The Empire Film Podcast

The first thing you should know about this week's episode of the Empire Podcast is that we talk about Rocks on it. And Rocks rocks. The second thing you should know is that Chris Hewitt talks to Sarah Gavron and Bukky Bakray, the director and star of that movie, which is one of the best British films in yonks. And the third thing you should know is that that interview is a lot of fun. The fourth thing you should know is that this week Chris is not just joined in the podbooth by Helen O'Hara and James Dyer, as per usual, but a brand-new occupant of the ever-rotating fourth chair: Edith Bowman! Yes, the creator and host of Soundtracking, one of our favourite film pods, drops by and joins the team for this episode, and along the way they discuss the best movie cameos by musicians, discuss the week's movie news, including the Madonna biopic, the potential arrival of Kang The Conqueror in the MCU, and review Rocks (told you!), Bill & Ted Face The Music, and The Devil All The Time. Enjoy.

In what is sure to be The Bee Gees' favourite episode of the Empire Podcast, it's Ewan again as Chris Hewitt has a chat with Ewan McGregor about returning to the small screen with Long Way Up, in which McGregor reteams with Charley Boorman for another epic motorbike odyssey. Ewan also talks about his penchant for reflective roles of late, including the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi limited series, and dishes on the return of a fan-favourite Star Wars character. Maybe. Possibly. Then, in the virtual podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer and, in the rotating fourth chair, Alex Godfrey for an episode in which they discuss the films they'd like to see directors have another crack at; talk about the week's movie news, including the first trailer for Dune (Jamesplaining ahoy!); and review The Painted Bird, The Roads Not Taken, and Les Miserables. No, not that one. This episode was recorded just before the sad death of the great Dame Diana Rigg. We'll pay tribute to her on next week's episode.

We're not usually happy to see another podcast enter this increasingly crowded market, but we'll make an exception for Alan Partridge. This week sees the launch of the first Partridgecast, an Audible Original series entitled Alan Partridge: From The Oasthouse, and to mark the occasion, Chris Hewitt has a very special Zoom audience with the man who is Alan, Steve Coogan. Needless to say, you'll have the last laugh. Then, in an episode that flips the pod-format on its head, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara, Amon Warmann, and James Dyer to pay an extended tribute to the late, great Chadwick Boseman. They also discuss the latest No Time To Die trailer and more in the News section, talk about their experiences back in the cinema in the listener question section, and review Mulan, The New Mutants, and Charlie Kaufman's brain-baking I'm Thinking Of Ending Things. Enjoy.

Bona fide Hollywood legend Annette Bening steps into our custom-built virtual podbooth this week, telling Chris Hewitt all about her new film, Hope Gap. The duo also talk about dancing, Dick Van Dyke, and being pulled over by the accent police. Chris also talks to Amy Seimetz, the talented writer/director of the pitch-black comedy-horror, She Dies Tomorrow, about recruiting her cast, Twitter, and the infectiousness of ideas. Either side of those, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Amon Warmann for a bumper-sized edition featuring the quickest Film Fact Section yet; much discussion of Sean Connery, as he turns 90 (which means many, many Sean Connery impressions); an extended chat about the news emerging from last week's DC Fandome; and reviews of Hope Gap, She Dies Tomorrow, and The Lost Prince. Oh, and... Forget Maui.

This week's Empire Podcast sees two genre directors step into our Interviewtrona3000 for a Paxman-like grilling from Chris Hewitt. First, Mortal director André Øvredal (as in, he's the director of Mortal; he's also mortal, we reckon, but that's irrelevant) talks Norse mythology, Stephen King and Draclier with Chris. And then actor/director Jay Baruchel talks about his blood-soaked meta-horror Random Acts Of Violence, aka How To Dismember Your Dragon, and recalls his last visit to the cinema. It was a doozy. Then, in the Podboothatron3000, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer and, making his long-awaited return in the rotating fourth chair, John Nugent for an episode in which the following occurs: they exchange film facts, grumbling as they do so; they discuss the best Netflix original movies; they talk about the week's movie news (this is pre-Batfleck Returns, folks; we'll talk about that next week); and then review The One And Only Ivan, Random Acts Of Violence, and Tenet. Or, more accurately, Helen and James review Tenet, while Chris just gets increasingly confused. How confused? Picture Zoolander and Hansel trying to access computer files, and you're halfway there. Yojne.

This week's regular Empire Podcast featured two interviews that were just too darn long, and just too much darn interview, to fit into the show. So we decided to bring you them both as specials this weekend. First up is an extended interview with Josh Lucas, the star of The Secret: Dare To Dream, which is now available to rent on PVOD. Here, he and Chris Hewitt talk about that movie, and how its principles appealed to Josh, plus how he's coping with lockdown, how Ang Lee continues to help him long after they worked together on Hulk, and how Josh came to terms with some of his higher-profile flops, like Poseidon and Stealth. It's a candid, funny, interesting chat, and we hope you enjoy.

