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Home to The Playlist Podcast Network and all its affiliated shows, including The Playlist Podcast, The Discourse, Be Reel, The Fourth Wall, and more. The Playlist is the obsessive's guide to contemporary cinema via film discussion, news, reviews, features, nostalgia, and more.

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    • Oct 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
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    ‘Good Boy': Ben Leonberg & Kari Fischer On Crafting A Haunted-House Thriller From A Dog's POV, Indy's “Performance,” & Festival Reactions [The Discourse

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 23:38


    They say dogs can sense death, staring at something just beyond our perception. In “Good Boy,” that instinct becomes the engine for an entire film. Directed by Ben Leonberg and produced by Kari Fischer, the story unfolds entirely from the perspective of a golden retriever named Indy, who seems to be the only one aware that a house carries a sinister presence. What begins as a simple “what if” idea blossoms into a chilling, 73-minute haunted-house thriller told through a dog's eyes.The concept is both ingenious and risky. Leonberg and Fischer spent years refining it, drawing inspiration from Jack London's animal adventures and the horror tradition of films like “Poltergeist.” Without dialogue to rely on, the filmmakers built the narrative through images, sound, and Indy's natural behavior, creating a cinematic language where panting, footsteps, and a thousand-yard stare become the keys to suspense. The result is eerie, playful, and surprisingly emotional, inviting viewers to see a ghost story through the gaze of man's best friend.For Leonberg, the idea had been percolating for over a decade. “I came up with the idea by watching ‘Poltergeist' and thinking, man, somebody should tell a story entirely from the golden retriever's perspective,” he explained. “I worked with a co-writer for years, really trying to crack the story…because we're not using dialogue to tell the story. So how do you have all the narrative plot points that still feel like a story with a beginning, a middle and end and rising tension and conflict?”READ MORE: ‘Play Dirty': Shane Black On Reinventing Parker, Mark Wahlberg Stepping In For Robert Downey Jr. & Much More [The Discourse Podcast]

    ‘Play Dirty': Shane Black On Reinventing Parker, Mark Wahlberg Stepping In for RDJ, Marvel Memories, ‘The Nice Guys' Sequel & More [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 21:24


    The underworld is crowded with thieves, but Parker has always stood apart. Created by Donald Westlake in the early 1960s, the character has been portrayed on screen by actors including Lee Marvin, Mel Gibson, and Jason Statham. He's a blunt-force professional who isn't Bond, isn't Batman, but something rougher, hungrier, and coded by his own ruthless blue-collar sense of order. With "Play Dirty," filmmaker Shane Black takes his own crack at Parker, bringing the character to Prime Video on October 1 and casting Mark Wahlberg in the role. The film follows Parker, a ruthless thief, and his expert crew who stumble onto the heist of a lifetime that pits them against the New York mob. The film also stars LaKeith Stanfield, Rosa Salazar, Keegan-Michael Key, Nat Wolff, and more. This version doesn't come with gadgets or acrobatics. Black describes a Parker who thinks fast, hits harder, and feels closer to the blue-collar world than to the spy fantasy. It's the kind of material that lets him indulge his taste for pulp grit, sly humor, and the holiday backdrop he's made famous. But it also opens the door to some bigger questions: what draws audiences to men this uncompromising? How do you make crime fun without sanding off the edges? And what happens when you cast Wahlberg instead of Robert Downey Jr.?READ MORE: ‘All Of You': Brett Goldstein On Love, The Science of Soulmates, ‘Shrinking' Surprises, & ‘Ted Lasso' [The Discourse Podcast]Writer/Director Shane Black joins The Discourse to talk about the journey of bringing his Parker film to the screen, which started all the way back during the making of Black's first film, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” in 2005. When asked what itch hadn't been scratched by earlier adaptations, Black pointed to Parker's uniqueness. “Each one represents the era in which it was produced. 'Point Blank' with Lee Marvin is a very specific film for that time period. And each actor who's played Parker from there on, like Robert Duvall, Jason Statham, and Mel Gibson in "Payback." There has been a history of incarnations of this powerful, relentless character. But he's not James Bond, which is why I liked him. He's sort of blue collar. It's almost like an American entrepreneur's story. But he happens to be a really awful, bad person and a criminal anti-hero.”

    ‘The Man In My Basement': Nadia Latif & Willem Dafoe On Their Visceral and Poignant Thriller, Powerful Themes Staying with You, Robert Eggers' ‘Werewolf' & More [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 38:49


    ‘The Man In My Basement': Nadia Latif & Willem Dafoe On Their Visceral and Poignant Thriller, Powerful Themes Staying with You, Robert Eggers' ‘Werewolf' & More [The Discourse Podcast]

    ‘All Of You': Brett Goldstein On Love, The Science of Soulmates, ‘Shrinking' Surprises, & ‘Ted Lasso' [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025 23:47


    Love stories are rarely clean, and in “All of You,” the mess is the point. The new drama follows Simon and Laura, lifelong friends played by Brett Goldstein and Imogen Poots, as they drift in and out of each other's lives while a soulmate test promises definitive answers to the question of “the one.” Instead of neat bows and easy catharsis, the film leans into questioning love, heartbreak, longing, and the choices that cut both ways. It arrives on Apple TV+ on September 26 as a romance that challenges more than it comforts, leaving audiences to wrestle with what they believe about love itself.Goldstein, best known for his Emmy-winning turn as Roy Kent on “Ted Lasso,” makes a deliberate rejection of formula here with a deliberate rejection of formula. By refusing to turn the story's love triangle into a moral shortcut, he forces every character to stand on equal ground. Laura's husband isn't a villain but a caring, funny, and decent man, which makes the decision at the film's core sting much more. Time jumps and fragmented glimpses of Simon and Laura together invite the audience to fill in the missing years with their own experience, blurring the line between fiction and memory.READ MORE: ‘All Of You' Review: Brett Goldstein & Imogen Poots Heat Up Decade-Spanning Sci-Fi Romance [TIFF]In this episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo sits down with Goldstein to discuss building a romance that resists tidy resolution, cutting dialogue in favor of subtext, and finding an improvised final line that changes the ending. He also opens up about his upcoming hard-R rom-com with Jennifer Lopez, new surprises in “Shrinking,” filming the next chapter of “Ted Lasso,” and his dreams of joining the Muppets on screen.

    ‘Adulthood': Josh Gad & Kaya Scodelario On Sibling Chaos, 'Crawl 2,' & The Long Road To ‘Spaceballs 2' [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 21:41


    Secrets in the family have a way of festering, and in Alex Winter's new thriller “Adulthood,” that rot takes the form of a literal body. The film thrusts estranged siblings Megan and Noah, played by Kaya Scodelario and Josh Gad, into a spiral where responsibility can no longer be avoided, and every choice risks compounding into catastrophe. The film arrives on digital on demand platforms on September 23; it is a chaotic blend of dark comedy and moral unease, where adulthood itself feels like the cruelest trap of all.Director Alex Winter, still beloved for cult staples like “Bill & Ted” and “The Lost Boys,” proves here that his filmmaking instincts are as sharp as his screen presence ever was. He keeps the story teetering between farce and tragedy, never letting the characters or the audience escape the consequences of a bad decision. Surrounding Scodelario and Gad are Billie Lourd, Anthony Carrigan, and Winter himself, rounding out an ensemble built to bounce between biting humor and raw tension.On this episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo talks with the stars of the film, Josh Gad and Kaya Scodelario, about building sibling chemistry, working with Winter as he evolves from cult icon to confident filmmaker, and unpacking the movie's central metaphor. Gad also shares updates on his upcoming Chris Farley biopic starring Paul Walter Hauser and the long-gestating “Spaceballs 2,” while Scodelario clears up speculation about a potential return in “Crawl 2.”

