The Playlist Podcast Network

Finally, after what seems like a decade of speculation, leaks, rumors, and general social media debate, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” is in theaters. And with that, it’s time that people know the truth about the latest film in the Sony/Marvel Studios partnership—it’s actually really great… or maybe it’s just yet another legacy sequel that hopes nostalgia will help gloss over some glaring flaws? The Playlist Podcast is here to dive deep into all aspects of ‘No Way Home’ to hopefully give a definitive answer.

I’m not going to lie, this is a nerdy interview episode of The Playlist Podcast, as legendary comic book creator, Todd McFarlane, joins to talk about the release of “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” on VOD and Blu-ray. Why is Todd McFarlane talking about ‘Venom?’ Well, if you don’t know, McFarlane is one of the co-creators of the character, and in the interview, we talk about the process of creating the character who has now dominated the box office in multiple films, as well as creator’s rights in the film and TV realm, and, of course, “Spawn.”

Stellan Skarsgård is an actor that has popped up in nearly every recent major franchise. Whether it’s the beloved Eric Selvig of the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the dreadful and ominous Baron Harkonnen in "Dune," you’ve likely seen his face on your screen rather recently. In this episode of The Discourse, Stellan Skarsgård sits down to talk about his latest film "Last Words," which features Stellan as a reluctant leader of the last human community at the end of the world.

Writer/producer/director Simon Kinberg has been able to play in some truly massive sandboxes over the course of his career, with the biggest perhaps being his time working on 20th Century Fox’s 'X-Men' universe. Recently, Kinberg has co-created his own universe in Apple TV+’s series, "Invasion," which recently got picked up for a second season and is airing its first season finale on December 10. In this episode of The Discourse, Simon Kinberg talks about bringing that project to life.

In this episode of The Playlist Podcast directing duo, Bert & Bertie, join to talk about their most recent work on Marvel Studios “Hawkeye.” For those unaware, “Hawkeye” is the new Disney+ series featuring the title character played by Jeremy Renner, who finally is getting the spotlight for his own project. Previously, I spoke to Rhys Thomas, who directs episodes 1, 2, and 6, which is the finale, but crammed in between are episodes from Bert & Bertie, who work on 3, 4, and 5. In the interview, we talk about how the duo got the Marvel Studios gig and why “Hawkeye” is the project they resonated with the most. They also talk about Episode 3, titled “Echoes,” which sees the introduction of Maya Lopez, aka Echo, played by newcomer Alaqua Cox. 

The Yellowstoners, Mike DeAngelo and Rodrigo Perez, are back to break down another brand-new episode of "Yellowstone!" With the season beginning to take shape in Episode 6—cowboys being stabbed, women being threatened in the Dutton kitchen, and sons being broken by their fathers—there's a lot to break down. The hosts discuss all the spoiler-y details and predictions, and, afterward, Jefferson White stops in to talk about playing Jimmy on Yellowstone, the brilliance of Taylor Sheridan, and launching the official "Yellowstone" Companion Podcast, which drops its first episode on December 9.

