The Empire Film Podcast

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!

This week's Empire Podcast ably fills the gap in your lives that you didn't even know was there: the experience of listening to a film director speed-carving a pumpkin on a podcast. Yes, this episode sees the Empire Podtour juggernaut roll into Brighton, where Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Terri White discuss the week's movie news (Marty vs the MCU), review American Woman, Gemini Man, and The Day Shall Come, and answer audience Q&As. Oh, and local heroes Ben Wheatley and Corin Hardy drop by - and Corin shows off his speed-carving prowess in a genuine podcast world first. This episode also contains a fun studio interview between Chris and Sienna Miller, talking about her phenomenal performance in American Woman, and her desire to play Catwoman. Enjoy.

We love the BFI London Film Festival round here at Empire Towers. So, with this year's festival still in full swing, we were delighted to host our first ever Empire Podcast roundtable, in which Chris Hewitt talks to three actors who each have films showing at the festival. In this engrossing, frank, and often hilarious chat, Ben Mendelsohn (star of The King and Babyteeth), Morfydd Clark (star of Eternal Beauty, The Personal History Of David Copperfield, and Saint Maud), and Jimmie Fails (star of and inspiration for The Last Black Man In San Francisco) pull back the curtain on what it means to be an actor, their various films in the festival, and how to avoid being a complete A-hole. Enjoy.

This week sees the first-ever Empire Podcast tour roll into Chris Hewitt's spiritual home, Liverpool. And, in a fun-packed show at FACT in front of a sold-out audience, Chris, Helen O'Hara and James Dyer discuss the week's movie news (including Spidey's return to the MCU), review Joker, Judy, and Good Posture, and take a whole heap of audience Qs. They're also joined by Dolly Wells, actor-turned-director, whose train got into Liverpool just in time for her to talk about her first film behind the camera, the rather wonderful Good Posture. Plus, back in the studio, John Nugent talks to some bloke called Joaquin Phoenix about some movie in which he plays a clown. Sounds like a laugh. Everyone loves clowns. And after last week's sound snafu in York, you'll be delighted to know this one sounds better, although some mic hiss does intrude towards the end. Hopefully it won't spoil your experience too much. Enjoy.

Do you like scary movies? What's your favourite scary movie? Two questions that have dominated conversations since the dawn of cinema, when people were terrified by the sight of a train coming straight at them. And, in this very special edition of the Empire Podcast, brought to you by Sky Cinema, Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, Absolute Radio's Dave Berry, and Sky Cinema's Alex Zane attempt to answer those questions, and one more for good measure: what is the scariest movie of all time? From Halloween to, erm, Halloween (but not Halloween), our fearless foursome discuss everything from slashers to supernatural horrors, and reveal the movies that make sure they sleep with the lights on. Oh, and there's a fair amount of terrible impressions and loud noises as per. And if, after hearing their choices, you want to check out some of the movies they talk about, the Halloween Collection is available now on Sky Cinema. Enjoy - if you dare!

So, this week's Empire Podcast was meant to be the recording of our latest live show, in front of a wonderful, sold-out audience at CityScreen in York. However, due to circumstances beyond our control, the sound quality of the recording just wasn't good enough. So, instead, Chris Hewitt and James Dyer - just back from York - bundled into the podbooth at Empire Towers to record an emergency pod, along with John Nugent. In it, they discuss several of the audience questions from the night before, review a whole bunch of films including The Last Tree, Ready Or Not, Hotel Mumbai, and The Goldfinch, and discuss the week's movie news. You'll also hear from David Koepp, the screenwriter of Jurassic Park and author of the new thriller, Cold Storage. And we've managed to salvage most of the interview with the wonderful Craig Roberts, writer/director of Eternal Beauty, who was our guest in York. But be warned: the sound quality might indicate why we're loathe to run the whole show. Enjoy.

