The Empire Film Podcast

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees Helen O'Hara slip into the host's chair in Chris Hewitt's absence, and use her endless reservoir of patience to corral James Dyer, Alex Godfrey and Ben Travis in a discussion of the best second movies by notable directors (and yes, we know that we didn't mention [INSERT BLINDINGLY OBVIOUS CHOICE HERE]). That was inspired by the arrival of Weapons, the second film from Zach Cregger, and in the reviews section our quartet lose their minds over that, and also look at Freakier Friday, My Oxford Year, and The Pick-Up. Oh, and they talk about trailers, trailer, and more trailers in the movie news section. Guest-wise, Chris pops up on Zoom to have a lovely natter with Guy Pearce, who shows off his musical prowess, reveals the one accent that eludes him, and talks about brilliant new Australian prison drama, Charles Williams' Inside (which is out on Monday, August 11, on digital platforms); [20:12 - 37:51 approx] and Ben has a lovely spoiler-free chat with Weapons star, and the MCU's secret weapon, Benedict Wong. [1:02:05 - 1:17:58 approx] Enjoy!

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast adds insults to injury, as the team — Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, Alex Godfrey, and Ben Travis — share their favourite movie insults. And, yes, misquote at least one of them horribly. Also, nothing on this earth will prepare you for Alex Godfrey's Pazuzu impression. We can only apologise in advance. Elsewhere, the team also discuss the week's movie news, plug the new issue of Empire, and review Happy Gilmore 2, The Naked Gun, and Bring Her Back, while Chris is joined in The Guest Zone by The Naked Gun director, and one-third of The Lonely Island, Akiva Schaffer [20:11 - 39:53 approx], and Superman director James Gunn, who shares some spoilerific thoughts in an extended excerpt from our Superman spoiler special. [01:33:30 - 01:42:47 approx]

In a dynamic conversation, director Matt Shakman shares insights on crafting 'Fantastic Four: First Steps,' focusing on family dynamics in superhero storytelling. Sam Rockwell, the charming voice behind Mr. Wolf in 'The Bad Guys 2,' discusses his animated role and the process of voicing characters. The duo explores the blurred lines between heroes and villains, while also diving into recent movie news, examining trends in superhero cinema and the future of franchises. Their engaging banter brings humor and depth, leaving listeners eager for more!

Do not adjust your speakers, or your headphones. Yes, Ralph Ineson's voice really is that deep and sonorous. And in this week's Empire Podcast, Chris Hewitt sits down with the actor who plays the planet-eating entity, Galactus, in next week's The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and talks about how his voice is his passport. [1:04:38 - 1:20:16 approx] Elsewhere, Chris also has an engrossing chat with Repo Man and Walker director Alex Cox about his days hosting BBC 2's much-missed cinematic gateway, Moviedrome. [30:44 - 44:01 approx] And then Chris is joined in the podbooth by Helen O'Hara and John Nugent to discuss Rachel Zegler in Evita at the London Palladium, chat about the week's movie news, review Friendship, Smurfs, and Four Letters Of Love and, in a lengthier than usual listener question section, programme their ultimate music festival of fictional movie bands. Oh, and Chris coins a nickname for a highly-respected and beloved director. Enjoy.

Discover the creative journey behind a striking light-up cover inspired by Tron Ares! The hosts delve into crafting captivating cover lines and share hilarious anecdotes from the magazine world. Explore innovative designs that merge action cinema with print, and look forward to star-studded interviews featuring talents like Sharon Stone and Bob Odenkirk. Plus, hear about exciting new films including Celine Song's 'Materialist' and a Netflix adaptation of 'Thursday Murder Club.' Their witty banter keeps the insights entertaining!

Join David Corenswet, the new Superman known for his thrilling role in James Gunn's upcoming film, and Joseph Kosinski, acclaimed director of F1, as they dive into the complexities of embodying iconic characters. Corenswet shares humorous insights about playing the Man of Steel, while Kosinski teases the creative process behind adrenaline-fueled racing stories. Their discussions touch on cinematic portrayals of heroism, the nuances of redemption in film, and the vibrant push-and-pull between humor and moral dilemmas in today's cinema.

In this entertaining chat, legendary director David Cronenberg discusses his personal film 'The Shrouds,' exploring grief and technology with deep introspection. He shares insights on how personal experiences shape his storytelling and the evolution of body horror in cinema. Alongside him, Gerard Johnstone teases exciting details about 'Megan 2.0' while the hosts delve into the wicked charm of British movie villains, blending humor and cinematic analysis. Expect anecdotes about emotional narratives and intriguing filmmaking insights!

Damson Idris, known for his role in 'Snowfall' and more recently 'F1', joins Ukrainian actress Ivanna Sakhno, star of 'Megan 2.0', for a lively discussion. They delve into the exhilarating world of Formula One filmmaking, sharing intense training experiences and interactions with legends of the sport. The conversation also humorously tackles memorable movie titles ending with 'The Movie,' and critiques of each other's fashion styles. Plus, insights into Denis Villeneuve taking on the James Bond franchise sprinkle excitement throughout their banter.

Julianne Moore, star of Echo Valley, shares insights on her collaboration with director Michael Pearce, emphasizing the importance of communication and adaptability in film. Pearce highlights the creative process behind their project, detailing how they shaped character dynamics together. The duo discusses the challenges and joys of filmmaking, intertwined with lighthearted banter. Later, Ralph Fiennes and Jodie Comer delve into their roles in a horror sequel, exploring themes of love and violence while sharing behind-the-scenes experiences from their striking set.

Colin Trevorrow, director of Jurassic World and Safety Not Guaranteed, shares insights from his diverse career. He discusses his latest project, the comedy Deep Cover, highlighting the challenges of low-budget filmmaking and the importance of collaboration. Trevorrow reflects on his transformative experiences, from interning at SNL to navigating franchise filmmaking versus original content. He also hints at an intriguing conspiracy thriller involving Area 51 and reveals his comedic influences, blending humor with heartfelt storytelling.