The second of our too-long-for-the-regular-Empire-Podcast interviews this week sees Joe and Anthony Russo, the brothers who directed four MCU movies we may have talked about on the podcast from time to time, drop by the virtual podbooth for an extended chat with Chris Hewitt. They begin by talking about their new lockdown venture, the Russo Bros. Pizza Film School, all episodes of which are available on their Instagram and YouTube channels, but we spiral off from there into their filmmaking sensibilities, where they were when they found out that Avengers: Endgame had become the biggest movie of all time, and how they're already hard at work at following that up with a ton of content from their new company, Agbo Studios. It's a fun and fascinating insight into the creative minds of two of the best directors working today. Enjoy.

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees our old chums, and directors of the biggest movie of all time, Joe and Anthony Russo, drop by for a slice of metaphorical pizza as they discuss their impromptu film show, The Russo Brothers Pizza Film School, with Chris Hewitt. Chris also has a lovely chat with Josh Lucas, star of The Secret: Dare To Dream, who talks candidly about his career, and how Ang Lee continues to help him, years after they last worked together. Then, in the virtual podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara, Ben Travis and, in the rotating fourth chair, Nick de Semlyen, to compare film facts (Helen's got a deadly one this week), discuss movie Vice-Presidents, talk about the week's movie news (Tron! John Wick 5! Three Men And A Baby!), and review Babyteeth, Project Power, and Howard, the Disney+ documentary about Howard Ashman. Oh, and we're trying something a little new and funky with our interviews this week. Let us know what you think. Enjoy.

Another bumper, jam-packed edition of the Empire Podcast this week, as Chris Hewitt talks improv and R.E.M. with Endings, Beginnings star, Shailene Woodley, and discusses much with An American Pickle star/producer Seth Rogen, including a simple question: why do things always go south, and never north? Then, in the virtual podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Amon Warmann for a fun episode in which Helen fails to focus in the film fact section; they talk about great background gags in the listener's question segment; discuss the week's movie news, including Nia DaCosta directing Captain Marvel 2 and Mulan heading to Disney+; and review An American Pickle, Black Is King, Shudder horror sensation Host, and Endings, Beginnings. Warning: includes much discussion of Bucky Barnes' bare bottom. Someone cover Steve Rogers' ears. This week's episode is dedicated to Empire writer, Seb Patrick, who passed away suddenly this week at the age of just 37. If you want to contribute to the GoFundMe mentioned in this episode, go here: https://gf.me/u/yk2bbk

One of our favourite actors and people, Gemma Arterton, is our guest on the Empire Podcast this week, talking with Chris Hewitt about her new movie, Summerland; how she never fully understands her characters; and her great new working relationship with Summerland writer/director, Jessica Swale, which now has both of them around a virtual keyboard, beavering away on a new script. That's from 31:33.483. Sorry we can't be more precise. Then, in the virtual podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer and, returning to the rotating fourth chair, Empire's Editor-in-Chief, Terri White, as they exchange film facts that might not even be film facts, discuss the week's movie news including the return of (many) UK cinemas, speculate on the rollercoasters you might find in a theme park dedicated to British cinema, and review Proxima, Summerland, The Fight, The Vigil, and Unhinged. Blimey. It's, as ever, a madhouse. Enter with caution. But once you're inside, do please enjoy.

At the heart of this week's Empire Podcast is an extended interview with the legendary Sir Patrick Stewart, who talks to Chris Hewitt about Shakespeare, sonnets, stage fright, and the worst birthday he's ever had. They also talk about Patrick's new movie, Life With Music, in which he plays a concert pianist, and Patrick delves into his past for a spot of old Yorkshire dialect that has to be heard to be believed. In the socially isolated virtual podbooth, Chris is then joined by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer and, in the rotating fourth chair this week, Ben Travis and his incredible quiff, for our most delirious lockdown episode yet. Together, they tackle the new film fact section, discuss great movie tie-in songs of the 80s and 90s (and an old friend returns to the pod as a result), talk about the week's movie news (this was recorded before EVERY MOVIE IN THE WORLD moved back to 2021), and review Life With Music, Saint Frances, and How To Build A Girl. There's also a sweet Sundance London offer for podcast listeners in there too. Enjoy.

This week's Empire Podcast sees the debut of the very last interview we recorded before we locked down, as Chris Hewitt chats with Radioactive star Sam Riley about playing Pierre Curie, being a cad for Ben Wheatley, some of his notable screen deaths, and how Empire got Sam into trouble at school. It's a fun interview — but be warned, spoilers abound for Radioactive. (See also: the internet) Then, in the virtual podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara and James Dyer, as per usual, while the rotating fourth chair is this week occupied by the wonderful Kobi Omenaka, co-host of two of our favourite pods, The Wire Stripped and Flixwatcher. Together, this intrepid quartet parade an array of film facts, some of which may even be true; cast their dream Hamilton movie; discuss the week's movie news; and review Above Suspicion, Clemency, and Beach House. Enjoy.

