Podcast appearances and mentions of amon warmann

It's another packed episode of the Empire Podcast, the show that dares to ask the big questions: isn't the Mona Lisa just a woman sitting down? Who's the richest Northern Irish person? Can you buy stocks in Glen Powell? Join the pod team — Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Amon Warmann — as they tackle those questions, discuss the original 1977 print of Star Wars that Chris and James saw last week at the BFI, look at the week's movie news (Dune! Saw! Clayface! Naked Gun!), and review Danny Boyle's 28 Years Later, and the new Pixar joint, Elio. And guest-wise we've also got you covered as Chris sits down with Echo Valley's star-director duo, Julianne Moore and Michael Pearce, [26:05 - 40:09 approx] and the stars of 28 Years Later, Jodie Comer and Ralph Fiennes. [1:06:45 - 1:22:26 approx] Will Ralph commit to starring in Chris' new play? Give it a listen and find out. Enjoy!

This week's Empire Podcast sees the long-awaited return of one of our favourite guests, the wonderful British actor Will Poulter, who talks to Chris Hewitt about his role in the new movie, Death Of A Unicorn, playing a prize A-hole, and impromptu tongue-twisters. [20:38 - 33:28 approx]Another returning guest joins us this week, as the delightful Amber Midthunder sits down on Zoom with Amon Warmann to dive deep into her role in the new action comedy Novocaine. That interview does contain some spoilers, so tread carefully! [1:07:21 - 1:23:34 approx] Either side of those, Chris is joined in the podbooth by James Dyer and, for the first time in forever, Ben Travis as they discuss the videogames they'd like to see adapted into movies, review Death Of A Unicorn, Holland, Last Swim and The Most Precious Of Cargoes, and go deep on tons of movie news, including the casting of The Beatles, the Once Upon A Time In Hollywood sequel, and the sad news of the death of the great Val Kilmer.

It's a brave new world for the Empire Podcast this week, folks, as Chris Hewitt welcomes a quintet (not to be confused with a Quinjet, although a couple of them might have access to one) of amazing guests. From the latest MCU film, Captain America: Brave New World, Chris first chats to Danny Ramirez, aka Joaquin Torres, aka the new Falcon, about football, flying, and fraternising with famous co-stars like Tom Cruise and Harrison Ford. [22:56 - 37:25 approx] Speaking of Ford, the man who might just be the greatest movie star of all time, also sits down for a chat with Chris, talking about taking on his second US President, and first Red Hulk, in the shape of Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross. [1:42:28 - 1:56:26 approx] Inbetween those, Chris has a fun face-to-faces encounter with the stars of Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, Renee Zellweger, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Leo Woodall. [59:13 - 1:12:45 approx] Either side of those, love is in the podbooth air, as are Love Hearts, in a raucous episode as Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Amon Warmann to talk great movie kisses, run their eye over the week's movie news, and review Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, Captain America: Brave New World, and The Gorge. It's a pod you'll fall in love with. Probably. Enjoy!

Hosted by Picturehouse's very own Sam Clements, The Love Of Cinema podcast discusses the best new releases, with a little help from some of our favourite film critics and the occasional special guest from the world of cinema. This month we're joined by guest film critics Amon Warmann and Latoya Austin to discuss discuss some of the best new films coming to Picturehosue Cinemas, including: A Real Pain, The Brutalist and Hard Truths.  If you'd like to send us a voice memo for use in a future episode, please email podcast@picturehouses.co.uk. Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Rate and follow us on Spotify. Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram with @picturehouses. Find our latest cinema listings at picturehouses.com.  Produced by Stripped Media. Listen to Sam Clements over at the 90 Minutes Or Less Film Festival Podcast. Thank you for listening. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, rate, review and share with your friends. Vive le Cinema.

It's a shorter Empire Podcast this week, folks (blame Hollywood for shutting down for Thanksgiving, which is just plain selfish), but that doesn't mean it's any less jampacked with guests, greatness, and guesty greatness than usual. First, Chris Hewitt sits down with Auli'i Cravalho, Moana herself, to talk about returning for this week's Moana 2 and the art of not talking to people on planes. [16:03 - 29:35 approx] And then Ian Freer has an audience with... well, if not the Pope, then the next best thing in the guise of legendary trio Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini, the stars of new papal election thriller, Conclave. [46:49 - 1:04:52 approx] Either side of those, with Chris incapacitated by a last-minute case of neck-knack, Helen O'Hara hosts and is joined by James Dyer and Amon Warmann for a fun episode in which they discuss what they're thankful for this year, run their eye over what passes for movie news, and review Conclave, Moana 2, and Dear Santa. Oh, and Helen tries desperately not to do a Mount Rushmore question. Will she succeed? Find out by listening. Enjoy!