    ‘HIM': Justin Tipping On Mashing Horror & Sports, Marlon Wayans' Career-Best Performance, & Building A New Mythology [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 19:59


    The drive to be the best has always carried a cost, but in Justin Tipping's new film “HIM,” that cost curdles into something nightmarish. Opening September 19 through Jordan Peele's Monkeypaw Productions and Universal Pictures, the story takes the familiar arc of athletic ambition and twists it into a surreal descent where glory and terror run side by side. As one of the rare entries in the sports horror genre, it pushes the language of both forms into strange, unsettling territory.In the film, Tyriq Withers plays Cam, a rising football star whose career is derailed after a brutal assault leaves him with brain trauma. Salvation seems to arrive when his idol, legendary QB Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans), offers to train him at a remote desert compound. But mentorship quickly warps into manipulation, and the pursuit of greatness becomes a sinister crucible threatening to consume him entirely. The ensemble also features Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, Jim Jefferies, and more.READ MORE: ‘Alien: Earth': Noah Hawley On Creature Design, Transhumanism & Proving The Show Belongs In The ‘Alien' Canon [Bingeworthy Podcast]Director Justin Tipping joined The Playlist's Bingeworthy Podcast to discuss the film, and during the conversation, explained why the script instantly felt like his. “I was an athlete, played all the sports, and my father was a quarterback and like a pole-vaulting champion. I understood the drive and the passion and the agony of defeat and ecstasy of victory and the locker room aspects of it,” he said. “And then the sheer mashup with this horror genre — I cannot point to another comp. The opportunities here were to create a new language and combine languages to create something new.”

    ‘Chief of War': Jason Momoa On His Hawaiian Epic, Directing the Finale, Historical Accuracy vs. Spectacle, & ‘Street Fighter' [Bingeworthy Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 21:21


    On this episode of Bingeworthy, host Mike DeAngelo heads into ‘Chief of War', Apple TV+'s bruising, beautiful, and epic historical saga told largely in the native Hawaiian language and anchored by Jason Momoa as Ka‘iana. The series reframes Hawai‘i's unification through a warrior-exile (Momoa) who's seen the outside world and returns warning that their internal conflict is nothing compared to what's coming. The Season 1 finale arrives September 19th only on Apple TV+ and also stars Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis, Luciane Buchanan, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, and more. The series is a decade-in-the-making passion project for Momoa, which he also directs, writes, and produces. When asked about the film language he brought as a filmmaker, he doesn't hesitate to admit that he's more comfortable behind the camera. “I'm 100% on the cinematic side of things. As an actor, I'd rather strip away dialogue and tell it with images. Both of my parents were painters. The version of me as a director is completely different than the version of me as an actor.”

    ‘Alien: Earth': Noah Hawley On Creature Design, Transhumanism & Proving The Show Belongs In The ‘Alien' Canon [Bingeworthy Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 21:36


    On this episode of Bingeworthy, host Mike DeAngelo is joined by writer, director, and showrunner Noah Hawley ("Fargo," "Legion") to discuss his new FX series, "Alien: Earth." The highly anticipated prequel series debuted August 12th and runs through September 23rd, delivering a bold new chapter in the iconic sci-fi horror franchise. Set in a future Earth, the story follows a young woman and a band of tactical hybrid misfits who uncover a terrifying secret after a mysterious spacecraft crash-lands in their corporate territory, forcing them into direct conflict with everyone's favorite killer, acid-blooded alien species and much more. The series stars Sydney Chandler, Alex Lawther, Samuel Blenkin, Babou Ceesay, and Timothy Olyphant.READ MORE: ‘Alien: Earth' Review: Noah Hawley Matches Ridley Scott's Classic In A Terrifically Smart, Engaging & Terrifying Sci-Fi Horror SeriesThe show takes place only two years prior to the events of "Alien," and Hawley made doubly sure his series felt instantly familiar to fans of the original. “People have to watch it in the first five minutes and go, this is Alien,” Hawley said. That meant using the actual Nostromo blueprints to design the Maginot ship and opening the series just like Scott's 1979 film—with the crew waking up, smoking, eating, and overlapping their conversations. “It has to feel authentic,” Hawley stressed.

    ‘Platonic' Season 2: Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, Nicholas Stoller & Francesca Delbanco On Codependency, Physical Comedy & More [Bingeworthy Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 27:15


    n this episode of Bingeworthy, host Mike DeAngelo is joined by comedy icons Seth Rogen & Rose Byrne, along with creators Nicholas Stoller & Francesca Delbanco, to discuss Season 2 of "Platonic." The hit Apple TV+ comedy series returned August 6th and runs through October with new episodes that double down on codependency, middle-aged mayhem, and Rogen's uncanny ability to brutalize delivery robots & bird scooters.The show once again follows Will (Rogen) and Sylvia (Byrne), two long-time friends navigating the messiness of middle age through their unhealthy platonic relationship. Season 2 digs deeper into their toxic but undeniably hilarious bond while still delivering the mix of sharp dialogue and outrageous physical gags that made the first season a hit.

    ‘Relay': Riz Ahmed, Lily James, & David Mackenzie On Paranoid Thrillers, Whistleblowers, Building Chemistry Through Distance, ‘Fuze' & More [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 29:22


    On this episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo is joined by Riz Ahmed, Lily James, and director David Mackenzie to talk about ‘Relay', a paranoid thriller set in New York City that follows a world-class “fixer” (Riz Ahmed) who brokers lucrative payoffs between corrupt corporations and the individuals who threaten their ruin. He keeps his identity a secret through meticulous planning and always follows an exacting set of rules. When a new message arrives from a potential client (Lily James) needing his protection to stay alive, the rules quickly start to change. The film also stars Sam Worthington, Willa Fitzgerald, Matthew Maher, and more.For Ahmed, the attraction was as much about who he was working with as the story itself. “The thing that's always one of the most important things is your director,” he said. “You're going to be in their hands. You've got to kind of vibe with them. So David was a big pull. And then it's also who else are you going to be doing this with? When I heard it was Lily, I was absolutely thrilled.”