While we wouldn't normally do a spoiler special for a video game, The Last Of Us Part II is no ordinary game. Therefore James Dyer, Nick de Semlyen and Amon Warmann all got together to chat about the game's major plot points and indulge in a little group therapy to help get over the trauma of actually playing it. We also invited the game's director, Naughty Dog's Neil Druckmann, to share his views and talk to us about everything from the big plot twists to the game's final ending. We're also putting this one out on the regular podcast channel so that even those who don't already subscribe to our Spoiler Special podcasts can listen and enjoy. And if you do enjoy it, then why not head over to glow.fm/empirefilm and sign up for more.

It's finally here — the last part of the epic trilogy of podcasts that wasn't meant to be a trilogy, but we got carried away and now have to pretend that we meant it as a trilogy all along a la Scream and The Matrix. Anyway, in this episode, Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, Amon Warmann, and Ben Travis argue the toss over the reader/listener-voted list of the 50 Greatest Movie Heroes Of All Time, as seen in the last issue of Empire. And things get heated as they enter the top ten. There will be shocks. There will be surprises. There will be terrible impressions, and even worse opinions. There's only one thing for it: steel yourself and enter. Enjoy.

Mr. Sandman, bring us a dream! James McAvoy is the guest on this week's latest lockdown episode of the Empire Podcast, having a good old natter with Chris Hewitt about McAvoy's latest project, the Audible adaptation of Neil Gaiman's legendary comic book series, The Sandman, in which McAvoy plays Morpheus, lord of dreams. They also chat about McAvoy's geekdom, his Stephen King experience on It Chapter 2, his recent FIFA game with Liam Payne for Soccer Aid, and his starring role in cheap-as-chips lockdown Instagram show, the very funny Space Force. Then, in the virtual podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer and, in the fourth chair this week, Ben Travis for an episode that brings you all kinds of mind-blowing film facts, discussion of the week's movie news, including the sad passing of the great Ennio Morricone, reviews of The Old Guard, Greyhound, and Finding The Way Back, and possibly the most self-indulgent listener's question bit in the pod's history. Enjoy.

This week's lockdown episode of the Empire Podcast is once again so jam-packed with chatty goodness that we've split it into two parts. This is not the new normal, folks — we promise. Just something that will happen from time to time. Anyway, this half sees two of our favourite guests return for another bite at the pod-cherry, as Chris Hewitt talks to Simon Pegg about make-up, mental health and Pegg's new movie, Lost Transmissions, and hops on a trans-continental call with Ride Like A Girl star, Sam Neill, to talk horses, box sets, and Event Horizon. Because Chris. Then, in the virtual podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer and, in the rotating fourth chair, Amon Warmann to compare film facts (warning: joy is in short supply this week) and movie pubs. Enjoy.

Can we offer you a libation to celebrate the closing of our shared narrative? That, sadly, is not what Dan Jolin nor Chris Hewitt said to the great Werner Herzog when they chatted to him for this episode. Chickens. Yes, the legendary German director, owner of the most distinctive voice in movies, is our third and final guest this week, and in the second part of the pod he is as delightfully Werner Herzogian as you might expect, as he talks to Dan and Chris about being in lockdown, making Star Wars, and his new movie, Family Romance LLC. Back in the virtual podbooth, Chris, Helen O'Hara, Amon Warmann and James Dyer discuss the week's movie news, including the sad death of the legendary Carl Reiner, and review Hamilton, Lost Transmissions, and Hamilton. Mainly Hamilton, to be honest. Did you think we would throw away our shot? Nope! No shots were thrown away in the making of this podcast, we can assure you. Enjoy.

In the second (and final...?) part of the podteam's countdown of the 50 Greatest Movie Heroes Of All Time, the magazine feature voted for by you, the listeners and readers of Empire, Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, Amon Warmann, and Ben Travis argue (and argue, and argue) the toss over the top 25. We won't give too many of the heroes' identities away, but let's just say that if you're a fan of impossible missions, gods of thunder and, erm, wonder women, you'll be happy. And if you want to read the full list, and an astonishing array of incredible features and interviews (Michael J. Fox! Sigourney Weaver! Keanu Reeves! Bruce Campbell! Carrie-Anne Moss! And more!), then pick up the latest copy of Empire from any good, evil, or virtual newsagent. Enjoy.

This week's Empire Podcast (once again brought to you in lockdown) sees two acting powerhouses have a chat about their craft. First, Chris Hewitt talks to Delroy Lindo about his incredible performance in Spike Lee's Da 5 Bloods, and then Terri White grills Maxine Peake mercilessly about playing the title role in Fanny Lye Deliver'd. Then, in the virtual podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer and, in the rotating fourth chair, James 'Jaime Blanco' White, our man in LA, for a fun ep in which they discuss tea and coffee cups in the movies (next week: scraped barrels), talk about movie news including Michael Keaton's possible return to the Batcave, and review Thomas Clay's Fanny Lye Deliver'd, David Dobkin's Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga, and Jon Stewart's Irresistible. Oh, and the new film fact section claims another victim. Enjoy!

