Joe Barnathan

Joe Barnathan, a name you might’ve caught in the credits if you’re the kind of person who actually sits through them, has a knack for popping up in some pretty wild projects. So, Chupa (2023)—yeah, that’s the Netflix one where the mythical creature isn’t out to terrorize folks for once. Instead, it’s this coming-of-age, family-adventure vibe down in Mexico. Joe’s work on that? He manages to bring a touch of heart and a sprinkle of magic to a story that could’ve easily been just another creature flick. The plot spins around a kid who finds a young chupacabra hiding in his grandpa’s shed, and suddenly, we’re off on this whirlwind journey involving family, folklore, and a bunch of scientists who just don’t know when to quit. It’s got action, it’s got feels, and Joe’s influence is kinda all over the tone and pacing—makes it all pop that much more. Then there’s Ben 10 (2016), which, let’s be real, nobody expected to get as much love as the original, but somehow, it snagged a whole new crop of fans. Joe’s involvement here? He knows how to keep things zippy and fun, sprinkling in just enough nostalgia for the OG fans while making it fresh for the newbies. The show follows Ben Tennyson, this regular kid who stumbles on a crazy powerful watch, turning him into all kinds of wild aliens. The energy’s nonstop, the humor’s sharp, and Joe’s touch helps it avoid the reboot curse. Not just another name in the credits—he leaves a mark.