From https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shit:
: STUFF
He left all of his shit lying around the living room.
Colloquialisms, how do they work? What do they mean?

"that the thing with this shit, i.e. science fiction, is that you have to believe it more than you believe good writing,” the actor said. “Good writing, you can just do. It’s easier. But this stuff is hard, because it’s so bonkers"
You can interpret his words anyway you like, but I don't appreciate being accused of distorting what he said when I'm using a direct quote from the article.