unjust as the black list happened, [Dalton Trumbo] would come to life in a certain way.
Jay Roach