It is a time for heroes. Or, more accurately, discussion of heroes. And we're happy to oblige. In this special edition of the Empire Podcast, Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, Amon Warmann, and Ben Travis gather (remotely, of course, because they're heroes) to go through the first half of the brand new, reader/listener-voted list of the 50 Greatest Movie Heroes Of All Time, as seen in the latest issue of Empire magazine. From Chief Brody to Imperator Furiosa, it's a fast and furious discussion of the merits (and demerits) of your choice of heroes, filled with the usual trenchant opinions and terrible impressions. If you want to hear more, the gang will be discussing heroes 25-1 at the same time next week. And if you want to read more, the full list — including in-depth features and interviews with the likes of Keanu Reeves, Sigourney Weaver, and Michael J. Fox — can be found in this month's Empire, on sale now in all good, evil, and virtual newsagents. Enjoy.

In this week's bumper-sized (so much so, in fact, we're wondering if we should have split it into two parts like last week) Empire Podcast, Chris Hewitt chats to Armando Iannucci, the co-writer/director of The Personal History Of David Copperfield about discovering optimism, and how hard it is to write comedy in the middle of a pandemic. And John Nugent talks to Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the latter returns to our screens with gripping plane hijack thriller, 7500. In the remote podbooth, Chris is then joined by James Dyer and Helen O'Hara, as per usual. But the rotating fourth chair this week is occupied by Dave Corkery and Cathy Cullen, the married couple who host one of our favourite podcasts, The Cinemile. Together, this intrepid quintet tackle the Film Fact section, answer questions about graduation speeches and non-trilogy trilogies (it'll make sense when you listen), discuss the planned return of cinemas in the UK, and review 7500, Dating Amber, Resistance, and Radioactive. We can see now why this is bumper-sized. Enjoy, if just for the Irish accents of four-fifths of the team getting increasingly thicker as the pod goes on. Wee buns!

On the second part of this week's podcast, you'll find the podteam — Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, Amon Warmann, and James Dyer — discussing the week's movie news, plugging the heck out of the latest issue of Empire magazine, celebrating our cinemas in the, erm, Celebrate Our Cinemas section, and reviewing Spike Lee's Da 5 Bloods, Judd Apatow's The King Of Staten Island, and Kenneth Branagh's Artemis Fowl. On the interview front, Chris hears from Rosamund Pike about her incredible light-up lockdown mask and her new film, Radioactive, in which she plays Marie Curie; and talks to Judd Apatow about The King Of Staten Island, and his comedy aesthetic. The latter is funnier than it sounds, honest. Enjoy.

How jam-packed is this week's episode of the Empire Podcast? How bumper-sized is it? Well, it's so huge — bursting at the seams with four — count 'em, FOUR! — interviews — that we have, for the first time ever (we think!), had to split the pod into two parts. In this, Parte The Firste, Chris Hewitt chats to British actors David Thewlis and Richard Armitage (both of whom have their own microphones, throwing down the gauntlet to other thesps everywhere) about, respectively, Atom Egoyan's Guest Of Honour and new audiobook, The Chekhov Collection Of Short Stories. Plus, they natter on about guitars, decapitation, midlife crises, Captain America, and building a fort at home. Then, in the virtual podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara, Amon Warmann, and James Dyer to answer a couple of listener questions about filmic fruit and movie cops, while the film fact segment — aka Love Factually — takes an unexpected turn. Enjoy. There's more to come!

On the latest locked-down episode of the Empire Podcast, Simon Bird — former Inbetweener, current Friday Night Dinnerer — tells Chris Hewitt all about Days Of The Bagnold Summer, the charming comedy that marks Bird's directorial debut. It's an interview that features more Guess Who? chat than you could shake a stick wearing glasses, a hat, and a beard at. Then, in the virtual podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara, Amon Warmann, and James Dyer as they get serious (for about five minutes) and discuss the Black Lives Matter protests that have been happening all around the world. Plus, the film fact segment returns and controversy abounds, they answer listeners' questions, discuss the week's movie news including Ryan Gosling playing the Wolfman, and review Days Of The Bagnold Summer, The County, Banana Split, and Atom Egoyan's Guest Of Honour. Sorry for the delay in this going up — enjoy.

On the latest locked down slice of Empire Podcast goodness, we welcome Eliza Hittman, director of the excellent Never Rarely Sometimes Always, who joins Helen O'Hara for a transatlantic chat about the acclaimed drama. Then Helen joins Chris Hewitt and James Dyer for an episode in which they answer several listener questions, anoint some of the greatest visually impaired characters in the history of film, discuss the week's movie news, from the new Tenet trailer to rumours of Henry Cavill's return to the Superman cape, and then review The Vast Of Night, The High Note, and Only The Animals. And, in our regular #CelebrateOurCinemas section, Chris gives shout-outs to cinemas around the world that need our, and your, help. All aboard for the pod with a record-breaking number of mentions of a certain English town. Find out which one within. Enjoy.