    ‘Twisted Metal' Season 2: Michael Jonathan Smith & Anthony Carrigan On Bigger Action, Calypso's Madness, James Gunn's ‘Superman,' & more [Bingeworthy Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 30:08


    On this episode of Bingeworthy, host Mike DeAngelo heads back into Peacock's wildest ride, ‘Twisted Metal.' Season one surprised audiences with its mix of brutal action, absurdist comedy, and unexpected heart. Now, season two takes things even further, upping the stakes with bigger stunts, more elaborate effects, a larger cast, and cosmic weirdness creeping in around the edges. This season finds John Doe (Anthony Mackie) and Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz) thrown into a high-stakes tournament run by the unpredictable Calypso (Anthony Carrigan), with returning chaos from Sweet Tooth (Samoa Joe/Will Arnett) and a roster of new eccentric competitors. Joining the podcast for two separate interviews are Michael Jonathan Smith, the series' showrunner, and actor Anthony Carrigan, who makes his debut as the chaotic wish-granting figure at the center of the tournament.

    ‘Smoke': John Leguizamo On Dennis Lehane Writing A Part For Him, Missing Out on ‘The Devil Wears Prada,' & Christopher Nolan's ‘The Odyssey' [Bingeworthy Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 18:40


    On this episode of Bingeworthy, host Mike DeAngelo heads back into the burning world of Apple TV+'s ‘Smoke', a gripping slow-burn crime drama based on the true story of a serial arsonist and the investigator determined to stop him. The series follows arson investigator Dave Gudsen (Taron Egerton), a small-town arson investigator who appears to be a dependable family man. But as the series progresses, a darker truth is revealed - SPOILER ALERT for Episode 2: Dave is secretly setting fires and unraveling psychologically at a dangerous pace. Investigators team up to take Dave down once and for all. The series also stars Greg Kinnear, Jurnee Smollett, Rafe Spall, John Leguizamo, Anna Chlumsky, and more.John Leguizamo joins the podcast to discuss his role on the show. Showrunner Dennis Lehane actually wrote the role of Ezra Esposito, Dave's disgraced former partner, for Leguizamo, which was both flattering and a little eyebrow-raising.

    'Sketch': Tony Hale & D'Arcy Carden On Grief, Monsters, Making Magic, and 'Toy Story 5' [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 21:41


    On this episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo is joined by Tony Hale and D'Arcy Carden to talk about “Sketch,” a new family-friendly fantasy comedy-drama from first-time director Seth Worley. The film follows a grieving family whose emotional baggage literally comes to life in the form of magical, terrifying creatures after a child's sketchbook falls into an enchanted pool.Tony Hale (“Veep,” “Arrested Development”) stars as Taylor Wyatt, a widowed father trying to help his two children navigate loss while also battling monsters made of crayon wax and chalk dust. D'Arcy Carden (“The Good Place,” “Barry”) plays Liz, Taylor's sister and the family's voice of reason.

    ‘WWE Unreal': Chris Weaver & Bianca Belair On Pulling Back The Curtain, John Cena's Final Run, & The Reality Behind Wrestling's Grind [Bingeworthy Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 26:29


    On this episode of Bingeworthy, host Mike DeAngelo is joined by Director Chris Weaver and Wrestling Superstar Bianca Belair to talk about “WWE Unreal,” Netflix's new docu-series that finally takes fans inside the machine behind professional wrestling. For the first time, WWE allows cameras into its most sacred spaces, including the writer's room, backstage before matches, and the constantly shifting road to WrestleMania, showing the creative chaos and real emotional toll that powers one of the most watched weekly dramas in the world.The series comes from NFL Films (“Quarterback,” “Receiver”), with Chris Weaver serving as director. Weaver didn't consider himself a die-hard wrestling fan going in, but that distance became part of the creative advantage. “I wasn't this huge fan dropping in and trying to overdo it, but our other showrunner Erik Powers is an encyclopedic fan,” Weaver said. “It was a good dynamic. I could be the outsider voice, and he could be in the weeds.”

    ‘Dexter: Resurrection': Michael C. Hall & Krysten Ritter On The Return Of Dexter, Dinner Party Killers, & Jessica Jones' MCU Comeback [Bingeworthy Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 35:15


    On this episode of Bingeworthy, host Mike DeAngelo is joined by Michael C. Hall and Krysten Ritter, stars of “Dexter: Resurrection” - Paramount+ with Showtime's gritty revival that continues the twisted journey of serial killer Dexter Morgan - yes, he lives! The new series picks up shortly after the events of “Dexter: New Blood”, with Dexter waking from a coma, presumed dead, and setting out across New York City in search of his estranged son Harrison. He instead finds a smorgasbord of "like-minded" individuals and a mountain of killer trouble. The show also stars Peter Dinklage, David Dastmalchian, Uma Thurman, Neil Patrick Harris, Eric Stonestreet, and Krysten Ritter.

    ‘Foundation': Lee Pace On Playing A Drug-Addled Emperor, Batman Fancasting, & Edgar Wright's ‘Running Man' [Bingeworthy Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 19:03


    On this episode of Bingeworthy, host Mike DeAngelo is joined by Lee Pace, who returns as Brother Day in season three of "Foundation" — Apple TV+'s sprawling adaptation of Isaac Asimov's legendary sci-fi saga. The show resumed July 11, picking up as empires crumble, timelines splinter, and the Cleon dynasty faces collapse from within. The show stars Lee Pace, Jared Harris, Terrence Mann, Lou Llobell, Cassian Bilton, and Laura Birn.In the new season, Pace's Brother Day finds himself disconnected - emotionally, politically, and spiritually. Stripped of purpose and clarity, he wanders his palace gardens like a burned-out prophet, high on spores and nursing existential dread. According to Pace, that chaos is exactly what drew him back in.

    ‘Smoke': Taron Egerton On Playing A Firebug With A Fractured Moral Code, ‘Kingsman 3,' Marvel Roles & More [Bingeworthy Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 20:30


    On this episode of Bingeworthy, host Mike DeAngelo is joined by Taron Egerton, the star of "Smoke," a gripping new Apple TV+ series inspired by the real-life crimes of arsonist-turned-investigator John Leonard Orr. Created by Dennis Lehane ("Black Bird"), the series explores the chaos and duality of a man split between duty and destruction.Egerton stars as Dave Gudsen, a small-town arson investigator who appears to be a dependable family man. But as the series progresses, a darker truth is revealed.According to Egerton, one of the biggest acting challenges came in those early episodes, where Dave must suppress his true self. The series also stars Jurnee Smollett, Greg Kinnear, Rafe Spall, John Leguizamo, and more.‘Smoke' Review: Dennis Lehane's Latest Apple Collaboration With Taron Egerton Plays Like A B-Side To ‘Black Bird'

    ‘This Is Spinal Tap': Rob Reiner On 41 Years Of Amplified Genius & Rock ‘N Roll Lore, and ‘Spinal Tap II' [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 20:01


    There are few comedies more universally beloved or endlessly quotable than "This Is Spinal Tap", the 1984 mockumentary that redefined musical satire. Directed by Rob Reiner, who also appears as fictional documentarian Marty DiBergi, the film follows a hilariously inept British metal band on a disastrous American tour. It's a film so committed to authenticity that real-life rock stars, from Ozzy Osbourne to Sting, famously thought it was real.With the 41st anniversary of "This Is Spinal Tap" around the corner, Reiner joined The Discourse to reflect on the film's origins, legacy, and long-gestating sequel. “What we did with this film—we tried to be as honest as we could about what really happens on rock and roll tours,” Reiner says. “Every band that we've ever run into, every rock star, comes up and says it's a staple on their tour bus.”READ MORE: ‘Bring Her Back': Michael & Danny Philippou Discuss Their Horror Evolution, Crying With Sally Hawkins, ‘Street Fighter,' & ‘Talk 2 Me' [The Discourse Podcast] That commitment to truth, even in absurdity, is what gives the film its staying power. “Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers got lost backstage. Van Halen had the crazy rider. We used it all,” Reiner adds. “That's why I think it works.”