This week's episode sees the first-ever Empire Podcast tour roll into Edinburgh for a fun-packed show at the venerable venue, the Cameo, as part of the Edinburgh International Magazine Festival. Join Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Terri White as they discuss the week's movie news, review Ad Astra, The Farewell, and The Kitchen, and answer a series of questions from the sell-out audience. Also, local hero Jack Lowden, star of Dunkirk, Fighting With My Family, and Mary Queen Of Scots, drops in to talk about doing a Trainspotting live read, why he considers acting to be a 'sadistic' profession, and wanting to be Del Boy. It's all here in your latest slice of (recorded as) live film-related fun. NB: as it was recorded live, there's a slight hum throughout. Do let us know your feedback on the feedback. And, as ever, enjoy.

This week's episode is a live show which sees the Empire Podteam - Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Terri White - embark upon their first-ever tour, starting in the far-flung city of... London. Kings Place, to be precise, just around the corner from the Empire office. Not exactly clocking up the air miles, huh. Recorded as part of the London Podcast Festival, this typically raucous live show sees the quartet review Downton Abbey, For Sama, and Hustlers (complete with eye-watering tale of real live strip clubs), then discuss the week's movie news, before being joined by a brand-new member of the team: director Colin Trevorrow. There might be talk of his brand-new Jurassic World short film, Battle At Big Rock. And he might even stick around for the audience Q&A. We couldn't possibly say either way. Please accept our apologies in advance. Enjoy.

You are cordially invited to this week's Empire Podcast, in which Mr. Ian Freer, of Empire Towers, is granted an audience with Mr. Hugh Bonneville, Miss Laura Carmichael, and Miss Michelle Dockery, stars of the new motion picture extravaganza, Downton Abbey, based on the popular televisual entertainment of the same name. Either side of that, you are invited to listen to the rest of the episode, in which Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, and podcast newcomer Jeremy Dylan, a gentleman of Australian origin, discuss several listener questions, varying accents, the week's movie news, and review It Chapter 2 and Rojo. Carriages at 2am. Do, please, enjoy.

A long time ago, in a podbooth far, far away... four brave and hardy souls tackle a question that has long had Rebels and Imperial types scratching their heads: who are the greatest Star Wars characters of all time? In the second instalment of The Greatest, an Empire Podcast limited series brought to you by Sky Cinema, Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, Sky Cinema's very own Alex Zane, and Absolute Radio's Dave Berry each launch an impassioned defence of their three favourite Star Wars characters. There will be bad impressions. There will be bad jokes. And there will be some choices that you won't see coming. And if, after listening to this, you fancy watching a cheeky Star War, the Star Wars Collection is available on Sky Cinema right now, all the way through to September 15. May the Force be with us all.

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast features two very different directors. First up, Chris Hewitt chats to Louis Leterrier about his experiences directing the new 10-episode Netflix series, The Dark Crystal: Age Of Resistance, and switching from live-action to puppets. They also talk about Leterrier's experiences making The Incredible Hulk, the nature of directorial compromise, and dousing Mark Strong in gallons of fake elephant stuff for Grimsby. Then, Ian Freer has a chat with the great British director, Joanna Hogg, about her new movie, The Souvenir, her time as a film student in London, and directing Eastenders. Meanwhile, in the podbooth, Chris is joined by Ian, Helen O'Hara, and James Dyer for discussion of the news that came from D23, the Breaking Bad movie El Camino, reviews of the week's movies, and try to get their heads around a certain Hollywood director having 20,000 sexual partners. Not all at once, surely? Enjoy.

This! Is! Butler! This week's episode sees one of our favourite recurring guests, Gerard 'Gerry' Butler, pop by the podbooth to tell Chris Hewitt all about his new movie, Angel Has Fallen. Along the way they discuss Nick Nolte, the five stages of movie stardom, and Gerry tells an eyewatering story that has great pedigree, chum. Also this week, Chris talks to Norwegian director Andre Ovredal about Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark, the Guillermo del Toro-produced horror flick that's set to make people scream on both sides of the Atlantic. And in the podbooth proper, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara and Ben Travis to discuss American actors doing English accents, the week's movie news (including Bond 25, the passing of Peter Fonda, and the Spider-shenanigans), and review the latest releases, including Crawl and Pain And Glory. Enjoy.