This week's slab of locked down, self-isolated, quarantined Empire Podcast sees the team — Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, and James Dyer — joined in the revolving fourth chair by one of our favourite people, the amazing anecdote machine that is Jason Isaacs. Jason joins the gang to talk about his new movie, Scoob!, life under lockdown as an actor, and reel off an array of incredible stories about his career. He also joins in with the new weekly film fact section, answers listener questions, and discusses movie news with the team, including Luca Guadagnino's remake of Scarface, and the confirmation that Zack Snyder's Justice League cut is finally going to see the light of day. Elsewhere, on the show, Chris, Helen and James review The Lovebirds, The Half Of It, and All Day And A Night, Chris lists a bunch of cinemas that need your support, and he has a fun natter with The Lovebirds star, Kumail Nanjiani, in which they talk about working out and eating lots of pies. Mmm... pies. Enjoy.

Our latest load of locked down, socially distanced pod sees Chris Hewitt's accent get progressively thicker as he sits down for a chat over Squadcast with fellow Northern Irishman, Michael Smiley. The two of them talk about Smiley's work with Edgar Wright and Ben Wheatley, his Easter egg preferences (it was recorded a while ago!), and his delivery of the best movie line of the year (so far!) in the gory Elijah Wood-starrer, Come To Daddy. Then, in the remotely recorded podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Ben Travis for an episode that takes in some incredible film facts, an in-depth discussion of Daniel Day-Lewis' track record, the weekly dollop of film news (including Boba Fett cropping up in The Mandalorian, and the team banging on about Hamilton again), and reviews of Never Rarely Sometimes Always, The Wrong Missy, and Infinite Football. Enjoy.

This week's episode of The Empire Podcast: Mistakes Were Made sees Chris Hewitt have a chat with Tom McCarthy, the Oscar-winning director of Spotlight and the Disney+ film, Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made. And a right good old chat it is, too, as they talk about everything from Portland to Pixar. Then, back in the remote, socially distant, virtual podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Ben Travis for a rip-roaring episode that takes in everything from fatally cold film shoots to the week's movie news (sequels ahoy!), and post-credit stings that aren't on the end of Marvel movies. They also review the Michelle Obama documentary, Becoming, and the Willem Dafoe dog-umentary, Togo. Oh, and Chris is trying a different sound mix this week, so let us know your feedback. Have mistakes been made? Almost certainly. But we hope you enjoy.

It's another locked down, remotely recorded Empire Podcast this week, folks. But it's a cracker of a show (in our humble etc.), as Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer and Alex Godfrey dazzle each other with arcane film facts, discuss (in depth, so Martin Scorsese best skip this one) the Marvel Cinematic Universe's post-credit stings, talk about the week's movie news, and review The Assistant, Astronaut, and Ema. And Chris chats this week to Kitty Green, the writer/director of the excellent The Assistant, and Dave Filoni, the gentle genius behind Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which is about to end its run next week. Just in time for Star Wars Day, in fact. Must be a coincidence. Enjoy.

Gareth Evans, the directorial mastermind behind The Raid, The Raid 2 and Apostle, turns his attention to the small screen this week, with the launch of his blistering, bruising, bloody crime saga, Gangs Of London. And to celebrate on the show's launch day he became a member of a very different gang — the Empire Podteam, joining Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, and James Dyer for most of this week's show. And he even brought a fact for our brand new weekly segment. What a legend. Along the way, the team discuss kidnapping, getting chilling phone calls from Christopher Lee, the week's movie news (and there is some! Saints, and The Saint, be praised!), and their cinematic blind spots. The results may shock you. In particular, Chris and Gareth both make confessions that could see them forced to hand in their movie fan credentials. Then, when Gareth has left the building, Chris, James and Helen review Extraction and Beastie Boys Story. Enjoy.

This week's pod sees the team — Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Amon Warmann — recording remotely once again as they discuss the week's movie news (note: this was recorded before the sad death of the great Brian Dennehy), review Stargirl, Coffee & Kareem, and Love. Wedding. Repeat, and tackle listener questions about their DVD collections and the best films-within-films. Also, the new fun fact section sees some major revelations, a huge tangent (even for us), and another brand-new name. And Chris is joined, remotely, of course, by the wonderful Ben Schwartz for a jam-packed interview in which they talk (a bit) about Ben's new film, Standing Up, Falling Down, his improv shows with Thomas Middleditch, and life under lockdown. And Chris recommends that Ben watches a Walter Matthau classic. Give it a listen to find out which one. ] Enjoy.

Our latest remotely recorded pod is the first to come with remotely recorded, socially responsible interviews, as Chris Hewitt has lovely chats from a minimum safe distance with Military Wives' star, Sharon Horgan, and Prentice Penny, writer and director of the charming Netflix drama, Uncorked. Either side of those, Chris is joined-ish by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Ben Travis, as they talk the week's movie news (Marvel release dates ahoy!), review Who You Think I Am, Uncorked, and Trolls World Tour, and answer listener questions. Oh, and our new fact section gets a new name, while Ben reveals a hitherto unheralded skill. Enjoy.