    Beau Willimon On Writing The ‘Andor: Star Wars' Revolution, The Costs Of Rebellion & More [The Rogue Ones Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 47:30


    Beau Willimon, one of the writers on the “Star Wars” series “Andor” joins our The Rogue Ones podcast for a long and in-depth chat about “Star Wars,” the period of unrest, rebellion and revolution that “Andor” is set in and helping create this immense tapestry of beings trying to live their lives, maintain relationships, and survive during the upheaval of wartime. Willimon spoke about his favorite character to write for, Saw Gerrera, the “Star Wars” movie he is co-writing with James Mangold, the possibility of staying longer in the “Star Wars” galaxy on a potential “Andor” spin-off show and more.

    ‘Materialists': Celine Song On Love, Capitalism, & The Commodification Of Dating [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 19:24


    Celine Song made waves with her semi-autobiographical debut "Past Lives," a gentle gut-punch of a romance about fate, longing, and the people we could have become. With her follow-up, "Materialists," Song trades whispered regrets for sharp banter, high-end fashion, and the ruthless calculus of the New York City dating scene. But beneath the couture and comedy lies another deep dive into the contradictions of modern love.In this episode of The Discourse, Song discusses the journey from her first film to her second, and how a real-life stint working as a matchmaker in her twenties inspired the biting, beautiful love triangle at the center of "Materialists." “I worked as a matchmaker for six months in my twenties,” Song says. “And that was what really inspired the whole story. I just feel like I learned so much in those six months that I will carry with me for all of my life.”“It really is about what it's like to live and love in New York City,” she continues. “And it's also personal in that, you know, love is one of the great mysteries. It's the thing I'm most fascinated by.”READ MORE: ‘Materialists' Review: Celine Song Crafts A Soulful Drama About The Romantic Capital Of Being Valued

    Dan Gilroy Talks ‘Andor,' Tyranny, The Potential Of More ‘Star Wars' Writing A New ‘Miami Vice' & More [ The Rogue Ones]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 44:55


    Screenwriter Dan Gilroy talks about working with his brother Tony Gilroy and 'House Of Cards' writer Beau Willimon on crafting the nuts-and-bolts revolution story of the acclaimed 'Star Wars' series 'Andor.'Gilroy also talks about the possibility of doing more 'Star Wars,' and the upcoming 'Miami Vice' remake he is writing for 'Top Gun: Maverick' director Joseph Kosinski.

    David Dastmalchian On ‘Murderbot,' ‘The Life Of Chuck,' Writing ‘Creature Commandos,' ‘Dexter: Resurrection' & More [Bingeworthy Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 35:02


    David Dastmalchian is having one hell of a year. Whether you know him as Polka-Dot Man from "The Suicide Squad," Piter from "Dune," or Jack Delroy from last year's sleeper horror hit, "Late Night with the Devil," the actor/writer/comic book creator has made a habit of stealing scenes and bringing unhinged yet human characters to life. And in 2025, that streak continues across a dizzying lineup of passion projects.In this episode of Bingeworthy, David Dastmalchian joins the show to dig into his wide-ranging work, starting with the new Apple TV+ series "Murderbot," where he plays Gorathen, an augmented human struggling with control, jealousy, and a deep need to protect his crew—even when they don't listen. The show, created by Paul and Chris Weitz and based on the beloved comedic sci-fi book series by Martha Wells, stars Alexander Skarsgård as the titular security unit: a rogue robot just trying to live and watch its stories in peace.

    ‘Andor' Season 2: Tony Gilroy Digs Into Andor Spoilers, Bourne, Bond, & His Next Film ‘Behemoth!' [The Rogue Ones Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 41:37


    For the latest episode of "The Rogue Ones", hosts Mike DeAngelo and Rodrigo Perez sat down once again with Tony Gilroy, the creator and showrunner behind "Andor", to unpack the ambitious second season in full spoiler-filled detail.Created by Tony Gilroy and starring Diego Luna as Cassian Andor, “Andor” is a prequel to “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (which Gilroy co-wrote and famously helped reshape during reshoots). Set five years before the events of Rogue One, the show focuses on the origins of the Rebellion and how ordinary people — not just Jedi or Chosen Ones — stand up against oppression. Season two picks up a year later in the first three episodes and jumps one year ahead with each block of three afterwards, leading directly to the beginning of “Rogue One” by the end (read our review of season two here).READ MORE: The 75 Most Anticipated TV Shows Of 2025

    'Dangerous Animals': Jai Courtney Talks Shark Thrills, Genre Comebacks & Mushroom-Fueled Characters, 'Suicide Squad' and More [The Discourse Podcast] 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 24:33


    On this episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo is joined by Jai Courtney, the star of the new shark thriller "Dangerous Animals"—a tense and darkly fun survival tale about people who become trapped at sea and hunted by a relentless predator. The Sean Byrne film also stars Hassie Harrison, Josh Heuston, Ella Newton, and more. Courtney has tackled a wide range of roles throughout his career—heroes, villains, and wildcards—in everything from "Suicide Squad" to "The Terminal List" to "Divergent" and beyond. But in "Dangerous Animals," he fully embraces his character's layered chaos, playing a grizzled, morally complicated serial killer named Tucker with an energy that's both menacing and magnetic—like a great white circling his prey with a big shark-toothed smirk.READ MORE: ‘Bring Her Back': Michael & Danny Philippou Discuss Their Horror Evolution, Crying With Sally Hawkins, ‘Street Fighter,' & ‘Talk 2 Me' [The Discourse Podcast] 

    ‘Mountainhead': Jason Schwartzman Talks Jesse Armstrong, Satirizing Billionaires, Working With Wes Anderson, & The Future Of Coconut Records [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 19:42


    Jason Schwartzman has built his career playing lovable weirdos, and in "Mountainhead," HBO's latest dark comedy from "Succession" creator Jesse Armstrong, he might've just out-weirded himself. In a movie full of bizarre billionaires gathered in a glass mansion to decide the future of humanity, Schwartzman's character—Souper, a.k.a. Hugo Van Yalk—is both the sweetest and the most hilariously clueless of the bunch.In a new episode of The Discourse, Schwartzman joined the podcast to talk about working with Armstrong, filming in a surreal seven-story house, his thoughts on revisiting past characters, and the unexpected reason we haven't heard a new Coconut Records album yet.