It's a question as old as time. Perhaps even older. Who is the greatest DC big screen hero: the Caped Crusader, Batman, or the Man Of Steel, Superman? In this very special edition of the Empire Podcast, brought to you by Sky Cinema, Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, Sky Cinema's very own Alex Zane, and Absolute Radio's Dave Berry venture into the Empire Podcave and hash it out. It's all here over the course of a very fun 60 minutes, from impassioned paeans to Christopher Reeve to rigorous discussion of Batcreditcards. And a host of terrible impressions that may be the Bane of your life. Oh, and at some point, our heroic quartet may even get round to answering the question. If you fancy settling this for yourself, you'll be delighted to know that all the Batman and Superman films discussed here, and tons of films featuring other heroes, are available right now in Sky Cinema's Superheroes Collection. Enjoy.

Former Never Mind The Buzzcocks host Simon Amstell, who used to host Never Mind The Buzzcocks, pops by the podbooth this week for an interview in which his stint on Never Mind The Buzzcocks isn't mentioned once. (Sorry about that, we're aiming for that SEO sweet spot). Instead, he tells Chris Hewitt about how he made his new film, Benjamin, and along the way they attempt the world's first director's commentary entirely from memory. It doesn't go well. Then, back in the podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara and Amon Warmann for a fun episode in which they talk prime numbers, the newly-announced Empire Podcast tour (tickets on sale now!), discuss the week's movie news, fun movie-related roommates, Henry Golding, and more. Then they review Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, Good Boys, and Dora And The Lost City Of Gold. Enjoy 23 times. That's a prime number. Fact.

On this week's show, we invite Gurinder Chadha and Viveik Kalra onto the pod to wax lyrical about The Boss or, more specifically, their new film Blinded By The Light - guaranteed to put a Springsteen in your step. Meanwhile, Chris, James and Helen stand up in defence of some underappreciated classics (love Kurt Wimmer's Equilibrium or GTFO) and Chris gives us his reaction to news of the upcoming Event Horizon TV series ("Do you see? DO YOU SEE?!"). Plus we review this week's film releases and, in a podcast first, actually manage to finish when we say we will. Enjoy.

It doesn't happen often, but this week sees the Empire Podbooth doors thrown open to allow the great Nick Frost - star of The Cornetto Trilogy, Paul, Cuban Fury, Fighting With My Family, and now Horrible Histories: The Movie - Rotten Romans - to pull double duty as both our star guest and a colleague of such lethal cunning. So, this week Nick sits in with Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, and James Dyer as they answer a number of listener questions, discuss Nick's career, find out how not to be starstruck in front of Steven Spielberg, and discuss the week's movie news. Then, when Nick exits stage left, the podteam remain to review Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw, Animals, and The Angry Birds Movie 2. Enjoy.

This week's Empire Podcast sees James Dyer take a rare break from banging on about TV to sit down for a lovely chat with Holliday Grainger and Alia Shawkat, stars of the rollicking Dublin-set comedy-drama, Animals. Then, in the podbooth, Chris Hewitt is joined by James, Helen O'Hara and Ben Travis to talk about movie heatwaves, discuss the week's film-related news*, including the Picard trailer and the sad death of the great Rutger Hauer, and review The Current War. Lie back, turn on the fans, whack the headphones up, and enjoy. * Not including discussion of the Marvel Studios panel. That can be found in a podcast special, also available now.

Because (four of) you demanded it, and because we finally found some free time to record it, and because we didn't want to bang on for ages about Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe on this week's regular podcast, here is a relatively short podcast in which Team Empire - Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Ben Travis - react to and mull over all the big news from the Marvel Studios panel at last week's San Diego Comic-Con. It's all here: discussion of Black Widow, The Eternals, Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings, Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness, Thor: Love And Thunder, the Disney+ shows, the casting of Mahershala Ali as Blade, bad impressions of Dara O Briain and much, much more. Enjoy.

