The Empire Film Podcast
Bauer Media
The Empire Film Podcast is the official podcast of Empire, the world's biggest and best movie magazine. We bring you all the latest movie news and nonsense, as well as reviews of the week's new films, an assortment of irreverent, film-related chat and interviews with some of Hollywood's best and brightest. New episodes every Friday.
For our famous deep dives into specific movies, subscribe to the Empire Spoiler Special Podcast at https://empire.supportingcast.fm/
Love TV? Subscribe to our sister show, The Pilot TV Podcast, which covers every quality show landing on the small screen — because you can't watch *everything*. https://podfollow.com/pilot-tv-podcast/
For our famous deep dives into specific movies, subscribe to the Empire Spoiler Special Podcast at https://empire.supportingcast.fm/
Love TV? Subscribe to our sister show, The Pilot TV Podcast, which covers every quality show landing on the small screen — because you can't watch *everything*. https://podfollow.com/pilot-tv-podcast/
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 12, 2025 • 45min
Paul Thomas Anderson & Boogie Nights: An Empire Podcast Special, In Association With Warner Bros.
Boogie Nights wasn't Paul Thomas Anderson's first movie (that was Hard Eight), but it's the film that put him firmly on the map, and served notice that here was a serious filmmaking force. And with the release of a remastered 4K UHD version of Boogie Nights on Monday, December 15, it's the perfect time for the Empire Podcast team — Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Alex Godfrey — to sit down, in association with Warner Bros., and discuss Boogie Nights and PTA's career in general. It's a real podcast, Jack. Enjoy.
Dec 12, 2025 • 1h 56min
There's Magic In The Air (ft. guests Shih-Ching Tsou & Sean Baker; Daryl McCormack & Cailee Spaeny; James L. Brooks)
Shih-Ching Tsou, a Taiwanese director known for her debut feature Left-Handed Girl, teams up with Oscar-winner Sean Baker to discuss their dynamic creative partnership. They explore innovative iPhone cinematography and the vibrant streets of Taipei. Daryl McCormack opens up about his role in Wake Up Dead Man and the camaraderie with co-stars. Meanwhile, legendary director James L. Brooks reflects on returning to film with Ella McKay, sharing insights about modern storytelling and his evolution as a filmmaker.
Dec 12, 2025 • 1h 5min
F1: An Empire Podcast Interview Special ft. Jerry Bruckheimer, Damson Idris & Kerry Condon
In this engaging conversation, legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer shares insights on the challenges of making a realistic racing film, inspired by his collaboration with Lewis Hamilton. British actor Damson Idris details his intense preparation, including driving tests and hands-on experiences during real Grand Prix events. Irish actress Kerry Condon discusses her fascinating research with actual strategists to capture authenticity on screen. Together, they offer a captivating look at the making of a blockbuster racing movie.
Dec 5, 2025 • 1h 58min
QT's Making A List, We're Checking It Twice (ft. guests Taron Egerton; George Clooney & Adam Sandler; Jon M. Chu)
Taron Egerton, the talented Welsh actor known for his roles in Kingsman and Rocketman, shares insights on producing his film, She Rides Shotgun, discussing creative choices and his bond with co-star Anna Sophia Hager. George Clooney and Adam Sandler light up the conversation with their experiences on Jay Kelly, reflecting on their friendship and the film's innovative one-take opening. Also, director Jon M. Chu offers a sneak peek at Wicked: For Good, diving into song placement and the magic of visual storytelling.
Dec 4, 2025 • 43min
The Shameless Plug #10: The Odyssey Odyssey
Join Nick de Semlyen, the award-winning editor of Empire magazine, as he navigates the thrilling journey behind the January 2026 issue featuring Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film, The Odyssey. Hear about Nick's face-to-face encounter with Nolan, the epic scale of the movie, and exclusive insights into its production. They also tease upcoming features, including highlights from Sam Raimi and an amusing interview with Jack Black and Paul Rudd. Plus, a chilling cameo from horror director Corin Hardy adds an extra layer of excitement!
Nov 28, 2025 • 1h 52min
There Can Be Only Dozens (ft. guests Simu Liu; Ke Huy Quan; Richard Linklater & Ethan Hawke)
In this lively discussion, Simu Liu, known for his role as Shang-Chi, shares insights on his animated film In Your Dreams and hints at his Marvel return. Meanwhile, Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan reflects on his journey from Temple of Doom to voicing a character in Zootropolis 2, revealing his past fears of snakes. Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke join in to discuss their collaboration on Blue Moon, delving into the musical elements and the creative process behind their latest project. A delightful mix of film talk and personal anecdotes!
Nov 21, 2025 • 1h 58min
Escape From Malcatraz (ft. guests Benedict Cumberbatch & Dylan Southern; Joel Edgerton & Clint Bentley; Ariana Greenblatt)
Benedict Cumberbatch, acclaimed for his roles in major films, shares insights about his emotionally charged performance in The Thing With Feathers and discusses the film's unique creature design with director Dylan Southern. Southern explains his decade-long journey to adapt the book into a film. Then, Joel Edgerton discusses his role in Train Dreams, emphasizing the emotional depth of his character. Finally, young actress Ariana Greenblatt talks about joining the Now You See Me franchise and her magical training experiences on set.
Nov 14, 2025 • 1h 58min
All The Information Is On The Task (ft. guests Edgar Wright, Rosamund Pike & Isla Fisher, Michael Shannon)
This week features talented guests like Edgar Wright, acclaimed director of Shaun of the Dead, discussing his adaptation of Stephen King's The Running Man and the excitement and pressure of receiving feedback from the author. Michael Shannon shares insights about his role in Nuremberg as Justice Robert Jackson and reflects on his musical endeavors, including his tribute to R.E.M. Additionally, Isla Fisher and Rosamund Pike chat about their experiences in the Now You See Me franchise, touching on accents and the magic of performance.
Nov 14, 2025 • 25min
Julia Ducournau & Tahar Rahim On Alpha: An Empire Podcast Interview Special
Julia Ducournau, an award-winning French filmmaker known for Raw and Titane, discusses her latest work, Alpha, exploring themes of body, trauma, and society. Tahar Rahim, an acclaimed actor from A Prophet, shares his intense preparation for his role as the drug-addicted uncle. They delve into the emotional core of the film, tackling deep topics like unconditional love and societal stigma. Julia reveals her inspiration drawn from the AIDS era, while Tahar describes his immersive research into addiction, enriching his character's transformation.
Nov 12, 2025 • 46min
Jenny Beavan: An Empire Podcast Interview Special
Jenny Beavan, a celebrated costume designer with three Oscars and a rich career, shares insights on her latest project, The Choral. She discusses her creative process, revealing how she visualized the muted colors of Yorkshire in 1916. Beavan reflects on balancing historical accuracy with storytelling and how working within different budgets influences authenticity. She also recounts her collaboration with actors, including crafting Ralph Fiennes' costumes. With career wisdom, Beavan offers valuable advice for aspiring designers while recalling her early days with Merchant Ivory.
