The Empire Film Podcast

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.

The Shameless Plug — the show in which Chris Hewitt and Empire editor, Nick de Semlyen, sit down and talk you through the latest issue of Empire — is back for its third episode, folks. This one is dedicated to issue 441 of Empire (on sale now at all good, evil, and virtual newsagents), which features Jurassic World Rebirth on the cover, and Nick talks through the creative process behind our cover, behind his choice of writer for the feature, and drops a couple of Jurassic World tidbits that didn't make it into the article. Elsewhere, our dynamic duo chat about the choices they made in putting the issue together, Nick tackles a quiz he wrote, and Chris reads out the first line of each feature, despite Nick's protestations. Enjoy.

Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard's The Extraordinary Miss Flower is part-concert film, part-performance art piece inspired by the life of its subject, a woman called Geraldine Flower. When she passed away a few years ago, her daughter Zoe discovered a number of letters, written over the years by suitors of Geraldine's, which painted a picture of a wildly charismatic, enigmatic and magnetic woman. Zoe's close friend, Icelandic singer Emiliana Torrini, and Zoe's husband, the musician Simon Byrt, were inspired by the letters, and thus 2024's album, Miss Flower, was born. And, not long after that, Forsyth and Pollard's film, which combines performances from Torrini and her band, with interstitial pieces featuring a host of famous faces reading aloud the letters, and Caroline Catz as the extraordinary Geraldine Flower. And in this Empire Podcast interview special, Chris Hewitt is joined in the podbooth by Zoe Flower, the film's producer and daughter of its subject, and Catz for a frank and fascinating conversation in which the word 'extraordinary' is said quite a lot. Enjoy.

This week's episode of the BSME Awards-nominated Empire Podcast had better not be the episode that the BSME Awards judging panel listens to ahead of voting, or our nomination might be rescinded. Which is to say, chaos reigns as Chris Hewitt returns — eventually, after being waylaid by a McQ&A — to the hosting chair, and is joined by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer and, for a limited time only, Nick de Semlyen to talk about movies only they love, the week's movie news including the new Superman trailer, and review Final Destination Bloodlines, Hallow Road, and The Marching Band. Oh, and there's a spelling bee that exudes some serious little D energy. Our guests this week are the wonderful pairings of Matthew Rhys and Rosamund Pike, stars of the blistering new psychodrama, Hallow Road, and Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, directors of the riotously entertaining new Final Destination movie, Bloodlines. Enjoy! Vote for us!

It's another cracking episode of the (freshly award-nominated) Empire Podcast this week, folks, as Helen O'Hara slips into the hosting chair and tries to wrestle James Dyer and Alex Godfrey into shape as they talk about changeable movie titles, great actor/director pairings, Alex's favourite teen movies, the week's movie news including Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on the film industry, The Long Walk and Highest 2 Lowest trailers, and review The Uninvited, The Extraordinary Miss Flower, The Surfer, and The Wedding Banquet. That last movie also provides us with our guests, as Chris Hewitt sits down for an incredibly fun chat with its stars, Lily Gladstone and Kelly Marie Tran. [22:12 - 44:11 approx] Have a listen, you won't regret it. Enjoy!