This week's Empire Podcast — recorded responsibly, yet again, from our living rooms of such lethal cunning — sees Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara and James Dyer joined by an old familiar face and voice: Empire's Editor-in-Chief, Terri White, taking a brief break from bringing up baby to slip onto the pod. Together, they discuss the week's movie news (there is some! Honest!), answer a bunch of listener questions, review The Platform, Standing Up, Falling Down (that's one movie, folks), and Four Kids And It. And then James, Terri, and Helen take turns to wow Chris with their movie facts in a brand-new segment with a brand-new theme tune. We think you'll like it. This week's interview was recorded last year and had been set to run as a special in its own right, but a sudden and unexpected guest shortage (damn those stockpilers!) means it now takes pride of place here, as Chris has a lot of fun speaking to Larry Karaszewski, Scott Alexander, and Ruth E. Carter, the writers and costume designer, respectively, of the excellent Eddie Murphy/Netflix comedy, Dolemite Is My Name. As ever, we hope you... Enjoy.

This week's pod sees the team — Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, and James Dyer — in isolation once again, but that doesn't stop them from reaching out to actor/writer/comedian/podcast host Brett Goldstein, who becomes the latest person to join the team for the duration of an episode. Together, this bold and intrepid quartet discuss the week's movie news and answer some listener questions, including the best video calls in movies, and the greatest single-location films. Then, when Brett has left the building, Chris, James, and Helen review The Banker, Vivarium, and Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made. Speaking of mistakes, this week's episode sees the launch of a new format, wherein James and Helen bring a film fact to impress Chris. Which, this week, leads to much discussion of the sweariest of all swear words. You know, that one. Now, while this discussion is censored, said word is discussed and uttered quite a bit, so if you're listening with kids, perhaps earmuff the first 20 minutes or so. Sorry, we're all utter you-know-whats. Enjoy?

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast is the first to be recorded remotely in the various homes of our podteam, thanks to the Coronavirus crisis. But we remain committed to bringing you the podcast and so Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara and James Dyer gather around their individual microphones and chat about their self-isolation schedules, Easter eggs, how Covid-19 has disrupted Hollywood, the best speeches to wash your hands to, and much more. We also review (there are some!), Spenser Confidential and The Truth. And our guest this week is the wonderful Jesse Eisenberg, who invites Chris into his (pre-corona) hotel room for a good old natter about Jesse's upcoming movie, Vivarium; his experiences on big Hollywood blockbusters, his writing process, and how he deals with improvisation. This is the first of what will hopefully be a fairly short run of these stay-at-home shows, but we're all flying blind here. So do let us know if you have any problems with the sound quality. Stay safe, stay well, and keep washing those hands!

This week's Empire Podcast sees Beth Webb chat to the wonderful Gugu Mbatha-Raw, star of this week's dramedy, Misbehaviour, about the 1970 Miss World pageant. And, thanks to some wonderful snipping from Editor Emma, you wouldn't know that Beth's microphone wasn't working during the interview. Thankfully, we haven't mentioned it, so we think we got away with it. Then, back in the podbooth, Chris Hewitt is joined by Helen O'Hara, Alex Godfrey, and James Dyer for an episode that truly runs the gamut, from discussion of great movie star pairings to a tribute to the late, great Max von Sydow; from reviews of Misbehaviour, Bloodshot, and Calm With Horses to a long discussion of the impact that the Coronavirus crisis is having on the world in general, and the movie world in particular. Oh, and they answer the age-old question: who was the sixth member of The Beatles? Enjoy.

This week's Empire Podcast is another live show in which Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara and token English bloke, the award-winning James Dyer, rock up for the Virgin Media Dublin International Film 2020. In front of a packed crowd, they discuss the Coronavirus' impact upon the movie industry, in the wake of No Time To Die being pushed back; additional movie news including the unveiling of the Batmobile; review Onward, Military Wives, Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am, and The Photograph; and answer audience questions. Oh, and in a bit that totally works on an audio-only podcast, Chris's opening remarks are translated into Irish. It's also a guestapalooza, with Rialto's twin Toms, Glynn-Carney and Vaughan-Lawlor, joined on stage by Calm With Horses' Niamh Algar and Nick Rowland. And then, in a surprise for the audience, Game Of Thrones star, and local legend, Liam Cunningham shows up for a brief chat. And, in a surprise for our intrepid pod-team, he brings an unannounced guest, Syrian refugee-turned-actor Hassam Ahlrak, with him. Find out more about Hassam's incredible story on the episode. Oh. And Chris would like to apologise to all Irish people for mispronouncing the 'Brian' in 'Brian Gleeson'. Chris pronounces it on the show as 'Brian', when we've since been told that it's actually 'Brian'. Enjoy.