Few actors are defined by the word “badass” the way that Jon Bernthal is. From playing the tragic villain Shane Walsh on "The Walking Dead," to the Marvel Cinematic Universe's version of the brutal Frank Castle in "The Punisher," right down to roles where he isn't cracking heads - his eerily spot-on portrayal of Lee Iacocca in "Ford v Ferrari," for example - Bernthal exudes an endless cool and charisma, while still looking like he could take on anyone in the room if he needed to. Bernthal is, in fact, so good at this, that his versatility beyond those qualities sometimes gets underappreciated. Bernthal plays the sisters' coach and trainer Rick Macci, presenting audiences with a powerful supporting performance that is vulnerable, warm, and subdued. It may even be the actor's best performance. "It's this meditation on parenting, on fatherhood, and on family. It really explores youth sports and the full spectrum of it, how beneficial it can be in the development of a kid's life and development of character,” said Bernthal, relating “King Richard” to his own upbringing with sports. “I think that is the story in this project.” While “King Richard” certainly focuses on Richard Williams, the endearing, quasi-paternal relationship between Macci and the Williams sisters also sits close to the heart of the film. Additionally, Bernthal highlighted an integral part of his youth, one that “King Richard” portrays, that he feels is now missing in youth sports. Of course, between all things "King Richard," there's one thing at the front of the minds of every Jon Bernthal fan: will he ever put on the skull again and step back into the shoes of Frank Castle? During our conversation with Jon Bernthal we discuss his performance as Rick Macci in further detail, as well as gushing about the D.C. area sports franchises, the problems that are taking the joy out of youth sports today, the deleted "King Richard" scene Bernthal most wishes remained in the cut, and more! "King Richard" is now playing in theaters and on HBO Max.

The Yellowstoners, Mike DeAngelo and Rodrigo Perez, are back after a week off to catch up on the latest episodes of Season 4 entitled “Winning or Learning” and “Under a Blanket of Red,” respectively. As with the previous episode, Rodrigo continues to struggle with waiting on the season to unravel and ramp up after binging the first three seasons back-to-back, but that’s not to say that Yellowstone isn’t starting to plant some serious seeds for the high-end, soap opera quasi-Shakespearean drama that it’s known for.

People seem to enjoy the latest reboot-quel, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” which takes the beloved franchise, adds some younger actors, brings back the originals, and tells a slightly remixed story. So, in honor of that film, why not figure out what other franchises are gathering dust on the shelf and should be looked at for potential revivals? That’s exactly what happens in this episode of The Playlist Podcast.

For years, George MacKay has been one of the most fascinating and versatile actors working out of the U.K. Having made his acting debut in 2003, in P. J. Hogan's magnificent adaptation of "Peter Pan," MacKay quickly went on to give diverse, but invariably gripping performances in films such as "Defiance," "The Thief Lord," "The Boys are Back," and "Private Peaceful," all before he turned 20. More recently, MacKay electrified the screen with two top-tier performances in 2019 and 2020, first as Lance Corporal Schofield in Sam Mendes' groundbreaking "1917," and then as Ned Kelly in Justin Kurzel's Australian Western "True History of the Kelly Gang." MacKay's latest project, Nathalie Biancheri’s "Wolf," sees the actor play Jacob, a boy who believes himself to be the titular animal, contending with his own visions and beliefs at the same time that he receives psychiatric treatment for his condition. "Wolf" is a stunning, deeply unique film with a central performance from MacKay that allows him to dive deep into his craft, as he howls and prowls around while being torn back and forth between his fantasy wilderness and the cold reality of the clinic that is treating him. MacKay sat down with us to talk about “Wolf” and the ways in which he inhabited Jacob. "Over the last few years, so much socially and personally is being redefined by us questioning how we've been in the past as a species, to each other, and how we speak about that," said MacKay. "We look to animals because I think, at the end of the day, so much of what we're kind of discussing at the minute are articulations of very primal wants and needs to survive, very human versions of those primal desires or requirements." MacKay also discussed the artistic intent of the film, including its bold style and unconventional sensibilities, and why it was important that they be played straight. Finally, upon reflecting how "Wolf" aided his growth as a performer, MacKay added, "I realized [before] how much I'm in my head, how I've almost revered thoughts. I stand by that in certain times. I think everything needs a lot of thought and discussion, but sometimes the noise in your brain can get in the way. The calm of being in your body, being a little less in your thoughts, is something I'll definitely take away from [making 'Wolf']." During our conversation with George MacKay, we dive deep into all things "Wolf," including the moment MacKay found the physical cadence of Jacob, his experience working with movement coach Terry Notary, and more! "Wolf" hits theaters on December 3, 2021. Interview conducted by Kaleena Steakle (@ShutUpKaleena)