The Empire Film Podcast

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.