The Empire Film Podcast The Shameless Plug #9: Stranger Things Has Happened
Nov 6, 2025
Discover how Stranger Things landed on the cover of a major movie magazine, nearly upside down! Hear about the creative cover ideas and interviews with the Duffer Brothers and the cast. Chris and Nick dive into quirky stories, from Kate Bush's resurgence to Daniel Craig’s ukulele antics on set. A heartfelt tribute to Robert Redford and engaging interviews with George Clooney and Sam Neill add depth. Plus, a sneak peek into a surprise indie hit and the upcoming live event. This month’s issue truly delivers!
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Stranger Things' Cultural Scale
- Stranger Things grew from a small TV hit into a global, multi-season blockbuster with cinematic scale and cultural impact.
- Empire positioned itself as the first major magazine to land exclusive access for the final season, reflecting the show's media dominance.
Cover Ideas That Almost Were
- Empire considered creative cover ideas like an upside-down or vertical gatefold for the Stranger Things issue but scrapped them as impractical.
- The team discussed the upside-down cover concept and laughed at its likely confusion despite its award potential.
Host Confesses He Hasn't Watched
- Chris Hewitt admits he's never seen Stranger Things despite the show's prominence and Empire's cover decision.
- The hosts still urged listeners to watch, noting the show's blockbuster length and 80s Hawkins setting.