This week's Empire Podcast is all about cats, jellicle and otherwise. Chris Hewitt has a lovely in-depth chat with the wonderful Jon 'Favs' Favreau, who's a cool cat, about his new movie as director, the live-action adaptation of The Lion King, which is about big cats, and there's a little of MCU business thrown in for good measure as well. Because Chris. Then, in the podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara and James Dyer to answer a slew of listeners' questions, review The Lion King, Varda By Agnes, and Tell It To The Bees, and discuss the week's movie news, including a Comic-Con preview, speculation about the future of 007, and some trailers. Including the trailer for Tom Hooper's Cats, which they talk about. For a bit. And then a bit more. Because... well. Remember - Jellicles can and Jellicles do! Enjoy.

He's a good egg, that Corin Hardy. He wrapped filming on Gangs Of London, the Gareth Evans-created TV show for which he's directed several episodes, on Thursday, and still found the time and energy to pop into the podbooth for a chat with Chris Hewitt about his... well, actually, Corin doesn't have anything to plug. So, instead, he and Chris talk about life for Corin post-Nun, working on Gangs, and do an impromptu John Carpenter episode of The Ranking. [0:50:33 - 01:20:03] Then, in the podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Ben Travis to talk the Harry Potter studio tour, tie-in novelisations, the new issue of Empire, the week's movie news [0:23:50 - 0:48:46], and review Pavarotti, The Dead Don't Die, Annabelle Come Home, and Stuber [01:20:03]. Enjoy.

We've been big fans of Will Poulter at the Empire Podcast, especially since he agreed to be one of the guests on our very first live show back in 2014. So we're delighted to welcome him back for this week's episode, which sees Ben Travis chat to Will about his new film, Midsommar, and much more besides. Then, back in the podbooth, Chris Hewitt is joined by Ben and Helen O'Hara for an episode that takes in The Play That Goes Wrong, great movie weddings, the week's movie news (and there's a lot of it), and reviews of Midsommar, Don't Look Now, and Spider-Man: Far From Home. Again. We might review it next week as well. We see this as an absolute win. Enjoy.

This week's Empire Podcast sees Chris Hewitt sit down with Himesh Patel, the former Eastender (as in, he was on Eastenders) who stars in this week's Beatle-centric rom-com, Yesterday, and they discover a shared connection. Plus, John Nugent has a chat with the wonderful director, Peter Strickland, about his new movie, In Fabric, in which fashion is, literally, killer. Then, back in the podbooth, Chris is joined by James Dyer and Ian Freer to discuss production companies that changed their lives, the re-release of Avengers: Endgame, the week's movie news, and review Spider-Man: Far From Home, Yesterday, and In Fabric. It's all happening on the movie podcast that couldn't cope without The Beatles' songs. Well, maybe Don't Pass Me By. Enjoy.

This week's episode sees Chris Hewitt welcome Swedish actress Noomi Rapace - the original Lisbeth Salander - into the Empire Podbooth for a fun, frank, and often filthy chat about her new movie, The Captor, her surprising taste in music, life as a Londoner, and much more. Also in this episode, John Nugent chats to Josh Cooley, director of Toy Story 4, about giving audiences a huge Buzz. Then, in the podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara and James Dyer to talk about their favourite condiments, discuss the week's movie news, review Toy Story 4, Child's Play and Brightburn, and - in a segment already being hailed as 'too long' - imagine every single film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Keanu Reeves in a starring role. Excellent. Madness, and much talk of big ding-dongs, lies within. Enjoy.

Here it is - the full and unexpurgated (well, a little expurgated) recording of the time a couple of weeks ago when Kevin Smith chose to spend his morning off in London, following a successful live Hollywood Babble-On show at The O2, by coming into the Empire Podbooth to have a good old natter with Chris Hewitt and Ben Travis. The first thirteen minutes of this ran on the Empire Podcast a couple of weeks ago, so if you want to get to the new stuff, skip past that. Otherwise, this is nearly 47 minutes of no-holds-barred chat, and typically sweary chat, with Smith, in which he discusses his life, career, his upcoming movie, Jay & Silent Bob Reboot, that Stan Lee cameo in Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame and, of course, the heart attack that so nearly killed him last year. We're glad it didn't. Not just because we had a blast with him as he popped his Empire podcherry, but because the world's a better place for having Kevin Smith in it. We hope you enjoy.