The latest episode of The Ranking — the magazine/podcast crossover in which Empire writers discuss the work of an actor/director, or a big old franchise/genre, and come up with the definitive top ten — is dedicated to The Master Of Suspense: Alfred Hitchcock. Join Ian Freer, Nick de Semlyen, Beth Webb, and Neil Alcock as they discuss the themes that run through Hitchcock's work, his problematic methods, their favourite moments, leading men and ladies, and much, much more. Then stick around at the end as they go through the empirical — or should that be Empirical? — top ten. Enjoy.

We've got horror of all kinds on our mind this week at Empire Podcast Towers. First off, Chris Hewitt has a chat with Elisabeth Moss, star of Leigh Whannell's excellent update of The Invisible Man, and finds that she has blood on her hands. Well, feet. Then, Richard Stanley — making his return to directing with Colour Out Of Space after a looooooong time out — pops into the podbooth to natter away with Alex Godfrey about ouija boards, The Island Of Dr. Moreau, and getting stoned with cats. Elsewhere on this week's pod, Chris is then joined in the podbooth by Helen O'Hara and James Dyer, as they talk about James' experiences at Disneyworld, tackle a couple of listener questions, talk about Chris Evans joining Little Shop Of Horrors and Steven Spielberg possibly handing over Indiana Jones 5 (or 4, depending on your point of view) to James Mangold, review The Invisible Man, Portrait Of A Lady On Fire, and more. Enjoy.

Justin Kurzel is the director of fast-paced knockabout comedies like Snowtown, Assassin's Creed, and Macbeth. Sorry, serious and intense dramas, not fast-paced knockabout comedies. Easy mistake to make. And he's back with another slice of hard-hitting drama with next week's True History Of The Kelly Gang, which stars George Mackay, Essie Davis, Russell Crowe, and Nicholas Hoult in an attempt to tell the tale of Ned Kelly and his accomplices. And in this week's episode, he tells John Nugent how he did it. Then, in the podbooth, Chris Hewitt is joined by Helen O'Hara and Amon Warmann to discuss Avengers-as-biscuits, the week's movie news (including a lengthy discussion of Indiana Jones 5 or, if you will, 4), and review Greed, Like A Boss, The Call Of The Wild, and more. Oh, and Amon brings a takeaway, which causes much controversy. Enjoy.

He's the son of Martin Sheen. The brother of Charlie Sheen. But Emilio Estevez has always been his own man, starring in the likes of Young Guns, The Breakfast Club, Stakeout, St. Elmo's Fire, and many more in the glory days of the 80s. His latest film is The Public, a drama which he wrote, directed, and starred in, and on this week's episode of the Empire Podcast he has a chat about that, and much more, with Empire's Editor-in-Chief, Terri White. Meanwhile, back in the podbooth, Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, and James Dyer have Valentine's Day on their minds, discussing romantic movies and the greatest non-Star Wars robot. They also chew the fat over a veritable ton of movie news, including the reveal of the latest Batsuit and Chris' reaction to the news that Sam Raimi is directing an MCU movie, before being joined by Amon Warmann to review Sonic The Hedgehog and Emma. Enjoy.

Here it is, folks. As promised, here is the second part of our podcasts dedicated to dissecting Empire's 100 Greatest Films Of The 21st Century (So Far!). And in this episode, we throw open the doors of the podbooth to three listeners — Chad Armstrong, Christelle Brewster, and Luke Jones — who join host Chris Hewitt for a fun-filled and jam-packed countdown of the 100. Who thinks Paddington 2 should be higher? Who sings the praises of notable omissions like Gravity and, erm, Final Destination 2? And, more importantly, who defends the inclusion of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street? To find out, give it a listen. And who knows — maybe next time you could be in the booth too! Enjoy.

Despite not looking a day over 398 episodes, the Empire Podcast has officially turned 400. And we did so with a blowout bumper celebration earlier this week at our spiritual home of Kings Place, London, in front of a sold-out audience. In this episode, you'll hear Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Ben Travis discuss the week's movie news; review Parasite, Birds Of Prey And The Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn, and Dolittle; and take some audience questions. But it's not just the Four Giggling Idiots Show, oh no. We invited some super smashing great guests as well — Steve Coogan and Michael Winterbottom popped by to talk about their latest collaboration, Greed; Emily Beecham, winner of Best Actress at last year's Cannes Film Festival, talks Little Joe with Dan Jolin; and Todd Haynes, the director of Carol and now Dark Waters, pops in too. But that's not all — our old podchum, Christopher McQuarrie, shows up right at the end as a very special surprise (for the audience — we've ruined it for you now) to talk the return of Henry Czerny's Kittridge to the Mission: Impossible movies, throwing up in a jet plane, and not breaking Tom Cruise. We had a blast. And we hope you do too. Enjoy.

