Exclusive Interview: Mike Capes and Johnny Wickham Talk ‘The Invisible Raptor’

Filmmakers Mike Capes and Johnny Wickham have become the talk of the festival circuit with their innovative horror-comedy, The Invisible Raptor.

Blending sharp humor with a wildly imaginative premise, the duo has crafted a film that not only entertains but also defies genre expectations. Audiences and critics alike have been captivated by the way Capes and Wickham balance the absurdity of an invisible dinosaur with a surprising depth of character and heart. Their ability to bring a fresh and unexpected twist to the creature feature genre has solidified their place as rising stars in the industry, making The Invisible Raptor one of the most buzzed-about films on the festival scene.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Mike and Johnny about the genesis of The Invisible Raptor.

PC: Mike, you’ve mentioned in previous interviews that ideas often come to you in the early hours of the morning, once the daily noise has quieted. What inspired you to create a creature movie without a visible creature? How did the idea of an invisible raptor come about? Johnny, what was your initial reaction when Mike first shared this idea with you?
Mike: When the idea of The Invisible Raptor popped into my head, I thought, “This is great—we’ll save so much money on special effects.” I love Jurassic Park and thought, what would be the biggest special effect to pull off without actually needing to, like an invisible man gag?

Johnny: I loved the idea! My initial reaction was, ‘This is amazing, let’s load it with jokes!

PC: You have an incredible ensemble leading this project, many of whom are seasoned in the comedy genre, where improvisation thrives. How did you both create an environment that allowed your actors to fully embody their characters and speak in a way that felt authentic to them?
Mike and Johnny: From the beginning, the set was a very collaborative space. We encouraged creative input and invited the actors to bring their unique interpretations to the characters. Surprisingly, most of the dialogue in the film stayed true to what was written in the script. We wrote with many of the actors already in mind for their roles, so we tailored the characters with their strengths in mind—they brought the rest of the magic. The only thing we asked of everyone was this: while we have a high-concept, silly premise, it’s crucial to keep your world grounded, play it straight, and let the chaos unfold around you.

PC: When no one believes Grant about the invisible raptor on the loose, it’s Denny who stands by him throughout the journey. Who in your life has supported you both in a similar way, holding space for you when you needed it most?
Mike and Johnny: This movie could not have been made without the help and support of our family and friends. They donated their time, cars, land, homes, workplaces, and even their children—we received an incredible amount of support from everyone along the way.

PC: These characters are absolutely unhinged—in the best possible way! Is there a particular scene that each of you is especially excited for audiences to experience?
Mike and Johnny: We believe the ending of the film is the most unhinged of all. Without giving too much away, we doubt you’ve ever seen anything like it—and you’ll probably be thinking about it the next day.

PC: The film has made its way around the festival circuit and has received incredible reception. What do you think resonates most with audiences? How has it felt to witness something you both created being experienced in a live setting?
Mike and Johnny: With a title like The Invisible Raptor, there’s a certain expectation and stigma that comes with it. We believe this movie will defy those expectations through our comedic tone and the incredible way our actors brought heart and likability to the story. It’s been wonderful to see people’s expectations blown away by a film about an invisible dinosaur. The love we put into making this really shines through.

Make sure to follow Mike (Instagram) and Johnny (Instagram).