This week's Empire Podcast sees the wonderful Asif Kapadia pop by the podbooth to have an in-depth natter with Chris Hewitt about his new documentary, Diego Maradona. No prizes for guessing what it's about - a tumultuous period in the life of one of the most brilliant, but controversial, figures modern sport has ever seen. And if you're wondering if Chris and Asif, two massive Liverpool fans, end up talking about a certain recent Champions League final win, well... yes. But it's early, so non-Reds can skip that bit. Then, in the podbooth, Chris is joined by Terri White, James Dyer, and Helen O'Hara for an unexpectedly sexy episode that sees them review Diego Maradona and Men In Black International, discuss the week's movie news, reveal Chris' username on Marvel Puzzle Quest, and ask the biggest question of them all: just who the hell is Bic Pentameter? Enjoy.

James McAvoy is always welcome on the Empire Podcast, and this week he returns to talk to Chris Hewitt about the role he's played most often in his illustrious career: Professor Charles Xavier. It's a role McAvoy is playing for the last time in X-Men: Dark Phoenix, and he runs through his Charley X Hall Of Fame in a fun interview. Then, in the podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Nick de Semlyen to talk about watching versions originale in France, discuss the week's movie news, from the Le Mans '66 trailer to further R-Battziness, and review Dark Phoenix and Late Night. Oh, and they have a chat with Nick about his first book, the 80s comedy-centric Wild And Crazy Guys. Enjoy!

Godzilla: King Of The Monsters may feature all kinds of mammoth monsters, but none are as impressive or towering as the great Charles Dance, who has a nice chat with Ben Travis about his new movie, working with Arnie on Last Action Hero, and more. [00.14.50 - 00.32.00] Our second guest this week, Thunder Road star/writer/director Jim Cummings, has a fun and frank chat with Chris Hewitt about working on a bargain budget, recording his script as a podcast (top hint), and sending a cheque to Bruce Springsteen. [00.48.47 - 01.16.47] Then, in the podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara and James Dyer to discuss their ideal musical biopic, pore over the week's movie news, and review Booksmart, Thunder Road, and Godzilla: King Of The Monsters in a bumper-sized reviews that takes in all sorts, from toxic fandom to indie box office woes. Oh, and Chris tries to persuade us that Joel Kinnaman is NOT his nemesis. Enjoy!

On this week's episode of the award-losing Empire Podcast, Chris Hewitt finds that Rocketman director Dexter Fletcher has the Dwight Stuff as they talk all things Elton John. Plus our fearless leader Terri White sits down for a fun chat with Booksmart stars, Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever. Then, in the podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara and Ben Travis to discuss spoiler culture, review Aladdin and Rocketman, discuss R-Battz and the new Chris Nolan film, and then shill like crazy for Champions League final tickets. Well, one member of the team does anyway. No prizes for guessing who. Enjoy.

This week's episode sees the host of the best damn movie podcast in the world sit down... with Kevin Smith. Just a little joke, there. No, we were delighted that the legendary Mr. Smith, in town following a sell-out live edition of Hollywood Babble-On at the O2, no less, found time to drop by our newly-built studio for a chat with Chris Hewitt and Ben Travis. This is just the tip of the iceberg - a longer version of this interview will be up as a special in a couple of days. Then, Chris - a man whose idea of hardcore music is that Crowded House song where Neil Finn uses fuzzy guitar - also talks to Brian Welsh and Lorn Macdonald, star of this week's excellent Beats, a movie about Scottish rave culture in 1994. And back in the podbooth, he sits down with James Dyer and Ben Travis to talk about the week's movie news, review John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum, and answer the burning question on absolutely nobody's lips: which Muppet would be the tastiest?