    ‘Andor' Season 2: Genevieve O'Reilly On Mon Mothma's Masks, Loss & Legacy, & Finally Getting Her Moment [The Rogue Ones Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 37:49


    The Rogue Ones: A Star Wars Andor Podcast returns with another deep-dive into "Andor" Season 2, this time spotlighting the woman at the heart of the rebellion's political front: Mon Mothma, as portrayed by Genevieve O'Reilly. While the character has long been a stoic fixture in the "Star Wars" galaxy, "Andor" redefines her as something much more profound. She's a woman navigating deep isolation, fractured loyalties, and the exhausting burden of secrecy under Imperial rule.Created by Tony Gilroy and starring Diego Luna as Cassian Andor, “Andor” is a prequel to “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (which Gilroy co-wrote and famously helped reshape during reshoots). Set five years before the events of Rogue One, the show focuses on the origins of the Rebellion and how ordinary people — not just Jedi or Chosen Ones — stand up against oppression. Season two picks up a year later in the first three episodes and jumps one year ahead with each block of three afterwards, leading directly to the beginning of “Rogue One” by the end. (read our review of season two here)

    ‘Bring Her Back': Michael and Danny Philippou Discuss Their Horror Evolution, Crying on Set with Sally Hawkins, ‘Street Fighter,' and ‘Talk 2 Me' [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 23:28


    For their follow-up to the 2022 breakout horror hit "Talk to Me," Danny and Michael Philippou didn't just want to go bigger—they wanted to go deeper. And with "Bring Her Back," they've delivered something ferocious - a raw, dread-soaked story that punches just as hard emotionally as it does in scares. If their debut showed they had talent, this new film cements them as filmmakers with true staying power.When host Mike DeAngelo sat down with the brothers shortly after the film's premiere, they were still riding the adrenaline. “It was the most incredible atmosphere,” Danny said. “Having all the cast there, everyone being acknowledged for their hard work—it was amazing. And I love that they're all proud of the film.”LISTEN: ‘Friendship': Andrew DeYoung On Tim Robinson, Paul Rudd, & The Wildest, Cringiest Buddy Comedy Of The Year [The Discourse Podcast]

    ‘Friendship': Andrew DeYoung On Tim Robinson, Paul Rudd, & The Wildest, Cringiest Buddy Comedy Of The Year [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 21:05


    Director Andrew DeYoung has always had an eye for awkwardness ("Pen15," "Our Flag Means Death," and "Dave"), but with his debut feature, "Friendship," he goes from TV's quirky corners straight to the deep end of the cringe pool. You want relatable pain, emotional chaos, and jokes so uncomfortable you laugh, wince, and maybe break out in hives? Look no further. With a cast including Tim Robinson, Paul Rudd, Kate Mara, and Jack Dylan Grazer, "Friendship" is the rare buddy comedy that leaves you feeling equal parts seen, unsettled, and surprisingly moved.DeYoung joins Mike DeAngelo on the latest episode of The Discourse. It was clear he's still riding the high from sharing his first feature with audiences at TIFF. "[The screening] went incredibly - more than I could have ever imagined. I've been in a theater that's laughing like that, and that wasn't necessarily my goal." Deyong said. "Of course, I wanted people to find this funny and interesting and whatnot, but to hear people laugh at that level was really a surprise."READ MORE: ‘Friendship' Review: Tim Robinson Is Riotously Hilarious In A24's Absurdist, Nightmare-Fueled Cringe Comedy

    ‘The Studio': Co-Creator Alex Gregory Talks Hollywood Satire, Seth Rogen's Pratfalls, Scorsese's Secret Comedy Genius, & More [Bingeworthy Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 19:36


    For years, Alex Gregory has been at the center of some of TV's sharpest comedies, from “Veep” to the legendary “The Larry Sanders Show.” Now, Gregory returns as co-creator and co-showrunner of “The Studio,” a show that's quickly become one of the funniest and most biting satires about Hollywood chaos ever put on television. On the Bingeworthy podcast, Gregory sat down with host Mike DeAngelo to talk about the real stories behind the series, the chaos of the writers' room, and why Martin Scorsese was maybe the best surprise comedic cameo of the year.If you're new to “The Studio,” the show is basically a wild ride through the modern movie business - a satirical look at power, egos, and total dysfunction, starring a crew of execs, creatives, and all sorts of oddballs who just try to keep the whole machine running. Created by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Alex Gregory, Peter Huyck, and Frida Perez, the series is loaded with star power: Martin Scorsese, Charlize Theron, Zoe Kravitz, Dave Franco, Zac Efron, Olivia Wilde, Anthony Mackie, and plenty more pop up throughout.READ MORE: ‘The Studio' Review: An Incredible Love Letter & Takedown Of The Hollywood Movie Machine

    ‘Fight Or Flight': Josh Hartnett & James Madigan On Their Balls-to-the-Wall Action Comedy, Punk Rock Production, ‘The Faculty' Reboot & More

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 28:14


    n this episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo boards the wild, rowdy, and frankly chaotic flight of "Fight or Flight" with star Josh Hartnett and director James Madigan. Picture this: you're stuck on a plane, half-drunk, and suddenly everyone around you turns out to be deadly assassins—basically, the worst flight imaginable. That's precisely the mess Lucas (Hartnett) finds himself navigating in this adrenaline-charged comedy-action flick. Known for his second-unit action chops on blockbusters like "Transformers" and "The Meg," Madigan boldly steps up to the plate, making an assured directorial debut with a scrappy, humorous energy that pairs perfectly with Hartnett's laid-back charisma. The film also features a stellar ensemble including Katee Sackhoff, Charithra Chandran, and Julian Kostov.Hartnett explained that Madigan's initial pitch immediately hooked him. "One of the first things James said was, 'I want the action sequences to feel like musical numbers,'" Hartnett laughed. "He wanted character growth to happen through action. That felt essential—and honestly, pretty exciting.”

    “The Surfer”: Nicolas Cage & Lorcan Finnegan Dive Into Aussie Surrealism, Retirement, “Madden” & “Spider-Man Noir” [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 24:29


    Nicolas Cage has been on a tear lately. From standout performances in "Pig," "Dream Scenario," "Longlegs," and "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent" to now "The Surfer," the Oscar-winner is once again redefining his career with bold, unpredictable choices. Directed by Lorcan Finnegan ("Vivarium," "Nocebo"), "The Surfer" is a sun-bleached fever dream about masculinity, ego, and unraveling identity that veers from the poetic to the primal.In the latest episode of The Discourse, Cage and Finnegan join the show to talk about the emotional depths of their surreal new film, which hits theaters on May 2nd.

    ‘Your Friends & Neighbors': Jonathan Tropper Talks Suburban Noir, ‘Banshee,' Jon Hamm, & His Upcoming ‘Star Wars' Project [Bingeworthy Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 18:22


    Jonathan Tropper has built his career around characters who walk the thin line between flawed humanity and outright chaos, whether in the pulpy B-movie action thrills of "Banshee," the martial arts drama "Warrior," or the family dysfunction of "This Is Where I Leave You." Now, with his latest Apple TV+ series, "Your Friends & Neighbors," Tropper heads to wealthy suburbia, exploring scandal, betrayal, and the hidden dangers lurking behind the facade of a seemingly perfect community. On the Bingeworthy podcast, Tropper joined host Mike DeAngelo to discuss his darkly comedic drama, collaborating with Jon Hamm, the show's thematic ties to classic suburban films, and even his upcoming "Star Wars" project with director Shawn Levy."Your Friends & Neighbors" follows Andrew "Coop" Cooper (Jon Hamm), a hedge fund manager recently disgraced and fired, whose life unravels further after his divorce. Desperate to maintain his lifestyle, Coop turns to robbing the homes of his wealthy neighbors in the affluent Westmont Village—only to discover that the secrets hidden behind these upscale doors may be far more dangerous than he anticipated. The ensemble cast also includes Amanda Peet, Olivia Munn, Hoon Lee, Mark Tallman, and more.

