The Empire Film Podcast

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.

This discussion dives into the excitement surrounding the upcoming Fantastic Four film and reflects on past adaptations. The hosts share behind-the-scenes stories from film sets and the creative chaos of podcasting. They celebrate the 30th anniversary of 'Babe' with heartfelt anecdotes from its filmmakers. The eccentric lives of the Barbarian Brothers are explored, highlighting their unique contributions to cinema. Finally, London is discussed as a new cinematic hub, blending Hollywood influences with a vibrant storytelling scene.

In a lively discussion, Scottish actor Jack Lowden shares insights on his role in 'Tornado' and the joys of stage performance. Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom, and Nick Mohammed delve into the world of improv in 'Deep Cover', reflecting on their comedic chemistry and the challenges of embodying undercover roles. They also share amusing anecdotes about social media nostalgia and retcon discussions in the film industry. Expect a delightful mix of humor and engaging storytelling as they navigate the dynamic landscape of film and entertainment.

Kyle MacLachlan, renowned for his portrayal of Agent Dale Cooper in Twin Peaks, and Mark Frost, co-creator and writer behind the iconic series, come together to celebrate its legacy. They discuss the groundbreaking nature of the show and its emotional weight, revealing how they navigated challenges in production. MacLachlan shares personal anecdotes about working with David Lynch and the character's evolution. They reflect on the iconic moments that shaped the series, along with its lasting cultural significance and fond memories from their creative journeys.

Jai Courtney, an Aussie actor known for his roles in major blockbusters, shares insights on his latest film Dangerous Animals. Ian McShane, famed for his iconic role in Deadwood, discusses reprising Winston in the John Wick universe and his experiences in the industry. Dean DeBlois, director of the beloved How to Train Your Dragon series, offers reflections on adapting animated stories to live-action. The trio explores the balance of dark humor in horror films, the complexities of casting animated characters, and the vibrant creative process behind filmmaking.

Wade Eastwood, the talented second unit director and stunt coordinator behind the heart-pounding action of Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, shares his thrilling insights. He reveals the ingenious engineering behind underwater filming and the challenges of safety in breathtaking stunts. From intense motocross jumps to exhilarating biplane maneuvers, Eastwood discusses the meticulous planning and teamwork that go into each action sequence. He also hints at his upcoming directorial venture, showcasing the emotional depth that complements adrenaline-filled scenes.

Joining the discussion are Jesse Armstrong, writer and director of 'Mountainhead' and creator of the hit series 'Succession', alongside actors Tim Key, Tom Basden, and Carey Mulligan. They explore the unique narrative technique of 'in media res' and its impact on storytelling in modern cinema. The conversation also dives into the challenges of film production, whimsical character portrayals, and the amusing dynamics of wealth depicted in their projects. Expect laughter, insightful commentary, and a glimpse into the creative process behind 'The Ballad of Wallis Island'.

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees Chris Hewitt mark the release of Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning by doing a non-spoiler, non-epic (less than 20 minutes!) chat with that film's director, the legendarily loquacious Christopher McQuarrie, [26:00 - 43:06 approx] and have a lovely natter with the stars of the new Wes Anderson film, The Phoenician Scheme, Benicio del Toro and Michael Cera. [1:01:37 - 1:15:35 approx] Right at the end of the show, we also bring you an extended excerpt from our Andor s2 spoiler chat with that show's creator, Tony Gilroy, who tells Ben Travis all about the fates of certain characters. Do not listen if you haven't seen Andor! [1:43:43 - 1:56:02 approx] Elsewhere, Chris Hewitt is joined in the podbooth by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and John Nugent, to talk about Cannes and Cruise, run their collective eye over the week's movie news, and review The Final Reckoning, The Phoenician Scheme, Lilo & Stitch, and Guy Ritchie's Fountain Of Youth. Enjoy.