The Empire Film Podcast

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.

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.

Ho-ho-ho, listeners! This week's Empire Podcast is the last regular pod of the year, and we've pulled out all the stops to bring you four — FOUR! — of Hollywood's biggest names. There's Taika Waititi, writer/director/star of Jojo Rabbit, which opens on January 1, talking to Nick de Semlyen. Then there's Greta Gerwig, writer/director/not star of Little Women, which opens on Boxing Day, talking to Helen O'Hara. And finally there's Matthew McConaughey and Hugh Grant, not writers/not directors/but definitely stars of Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen, nattering away with Chris Hewitt. Then, in the podbooth, Chris, Helen, and James Dyer look forward to 2020, discuss the week's movie news including the Tenet and Top Gun: Maverick trailers, talk about Tom Cruise's coconut sponge and Kumail Nanjiani's abs, and review The Rise Of Skywalker, Little Women, Jojo Rabbit, and The Gentlemen. But not Cats. They're not readicle for that jellicle. Thanks for listening this year, folks. You've made this the biggest year for the pod yet and we're extremely grateful. So, for one last time in 2019, enjoy.

Ho-ho-ho, readers! As an early Christmas present from us to you, our dear readers/listeners, here's the episode of the absolutely-on-schedule and not-late-at-all-no-you-shut-up regular series, The Ranking, that you've all been asking for. No, not the Star Wars one. Or the two-part MCU special. Or even the one about 1989. Instead, this is the one where we discuss and rank Santa Claus in the movies! Yes, from Richard Attenborough in Miracle On 34th Street to, erm, Edmund Gwenn in Miracle On 34th Street, in this episode Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, Ben Travis, and Olly Richards talk about their favourite movies involving Father Christmas. And, as you might expect, it gets a bit silly and weird. But, as you might not expect, it somehow gets sexy. All will be explained within. (NB: if you have kids, maybe don't listen to this with them.) Enjoy.

If you weren't lucky enough to snag a ticket for our latest live podcast extravaganza, then fret no longer — for here it is. A couple of weeks ago, we held a very special screening of Rocketman, the Elton John musical biopic, at Picturehouse Central in London. Why was it special? Well, because afterwards the film's star, Taron Egerton, and director, Dexter Fletcher, popped in for a chat with our very own Chris Hewitt. And what a chat it was, full of revelations (Al Pacino has seen Rocketman seven times! It made Jason Statham cry!) and showcasing the warm rapport that Egerton and Fletcher share. Enjoy.

This week's Empire Podcast takes things to the next level. Mainly because Olly Richards sits down with Jake Kasdan, director of Jumanji: The Next Level, to hear how he made the sequel to the 2017 surprise smash, Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle. Also, the great Jonathan Pryce — star of The Two Popes — has a chat about that film, and more, with John Nugent. Then, back in the podbooth, Chris Hewitt returns to host, and is joined by Helen O'Hara and (latterly) Ian Freer as they discuss movies that act as a fillip in the middle of a bout of pure existential dread (no reason), discuss the week's movie news, including trailers for Wonder Woman 1984 and Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and review a whole bunch of movies, including Jumanji: The Next Level, 6 Underground, The Two Popes, and Black Christmas. There's also a bit of singing. Be warned. Enjoy.

Move over, Kubrick. Step aside, Malick. It's been 19 years since Edward Norton last directed a movie, but he puts that right this week with Motherless Brooklyn, a detective noir that he also wrote, and produced, and in which he stars. Chris Hewitt sat down with him for this week's pod to talk about that long gap, writing monologues for Alec Baldwin, and looking like James Cameron in Alita: Battle Angel. With Chris away on top secret business, Helen O'Hara steps into the breach for this week's show, talking about some film-related stuff and reviewing some movies with James Dyer and Ben Travis. Any rumours that this blurb is so vague because it was written in a hurry by someone who hasn't had a chance to listen to the show because someone else forgot to upload the podcast can neither be confirmed or denied at this time. Enjoy.

This week's Empire Podcast sees a panicked and flustered Chris Hewitt (you'll have to listen to the show to find out why) sit down with Sam Claflin and Aisling Franciosi, the stars of Jennifer Kent's wonderful new film, The Nightingale. They talk about working with Kent, the perils of shooting in Australia, and Claflin talks about becoming one with nature. Then, in the podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara and James Dyer to answer the first Christmassy question of the year, discuss the week's movie news, including a Downton Abbey sequel and the manner in which Rapman's Blue Story was pulled from two British cinema chains at the weekend, and review Charlie's Angels, The Nightingale, and Rian Johnson's excellent whodunnit, Knives Out. Oh, and the entire team objectifies Colin Farrell, the poor chap. Enjoy.

This week's Empire Podcast is packed with Disney royalty, fact fans. First up, Chadwick Boseman takes a break from defending Wakanda to star in cop thriller 21 Bridges, and he talks about that with John Nugent. Then, Ben Travis has a really fun chat with the wickedly talented, one and only Josh Gad and Jonathan Groff about returning as Olaf and Kristoff in Frozen II. Back in the podbooth, Chris Hewitt returns after two weeks away, and is totally over the cold that ruled him out last week, honest. He sits down with Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and the aforementioned Mr. Nugent to talk about the future of Marvel TV shows, the mysterious Zack Snyder cut of Justice League, the new Star Trek movie, and Chris' plans for his own movie trilogy. They also review Frozen II, 21 Bridges, Blue Story, and Judy & Punch. Enjoy.