The 21st century may only be twenty years old, but it's still borne witness to thousands of films. And so, as the third decade of the century begins, we decided to canvas Team Empire, and Team Empire Readers, to find the 100 films you deem the greatest 2000-2019 has had to offer. And, in this bumper-sized and fun-filled edition, Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, Ben Travis, and Empire's Editor-in-Chief, Terri White, chew the fat, argue the toss, pour scorn on some less-celebrated entries, and champion their faves. Enjoy.

This week's bumper, giant-sized edition of the Empire Podcast comes complete with a trio of amazing guests. Helen O'Hara talks to A Beautiful Day In The Neighbourhood director, Marielle Heller. Amon Warmann has a chat with the legendary Bong Joon Ho about his Oscar-nominated cracker, Parasite. And Chris Hewitt sits down with Queen & Slim star, Daniel Kaluuya, for a conversation that features more pick'n'mix chat than you might imagine. Then, in the podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen and James Dyer for a fun (well, you be the judge) episode in which they discuss their favourite Gene Hackman films, talk about musical theatre, Jack Reacher and then eventually some movie news, and review the heck out of Queen & Slim, The Lighthouse, The Rhythm Section, A Beautiful Day In The Neighbourhood, and more. One more episode to go before episode 400. It's going to be a belter. But in the meantime... enjoy.

We say a sad goodbye to Terry Jones and recall our favourite moments from across an illustrious career in Python and beyond; in news, we track who’s leading the Oscar race, catch up on the latest Marvel news, and try to make sense of the new David Lynch short; and review The Personal History of David Copperfield and The Grudge. Plus Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe stop by to talk about Lighthouses.

He's played Ray Charles (to Oscar-winning effect), Bats, Motherf**ker Jones, Django, Ricardo Tubbs, and the President of the United States Of America. But this week Jamie Foxx — for it is he — faces his greatest challenge yet: appearing on the Empire Podcast. OK, we may have oversold it. But in a fun and insightful interview with our Chris Hewitt, Foxx talks about his new movie, Just Mercy, in which he plays a prisoner who's wrongfully imprisoned on Death Row. Give it a listen to hear Foxx talk about his views on the death penalty; do a quick tour of some of the most iconic voices he's used in his career; and reveal the advice Ellen Barkin once gave him. Then, back in the podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara and James Dyer to talk about this week's Oscars nominations (spoiler: Helen isn't happy, and gets a little bit sweary, about one nominee in particular), discuss the best film in the Academy Awards 11-nominations club, pore over the rest of the week's movie news, including Scott Derrickson's departure from Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness and Billie Eilish performing No Time To Die's title song, and review Bombshell, Just Mercy and Bad Boys For Life, which already may have the 2020's surprising movie award sewn up. Oh, and there's much talk of Gwyneth Paltrow's brand new candle. Be warned. Enjoy.

And 2020 was going so well... The Empire Podcast makes its triumphant (?) return with the first proper pod of the new year, and it's a barnstormer. We have four guests for the price of two this week, as Helen O'Hara chats to the directors of Uncut Gems (the best Adam Sandler movie since Murder Mystery), Josh and Benny Safdie. Then Ian Freer has a natter with George Mackay and Dean-Charles Chapman, the stars of Sam Mendes' astonishing single-shot World War I movie, 1917. And, in the podbooth itself, Chris Hewitt is joined by Helen and James Dyer for a dissection of their Christmas break activity, a discussion of the films that should never be remade, a conversation about the week's movie news, and reviews of Uncut Gems and 1917. And yes, you guessed it -- the pod was recorded before the news broke that Scott Derrickson had left Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness. As correctly guessed on this very pod a few weeks ago, Nostradamus fans. We'll talk about that next week. But right now: enjoy.

2019. What a year that was, eh? It was the year when Avengers: Endgame became the biggest film of all time. It was the year when Martin Scorsese returned with a bang with The Irishman, and put the cat amongst the pigeons with his comments on Marvel. It was the year when Star Wars ended... for now. It was the year of indie triumphs, glorious documentaries, killer clowns, overseas triumphs, and much, much more. And it was the year when Team Empire crammed themselves into the podbooth to talk about it all. So, join Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, Ben Travis, James Dyer and —all the way from LA — James White aka Jaime Blanco for a bumper-sized edition in which they talk about their favourite and least favourite movies, moments, and general film-related things of the year. And if you're worried that they might talk about that film — you know the one — a bit too much, steps have been taken to ensure that won't be the case. Oh, and they finally do talk about the Portals scene. Enjoy. And Happy New Year to all our listeners!

Anthony Daniels has been playing C-3PO, the most famous protocol droid in the galaxy, for 42 years now, across nine Star Wars films, TV shows, and much, much more. The role has dominated his career, and his life — so much so that he's finally decided to record his experiences in the form of a wonderful new memoir called I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story. In this very special episode of the Empire Podcast, Chris Hewitt invites Daniels into the podbooth for an extended natter about the book, Daniels' decision to write it at this stage of his career, and all things Star Wars. And don't worry if you're The Rise Of Skywalker spoiler-averse — the emphasis here is very much on the book, and on the past. Enjoy.