    ‘Havoc': Gareth Evans Talks Tom Hardy, Virtual Cameras, Christmas Violence & The Possibility Of ‘The Raid 3' [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 25:02


    English filmmaker Gareth Evans has made a name for himself with visceral, kinetic action that redefined the genre, particularly with cult classics like "The Raid" and "The Raid 2." With his latest film, "Havoc," the Welsh filmmaker brings his hard-hitting, bloody vision to Netflix, enlisting Tom Hardy for a gritty, bruising descent into a seedy criminal underworld. The film follows a bruised detective (Hardy) who must fight his way through a criminal underworld to rescue a politician's estranged son while unraveling a deep web of corruption and conspiracy. The film also stars Forest Whitaker, Jessie Mei Li, Luis Guzmán, Timothy Olyphant, Justin Cornwell, and Yoko Miyamoto.In the latest episode of The Discourse, Evans joins the podcast to discuss the long-awaited thriller, how he brought Hardy into his action sandbox, and why he might be warming back up to the idea of returning to the world of "The Raid."

    ‘Havoc': Gareth Evans Talks Tom Hardy, Christmas Violence & The Possibility Of ‘The Raid 3' [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 25:02


    English filmmaker Gareth Evans has made a name for himself with visceral, kinetic action that redefined the genre, particularly with cult classics like "The Raid" and "The Raid 2." With his latest film, "Havoc," the Welsh filmmaker brings his hard-hitting, bloody vision to Netflix, enlisting Tom Hardy for a gritty, bruising descent into a seedy criminal underworld. The film follows a bruised detective (Hardy) who must fight his way through a criminal underworld to rescue a politician's estranged son while unraveling a deep web of corruption and conspiracy. The film also stars Forest Whitaker, Jessie Mei Li, Luis Guzmán, Timothy Olyphant, Justin Cornwell, and Yoko Miyamoto.In the latest episode of The Discourse, Evans joins the podcast to discuss the long-awaited thriller, how he brought Hardy into his action sandbox, and why he might be warming back up to the idea of returning to the world of "The Raid."

    'Andor' Season 2: Tony Gilroy Talks Emotional Consequences, Expanding Rebellion & Why He's Done With Star Wars [The Rogue Ones Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 48:22


    The Rogue Ones: A Star Wars Andor Podcast is back for season two, and so is series creator and showrunner Tony Gilroy. In the first episode of the revived podcast, host Mike DeAngelo and The Playlist's Editor-In-Chief Rodrigo Perez break down the first three episodes of Andor Season 2 — which hit Disney+ this week — before welcoming Gilroy to reflect on the final season's big themes, major tonal shift, and what it means to build a revolution brick by brick.Created by Tony Gilroy and starring Diego Luna as Cassian Andor, "Andor" is a prequel to "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" (which Gilroy co-wrote and famously helped reshape during reshoots). Set five years before the events of Rogue One, the show focuses on the origins of the Rebellion and how ordinary people — not just Jedi or Chosen Ones — stand up against oppression. Season two picks up a year later in the first three episodes and jumps one year ahead with each block of three afterwards, leading directly to the beginning of "Rogue One" by the end. (read our review of season two here)

    'Dope Thief': Brian Tyree Henry, Wagner Moura, & Showrunner Peter Craig Talk Crime, Trust, Upcoming Projects, & Gotham Crossovers [Bingeworthy Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 27:34


    On this episode of Bingeworthy, we're heading to the grimy, drug-running underworld of “Dope Thief,” a gritty Apple TV+ miniseries based on Dennis Tafoya's novel, which airs it's finale on Friday, April 25th. The show follows Ray and Manny, two longtime friends and low-level criminals from Philadelphia who impersonate DEA agents to knock over drug stash houses. But when one job unexpectedly exposes a hidden narcotics pipeline along the Eastern Seaboard, their small-time hustle spirals into a life-or-death game of survival and consequence.Brian Tyree Henry stars as Ray, a recovering addict struggling to escape his past while trying to stay one step ahead of increasingly dangerous enemies. Wagner Moura plays Manny, a charming but unpredictable wildcard whose deep bond with Ray is tested by every bad decision they make. The series, written and created by Peter Craig (“The Town,” “The Batman”), also stars Marin Ireland, Nesta Cooper, and Ving Rhames, with executive producer Ridley Scott directing the first episode.

    ‘MobLand': Tom Hardy On Shakespearean Gangsters, ‘Havoc,' Star Wars & Why Spider-Man Team-Up Never Happened [Bingeworthy Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 21:59


    On the latest episode of Bingeworthy, host Mike DeAngelo dives into the violent and dysfunctional criminal underworld of "MobLand," the new hit Paramount+ series that blends London gangster drama with Shakespearean tragedy. The series stars Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza, a streetwise fixer trying to hold his mob family together as rival clans threaten to tear everything apart. The show also features standout performances from Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Paddy Considine, and more (read our review here).While the opening scenes showcase Hardy's character executing brutal clean-up jobs with unnerving calm, the show slowly peels back the layers of its characters, revealing deep family wounds, conflicting loyalties, and a criminal hierarchy on the verge of collapse. As Hardy described it, "It may be wrapped up in a gangster genre, but there's a lot more going on… It's like 'Game of Thrones' in Bermondsey.”

    ‘Warfare': Alex Garland & Ray Mendoza On Realism, Creating Brotherhood, '28 Years Later,' and Garland Stepping Back as a Director [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 18:30


    On the latest episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo welcomes filmmaker Alex Garland and retired Navy SEAL-turned-director Ray Mendoza to discuss their latest co-directed collaboration, 'Warfare'—a harrowing and unflinching war film based on Mendoza's own real-life experiences in Iraq. The film stars Will Poulter, Joseph Quinn, Cosmo Jarvis, D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Kit Connor, and Finn Bennett as members of a Navy SEAL unit plunged into a brutal, immersive firefight [read our review here].Set across one intense battle, the film throws audiences into the boots of a SEAL team locked in combat. It's stripped of cinematic sheen, raw in emotion, and deeply grounded in the lived experience of soldiers in the field. While Garland's previous film, 'Civil War,' used speculative fiction to examine the horrors of conflict, 'Warfare' pulls from memory, reality, and lived trauma. No plot, just tense, all-out war. 

    ‘The Assessment': Elizabeth Olsen & Himesh Patel On Moral Dilemmas, Sci-Fi Parenthood, Marvel Futures, ‘The Odyssey' & More [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 31:21


    On the latest episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo steps into a high-concept, near-future world of moral quandaries and psychological pressure with the sci-fi drama "The Assessment." Directed by Fleur Fortuné and starring Elizabeth Olsen, Alicia Vikander, and Himesh Patel, the film follows a couple evaluated by the government over seven increasingly intense days to determine whether they're worthy of having a child. Think of a creepy, contained "Children of Men" by way of Ingmar Bergman and Charlie Kaufman.The film recently premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and hits VOD on April 8th, delivering a minimalist but emotionally potent take on societal control, intimacy, and parenthood. To talk through it all, we sat down with both stars to dig into the emotional challenges of the project, their collaborations with Fortuné, and what kind of psychological strength it takes to survive the film's titular assessment.