This week's podcast is brought to you by the letter 'L' and, fittingly, the directors of both Le Mans '66 and Last Christmas stop by to talk about their respective movies. Of course, all of that pales into insignificance compared to the Maclunkey controversy that played out this week, and our intrepid trio dive beneath the surface of George Lucas' latest bit of Star Wars tinkering in some detail. Plus we pitch ideas for Christmas movies and bring you all the usual movie news and nonsense you've come to know and love.

Stephen Graham stops by the podbooth this week to discuss all things Scorsese for The Irishman. Not only that but we also talk to Roland Emmerich about Midway, midway through the podcast. Plus, with Chris away on his annual staycation, James and Helen debate the various merits of overlong movies, ruminate on the likelihood that Queen Latifah might kill us all and, ultimately, call upon Chris to quite literally phone in a review.

This week's Empire Podcast is a rare two-hander as Chris Hewitt and Helen O'Hara hold the fort in the podbooth as the only two colleagues of such lethal cunning. They answer listeners' questions, bemoan the availability of old films ('old' here also being subjective), discuss the week's movie news, and review Doctor Sleep, The King, Dolemite Is My Name, and more. On the guest front, it's another belter of a week. First, Chris talks to David Michod, the Australian director of The King, and then Ian Freer has a lovely chat with Felicity Jones, star of Rogue One, Inferno and The Aeronauts, which is out on Monday. Much fun was had by all. Enjoy.

Ho-ho-ho! Yes, listeners, it's that time of year again, when the nation turns its thoughts to Christmas Day, and the biggest question of them all: just what the elf do we watch on Christmas Day? Well, in this very special podcast, in association with Sky Cinema, the Empire Podcast crew — Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, Absolute Radio's Dave Berry and Sky Cinema's very own Alex Zane — have your back. The idea is simple: we programme your Christmas Day viewing, from 10am through to bedtime (with time outs for turkey and all the trimmings, of course), with each member of the team arguing the toss for a specific film. All of which are available on Sky Cinema, of course, with the Sky Cinema Christmas Collection available from November 2nd. So, from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation to Die Hard, there's something here for everyone. Whether you've been naughty or nice. Enjoy!

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees the podteam return, semi-triumphant, to the podbooth following their mini-tour of the UK (well, most of the UK — sorry, Wales). Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, and John Nugent are the three colleagues of such lethal cunning this week, discussing movie franchises that start with the weakest instalment, the week's movie news, and reviewing Terminator: Dark Fate, Black And Blue, and The Last Black Man In San Francisco. And all without the benefit of a live crowd, the brave lambs. Also, Helen speaks to Jillian Bell, the American comedy star who can soon be seen anchoring her first big movie, Brittany Runs A Marathon. Why did we send Helen, veteran of 26 (possibly 27 by the time you read this) marathons, to do this interview? Beats us. Enjoy.

2019 has been The Year Of The Boss. Cinematically speaking, at least. Bruce Springsteen may have just turned 70, but he's as creatively restless and dynamic as ever, as evidenced by his new film, Western Stars, which works as both a sublime performance of his new album, and a beautiful, profound insight into its songs and the man who wrote them. The film marks Springsteen's directorial debut, alongside his long-term collaborator, Thom Zimny, and rounds off a year that also boasts the likes of Jim Cummings' Thunder Road and Gurinder Chadha's Blinded By The Light as celebrations of all things Springsteen. And, in this very special edition of the Empire Podcast, Chris Hewitt and Ben Travis sit down with Zimny and Springsteen to talk about the movie, and Springsteen's love of cinema. If you listen to only one podcast in which one of the greatest musicians of all time namedrops Avengers: Endgame and The Godfather in the same sentence, make it this one. Enjoy.

It's here. At long last, the final trailer for JJ Abrams' Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker — the ninth and final film in the Skywalker Saga — has arrived, and naturally it got the internet's tongues a-wagging. And, because you demanded it, here's the Empire Podcast's near-hour-long reaction to a trailer that's just over two minutes long. So, join Chris Hewitt, James Dyer, Helen O'Hara, and Ben Travis for a fun-filled, fact-packed, frame-by-frame dissection of the trailer, with more wild theories and unfounded speculation than you could shake a laser sword at. Just what is Bendemption? How do space horses work? And can droids get syphilis? Just some of the questions posed, and unanswered, within. Enjoy.

This week's episode sees Chris Hewitt and Helen O'Hara make a (very arguably) triumphant homecoming, as the Empire Podcast mini-tour rocks up for its final show as part of the Cinemagic Film Festival in Belfast. And they bring two Wee English Fellas — James Dyer and Ben Travis — with them for a fun-filled show in which they discuss the week's movie news (Batman! Murder Mystery 2! The Dolittle trailer!), review Zombieland: Double Tap, Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil, and El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, and take audience Qs. We also have a trio of ace guests — Belfast-based directors, Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D'Sa talk their new movie, Ordinary Love; Jim Sturgess flies in to talk about his career, including doing a sex scene in Belfast; and a pre-recorded chat with Ruben Fleischer, director of Zombieland: Double Tap. Enjoy, so you will! Ah, go on, go on, go on...

David Arnold and Michael Giacchino are two of the best composers in the business, with the likes of Casino Royale, Up, Hot Fuzz, Star Trek, Lost, Sherlock, and much more. They're in London to prepare for a special show at the Royal Albert Hall called Settling The Score, in which the two old friends will duke it out, rap-battle style. Only if a rap battle had a huge orchestra, and a little man waving a baton. Naturally, we couldn't let them do this without nabbing them for a podcast, so in this very special episode Chris Hewitt sits down with the pair for a freewheeling and very funny conversation that touches upon... well, pretty much everything but their music. Although they do eventually get around to talking about their work on Bond, Marvel movies, and more. Oh, and JJ Abrams makes an appearance. Sort of. Enjoy!