The Empire Film Podcast

Episode 700: Live At Kings Place, London (ft. guests Corin Hardy & Dafne Keen; Bart Layton; Ben Wheatley; Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman, & Chi Lewis-Parry; Anthony Russo & Joe Russo)

Jan 12, 2026
Corin Hardy, a horror film director known for Whistle, discusses the intriguing Aztec death whistle prop and its mythology. Bart Layton shares insights on his thrilling new film Crime 101, blending documentary elements with a gripping heist narrative. Ben Wheatley talks about his innovative low-budget sci-fi project, Bulk, highlighting practical effects and model work. Actor Alfie Williams shares experiences from the intense production of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, bringing the challenges of on-set life to life.
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INSIGHT

Podcast Longevity And Team Culture

  • The Empire Podcast has run for 14 years and reached episode 700, showing long-term creative persistence.
  • Chris Hewitt frames the show's longevity as joyful collaboration despite on-air antics and staff turnover.
INSIGHT

Trailer Strategy Can Be Narrative

  • The Avengers Doomsday teasers take an unusually esoteric, character-led approach instead of straightforward event marketing.
  • Hosts see this as risky but exciting, trusting the filmmakers to respect prior endings while creating narrative urgency.
INSIGHT

Trailer Timing Shapes Audience Urgency

  • Marvel faces a marketing tension: reveal big names to drive box office versus withholding details to preserve spoilers and event attendance.
  • Ben Travis notes this balance will shape audience urgency and how studios stagger information.
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