I ran a very successful meet-n-greet with new players where we had TTRPG themed icebreaker questions (e.g. what makes a great character) intersperced with 5-minute rounds of this simple cooperative card game. It got us talking, cooperating, moving together and helped reset our brain and approach the questions fresh.
It strikes me that the mental reset and change of tone could be helpful in making some of the theme, media, and tone discussion in session -1 easier. However, giving up the momentum might do more damage. Anyway, the game is a hoot if you need a break for your in-person group.