    ‘1923': Michelle Randolph On That Emotional Finale, Dutton Legacy, ‘Landman' Chaos & ‘Scream 7' Secrets [Bingeworthy Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 16:59


    On the latest episode of Bingeworthy, host Mike DeAngelo heads back into Taylor Sheridan territory with the second and final season of “1923”, the Yellowstone prequel that brought new layers of trauma, tragedy, and grit to the Dutton family tree. This time, the fight for legacy grows more urgent as Jacob (Harrison Ford) and Cara (Helen Mirren) hold down the homestead, while Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) races home from across the globe. But some of the most painful blows come from closer to home—especially for Michelle Randolph's character, Elizabeth, who endures brutal loss and finds herself unexpectedly alone by the series' final moments.Spoiler alert: we're diving into the Season 2 finale.Joining the show to reflect on Elizabeth's powerful final scenes, Michelle Randolph opened up about the emotional and physical toll of the role, the empowering transformation of her character, and how she found strength in the pain in the final episodes.

    ‘The Bondsman': Kevin Bacon & Erik Oleson On Demon-Hunting, Musical Redemption, ‘Tremors,' Marvel, DC, & More [Bingeworthy Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 29:46


    On today's Bingeworthy, we're trading Hell's Kitchen for hell itself with Prime Video's latest genre mash-up, "The Bondsman." Blending supernatural horror, dysfunctional family drama, western grit, and country music—yes, you read that right—this new series follows Hub Halloran (Kevin Bacon), a bounty hunter resurrected by the devil himself to hunt down escaped demons. But beneath all the blood and brimstone lies an emotionally charged story about family, regret, and second chances.If it sounds wild, you're not alone. Kevin Bacon admitted it was one of the craziest pitches he'd ever said yes to—but that was exactly what drew him in.“It was pretty wild,” Bacon laughed. “But if you've done as many dudes as I have, it's hard to find something that's truly like, ‘Wow, okay, I haven't walked in these shoes before.' So that was a big plus.”READ MORE: The 75 Most Anticipated TV Shows Of 2025

    ‘Reacher' Season 3: Anthony Michael Hall Talks Villainy, That Brutal Finale, John Hughes, ‘Beetlejuice' & More [Bingeworthy Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 35:17


    On the latest episode of Bingeworthy, host Mike DeAngelo heads back into the fists-first world of “Reacher”, which just wrapped its action-packed third season on Prime Video. Based on Lee Child's novel “Persuader,” this season sees Alan Ritchson return as the titular wrecking ball, going undercover to extract an informant—and settle an old score along the way. But while Reacher does plenty of punching, it's the emotional gut punches that make this season stand out—especially those delivered by new cast member Anthony Michael Hall.Yes, that Anthony Michael Hall—the ‘80s teen comedy icon from “The Breakfast Club,” “Sixteen Candles,” and “Weird Science.” But here, Hall plays Zachary Beck, a Boston arms dealer with a complicated past and even more complicated parenting instincts. What might sound like another mustache-twirling villain role turns out to be anything but.READ MORE: The 75 Most Anticipated TV Shows Of 2025

    ‘Death of a Unicorn': Will Poulter & Alex Scharfman Talk Absurdist Horror, Unicorn Lore, ‘Warfare,' and an MCU Dream Team-Up [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 36:53


    On the latest episode of The Discourse, actor Will Poulter and writer-director Alex Scharfman joined host Mike DeAngelo to discuss their new A24 horror-comedy "Death of a Unicorn," a twisted genre mash-up that brings unicorns into the Spielbergian creature-feature fold. The film also stars Jenna Ortega, Paul Rudd, Téa Leoni, Anthony Carrigan, Richard E. Grant, and Sunita Mani, and tells the story of a tech billionaire's lawyer and his daughter who accidentally hit a unicorn with their car and attempt to cover it up at an elite corporate retreat. Magical madness, death, and more unicorn action ensue!Poulter, having taken a break from comedy in recent years, said he relished playing Shepard, an Ivy League-bred man-child desperate for approval and woefully out of touch. "It's really fun to be conscious of the fact that everyone's going to be laughing at you, and never with you," he said. "You sort of feel like he's never really left the various ivory towers that his family own around the world, but thinks he's superior to everyone around him.”READ MORE: ‘Death of a Unicorn' Review: Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd Make Monster Movie Magic for A24 [SXSW]Despite his delusions of grandeur, Poulter was careful not to strip Shep of all humanity. "I don't want to absolve him of wrongdoing, but ultimately what it boils down to is the child-parent relationship," he explained. "What Shep really wants more than anything is approval from his dad, and he wants his mom to be more honest with him than she's ever been."

    ‘Ash': Aaron Paul & Eiza González Talk Flying Lotus' “Acid Trip” Sci-Fi Film, A Jesse Pinkman Spin-Off, Teasing 'Fountain of Youth' & 'Three-Body Problem' [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 22:55


    On the latest episode of The Discourse, Aaron Paul and Eiza González join host Mike DeAngelo to talk about their new mind-bending sci-fi thriller, "Ash," directed by musician-turned-filmmaker Flying Lotus and written by Jonni Remmler. The film follows Riya (González), who wakes up on a desolate planet only to find her entire crew slaughtered. Things get even stranger when Brion (Paul) arrives to "rescue" her—except neither of them knows if they can truly trust the other. Tension, terror, and a whole lot of eerie sci-fi visuals follow. The film also stars Iko Uwais, Kate Elliott, Flying Lotus, and more.READ MORE: ‘The Electric State': The Russo Brothers & Christopher Markus Talk Retro Sci-Fi, Their Marvel Homecoming & More [The Discourse Podcast]Paul and González had nothing but love for Flying Lotus, whose artistic vision shaped every aspect of the film. "Music is like the heartbeat of so many films, right? It really sets the tone," Paul said. "He had a lot of music already created even before we started shooting, and he shared it with us early on." González agreed, adding, "The music was a character. The lighting was a character. The wardrobe was a character. Everything was so carefully thought through. And you just knew he was meant to be directing movies."

    ‘The Righteous Gemstones': Danny McBride, Adam Devine & More on Saying Goodbye to ‘The Righteous Gemstones,' Bradley Cooper's Surprising Cameo, and What's Next [Bingeworthy Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 25:10


    After four seasons of glorious absurdity, televangelist satire "The Righteous Gemstones" is wrapping things up—and it's as hilariously chaotic and surprisingly heartfelt as ever. Created by Danny McBride, the series follows the Gemstones, a wealthy televangelist family whose constant bickering is matched only by their love of greed, fame, and—occasionally—each other. The final season stars McBride, John Goodman, Edi Patterson, Cassidy Freeman, Adam Devine, Tony Cavalero, and Walton Goggins and introduces new faces like Megan Mullally and Sean William Scott.READ MORE: The 75 Most Anticipated TV Shows Of 2025Joining Bingeworthy for a hilarious farewell to the series is creator/star Danny McBride, alongside Cassidy Freeman, Adam Devine, and Tony Cavalero. The conversations covered everything from emotional goodbyes and surprising cameos to the genuine friendships behind their characters' bizarre antics.

