There was "a lot of material, characters that didn't make it into the cut at all," says Doug Abel in a new episode of The Hollywood Reporter's 'Behind the Screen' podcast.

Editor Doug Abel provides a behind-the-scenes look at Netflix’s Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness in a new episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Behind the Screen podcast series.

In a remotely recorded episode, Abel — whose credits include Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 11/9 and Errol Morris’ Oscar-winning documentary The Fog of War — shares how this series started with a look at the treatment of animals and evolved into a story beyond belief that follows several big cat collectors and animal rights activists, centering on breeder and former zoo owner Joseph Maldonado-Passage, aka Joe Exotic. His story ranges from a presidential run to a 22-year prison sentence after he was found guilty for his role in a murder-for-hire plot to kill his rival, Carole Baskin.

"We did end up with a lot of material, characters that didn't make it into the cut at all," explains Abel. He also says episode two was his favorite, as it was "the core of how bonkers this place is."

Hosted by THR tech editor Carolyn Giardina, Behind the Screen features interviews with cinematographers, editors, directors and other talent behind the making of motion pictures and series.

Hear it all below on Behind the Screen — and be sure to subscribe to the podcast to never miss an exciting episode.