This week's Empire Podcast goes full arthouse, as legendary French director Claire Denis talks to Empire's Editor-In-Chief, Terri White, about her new film, High Life. And then, because nothing can touch the Empire Podcast without being corrupted, there's a bit where they both repeatedly say the word, 'f**kbox'. [00:35:29 - 00:56-09] Then back in the f**kbox - sorry, podbooth - Chris Hewitt is joined by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer and, right at the end, John Nugent to discuss their favourite movie memorabilia, talk about how Disney has planned out the next seven years, dig into the new Spider-Man: Far From Home trailer (that's also a mini-Avengers: Endgame spoiler special, so be warned), and review High Life, Arctic, and Pokemon Detective Pikachu. Enjoy!

We haven't seen Nicholas Hoult on the Empire Podcast for a while, so we jumped at the chance to talk Tolkien with him this week, sending Chris Hewitt along for a good old natter about Hoult's new movie, in which he plays the celebrated author, J.R.R. Tolkien. Along the way they talk about Hoult's handwriting, X-Men: Dark Phoenix, and much, much more. Then, back in the podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara and James Dyer as they decide which animated movie casts they'd like to see in a live-action film, review Long Shot, Tolkien, and Vox Lux, and discuss the week's movie news, including the huge success of Avengers: Endgame, and the sad deaths of John Singleton and Peter Mayhew. Oh, and this week's episode is a tad on the rude side. You have been warned.

We may be in the Endgame now, but don't expect to hear any spoilers from Joe and Anthony Russo, directors of the latest Avengers movie, and this week's Empire Podcast guests. Instead, they sit down for a chat with Chris Hewitt about the rigours of making a movie that's widely expected to be one of the biggest of all time, and their future non-MCU plans. Then, back in the podbooth, Helen O'Hara takes the reins and is joined by James Dyer and Chris, who ran to the studio straight from a plane from LA, as they talk about cancelled movies they'd like to revive, discuss the week's movie news, and review the latest releases. And yes, they're into Endgame now. Enjoy!

Helen is in the driving seat once again on this week's podcast (although Supernatural nipple chat was mercifully kept to a minimum) as we dive into the *last* Empire podcast before the team sees Avengers: Endgame. And to celebrate that fact we not only sit down with everyone's favourite sexy priest, Andrew Scott, to talk about his new film Steel Country, but we also invite director Neil Jordan on board to discuss sex. And also Greta. Nick De Semlyen and James Dyer round out this week's lethally cunning lineup and discuss everything from the latest Hobbs And Shaw trailer to the virtues (or lack thereof) of midnight screenings.

Yesterday saw both the first teaser trailer and the announcement of the title of the ninth, and final, film in the main Star Wars saga. That title was The Rise Of Skywalker, and that teaser was a bit of a belter, reintroducing beloved characters, and posing plenty of big questions. Just as a teaser should. And with Team Empire unable to gather in the podbooth yesterday, we had to wait until today - the morning after the night before - to assemble in Helen O'Hara's living room for an impromptu reaction pod, in which Chris Hewitt, Helen, James White and James Dyer - appearing via hologram from Chicago, where he's attending Star Wars Celebration on behalf of Empire - chew the fat over the teaser's various hints and teases. FYI: James was dialling in digitally, so there's a faint delay when he speaks. Hope it doesn't bother you too much. Enjoy!

In this week's episode of the award-non-minated (that's the technical term for a show that isn't nominated for an award) Empire Podcast, Chris Hewitt has a good old natter with the wonderful Irish actor and singer Jessie Buckley, who is on sensational form as a Glaswegian country singer in this week's Wild Rose. Then, either side of that, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara and Ben Travis to talk semi-nude Jude Law, discuss the week's movie news, review Wild Rose, Hellboy, and Mid90s, and -- because this is Chris' last show this side of Avengers: Endgame -- answer a bunch of your Endgame questions in a quickfire special. Enjoy!