    ‘The Electric State;: The Russo Brothers & Christopher Markus Talk Retro Sci-Fi, Returning to The MCU & More [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 37:06


    After redefining blockbuster cinema with "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Endgame," the Russo Brothers are back—this time with a sci-fi adventure that swaps superheroes for sentient robots, a road trip, and some retro-futuristic ‘90s nostalgia. "The Electric State" follows Millie Bobby Brown as Michelle, a teenage runaway navigating a post-apocalyptic America filled with abandoned AI machines, scavengers, and a looming government threat. Her only companions? A quirky robot named Cosmo and a smuggler played by Chris Pratt, who may or may not be in this for the right reasons. Think "E.T." meets Pixar meets "Mad Max"—or if Spielberg and Zemeckis had made a dystopian buddy movie with a lot more existential dread. (Read our review here).The Russo Brothers and their longtime writing partner Christopher Markus joined The Discourse to talk about adapting Simon Stålenhag's graphic novel, balancing family-friendly adventure with darker themes, and, of course, their return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    A Thousand Blows': Steven Knight Talks New Period Crime Drama, ‘Peaky Blinders,' His ‘Star Wars' Script, ‘Rogue Heroes' & More [Bingeworthy Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 19:18


    Prolific writer/producer/director Steven Knight has a habit of turning historical grit into must-watch television. From the streets of 1920s Birmingham in "Peaky Blinders" to the daring real-life SAS soldiers of "Rogue Heroes," Knight's work thrives on characters who push against the limits of their status. His latest series, "A Thousand Blows," is no different. Set in post-industrial revolution London, the show follows best friends Hezekiah and Alec as they get swept into the city's brutal underground boxing scene while crossing paths with local legends, and the notorious all-female gang, The Forty Elephants. The show stars Malachi Kirby, Erin Doherty, Stephen Graham, Jason Tobin, Francis Lovehall, and more.When Knight sat down with Bingeworthy, the busy writer was quick to admit that he doesn't watch much TV. "If anything, sometimes if I do watch stuff, I think, 'Oh God, this is so good. Why can't I just make it this simple?" he joked. That might explain why "A Thousand Blows" is anything but simple. Instead of focusing on one story, the show weaves together multiple narratives—including Hezekiah's rise in the ring, The Forty Elephants' criminal empire, and a quiet, burning revenge arc with Jason Tobin's Lao.

    ‘Zero Day': Director Lesli Linka Glatter Talks Conspiracies, De Niro's First Series, & Weaponizing The Truth [Bingeworthy Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 35:07


    Netflix's latest political thriller, “Zero Day,” is a chilling deep dive into cyber warfare, misinformation, and the terrifying power of perception. Led by Robert De Niro in his first television series, the six-episode event follows former president George Mullen as he's reluctantly pulled back into the political fray to investigate a devastating cyberattack. But as the layers of the crisis unravel, so do the hidden forces manipulating the narrative, turning Mullen into both a hero and a pawn. The series, co-created by Noah Oppenheim, Eric Newman, and Michael Schmidt, features a stellar cast including Jesse Plemons, Lizzy Caplan, Connie Britton, Joan Allen, Dan Stevens, Gaby Hoffmann, Matthew Modine, and Angela Bassett.Director Lesli Linka Glatter helms all six episodes, bringing her experience from “Homeland” and “Love & Death” to craft a nail-biting, visually rich thriller that feels eerily prescient. She joined Bingeworthy to chat about what drew her to the project, collaborating with De Niro, and why truth itself is a weapon in today's world.

    'Captain America: Brave New World' – Director Julius Onah Talks Spoilers, False Reports of On-Set Drama, Reshoots & Harrison Ford [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 26:49


    The Marvel Cinematic Universe gets a fresh jolt of paranoia and political intrigue with "Captain America: Brave New World," a thriller that sees Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) trying to define his place as the new Cap while dealing with international chaos, rogue superhumans, and some very questionable allies. Directed by Julius Onah, the film doesn't just bring back some familiar faces—it makes them part of a tangled political mess of past sins and present-day power plays. Tim Blake Nelson's Leader resurfaces with a grudge, Carl Lumbly's Isaiah Bradley adds emotional weight, and oh yeah, Harrison Ford steps into the formidable shoes of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, who may or may not be hiding a very big, very angry, very red secret. READ MORE: ‘Captain America: Brave New World' Review: Sam Wilson's Heart, Grit & Determination Trump Superpowers In Marvel's New Conspiracy ThrillerDirector Julius Onah joins The Discourse to talk about all of the spoilery details on Marvel's latest, including what he thinks won him the role of director. In his pitch, Onah sought to explore a more grounded and cerebral take on what it means to be Cap in a world that isn't sure it needs one. "It was about a point of view more so than anything," Onah explained about pitching the film to Marvel. "They were familiar with my last film, a small indie film called 'Luce,' and I first had just a general conversation with Nate Moore and Kiana Davidson at Marvel. We talked again, more generally, about theme tone and character. And, for me, it was sort of a gut check moment of like, you're going to go down the road with people. Are these people that you would even just love to have a conversation with about movies?"

    'The Monkey': Osgood Perkins Talks Stephen King, Absurd Death Scenes & His Next Horror Film 'Keeper' [The Discourse Podcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 24:41


    Can you hear that? It's the sound of a demonic monkey drumming up death and quite possibly the most fun you'll have in a theater all year. In this episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo sits down with writer-director Osgood Perkins to discuss his latest film, "The Monkey"—a twisted and darkly comedic horror adaptation of Stephen King's short story. The film follows twin brothers Bill and Hal who, as kids, stumble upon their father's old monkey toy in the attic. What follows is a series of gruesome deaths seemingly connected to the cursed object. Years later, after growing apart, the brothers are forced back together when the monkey resurfaces, bringing more chaos in its wake. The cast includes Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, Rohan Campbell, and Colin O'Brien.

    ‘The Gorge': Scott Derrickson Talks Genre-Bending Action, Creating a Unique Mythology & Teases a ‘More Violent' ‘The Black Phone 2' [The Discourse Podcast] —

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 25:01


    What do you get when you throw sci-fi, romance, action, horror, and a touch of espionage into a blender and hit "puree"? You get"The Gorge," a high-octane, emotionally charged ode to action B-movies and Italian horror that refuses to be put into a single box. Written byZach Dean, the film also starsSigourney Weaver andWilliam Houston in a wild, visually stunning story about two elite operatives on opposite sides of a classified conflict who are forced to work together when a terrifying presence emerges from the depths of a mysterious gorge. In this episode ofThe Discourse, hostMike DeAngelo sits down with directorScott Derrickson to talk about his latest genre-bending project, working withMiles Teller andAnya Taylor-Joy, and why the film's audacious mix of tones and styles is exactly what drew him to the project.

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