Blimey, our guest cup continues to overflow, folks. This week's Empire Podcast sees Chris Hewitt sit down with Gladiator II star, and all-round legend, Denzel Washington, to talk about reuniting with Ridley Scott, and to clarify Denzel's recent hint that he might be winding down as an actor. Oh, and Chris quotes //that// Equalizer 2 line to Denzel's face, because he's utterly without shame. [20:15 - 39:40 approx] Elsewhere, Amon Warmann has a lovely chat with Emilia Perez star, Zoe Saldaña, about working with Jacques Audiard, James Cameron, and more, [1:03:14 - 1:16:13 approx] and Alex Godfrey catches up with Sean Baker to talk about the excellent Anora, which is still in cinemas now. [1:35:53 - 1:52:19 approx] Either side of those, Chris is joined in the podbooth by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer and, for the first time, Jamie Graham, to discuss Ridley Scott's career, cast their eye over the week's movie news, including Simon Kinberg's Star Wars trilogy, the new Mission: Impossible trailer, and Christopher Nolan's Not Draclier, and review Gladiator II, Joy, and Emilia Perez. It's a banger, folks, and the only disappointment in it for us is that we only get to do it once. Enjoy.

Is it just us, or has the Empire Podcast got more hat-tricks than Erling Haaland? We have another terrific trio of guests this week, as Alex Godfrey speaks no evil with Speak No Evil, and podcast regular, James McAvoy. [19:49 - 34:40 approx] Then, Amon Warmann has a lovely chat with Kate Winslet, star of Lee (and thanks to Sam Clements for loaning us his podcast mics while Chris was away!). [56:50 - 1:12:15 approx] And finally, we bring you the interview the entire podteam (Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Amon) did with Reawakening star, and all-round acting royalty, Juliet Stevenson on last week's live show at the London Podcast Festival. [1:41:33 - 1:57:42 approx] Either side of those, Chris returns after a rare holiday and hosts Helen, James and Alex Godfrey as they discuss films from 1996 that deserve sequels (and why 1996 sucked cinematically), pay tribute to James Earl Jones, and review Lee, Speak No Evil, and Reawakening. Oh, and our old chum Corin Hardy drops in out of nowhere for a shameless plug. Enjoy.

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast is — yes, you guessed it — absolutely jam-packed with amazing guests. Alex Godfrey gets to admire Colman Domingo's trophies, and then talk to the great actor about his new movie Sing Sing, which might just add one or two to his shelf. [14:46 - 32:42 approx] Then Beth Webb has a lovely chat with Elliot Page and director Dominic Savage about their new movie, Close To You. [54:56 - 1:12:53 approx] Finally, we bring you a lovely excerpt from our Alien: Romulus spoiler special interview with director Fede Alvarez, as he spills the beans about all things spoilerific to Chris Hewitt. So be warned: spoilers lurk within! [1:42:57 - the end of the show] Either side of those, Helen O'Hara hosts James Dyer and Amon Warmann in the podbooth as they talk about great movie dogs, discuss the week's movie news, and review Sing Sing, Close To You and The Count Of Monte Cristo. Enjoy.

It's Doomsday on the Empire Podcast, folks. In the wake of the bombshell news that Robert Downey Jr. is going to return to the MCU, not as Tony Stark but as the new big bad, Doctor Doom, many of you asked that we record a special podcast dedicated to the news. Sadly, we were unable to do that, but we make up for it on this week's episode, as Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara and Amon Warmann lock themselves in the podbooth and spend much of the movie news section scratching their heads and speculating wildly about the news and what it means. It's a long section, so if you're an MCU-sceptic, here's a helpful timecode so you can skip ahead. [42:38 - 1:02:20 approx] Elsewhere, our intrepid trio take a listener question about actors who should return to a franchise as a villain (can't imagine why that came up), review Didi, Kensuke's Kingdom and Harold And The Purple Crayon, and our guests this week are the wonderful Joan Chen, star of Twin Peaks and Didi, who talks to Mike Muncer. [22:14 - 39:00 approx] And you also get a lovely slice of a conversation about The Conversation between Chris and that film's editor and sound wizard, Walter Murch. [1:12:25 - 1:29:42 approx] Enjoy — Doom commands it to be so!

Vroom vroom! This week's episode of the Empire Podcast is something of a rarity, as we only have one guest. But what a guest it is, as Jeff Nichols, director of Take Shelter, Midnight Special and Mud, tells Helen O'Hara all about working with motorcycles and movie stars on his new movie, The Bikeriders. Then, in the podbooth, Chris Hewitt hosts and is joined by Helen, James Dyer and Amon Warmann for another fun episode in which they discuss which movies deserve to have their visual effects overhauled in special editions, look at the week's movie news, discuss who should direct the MCU's Blade movie, and review The Bikeriders, Federer: Twelve Final Days, Under Paris, and The Exorcism. Enjoy.

Hosted by Picturehouse's very own Sam Clements, The Love Of Cinema podcast is proudly supported by Kia. The show discusses the best new releases, with a little help from some of our favourite film critics and the occasional special guest from the world of cinema.  This month we're joined by guest film critics Amon Warmann and Ada Enechi to discuss 4 new May releases at Picturehouse Cinemas: Love Lies Bleeding, The Fall Guy, Star Wars: Episode One - The Phantom Menace and La Chimera.  We're also joined by actor Josh O'Connor to discuss working with Alice Rohrwacher on La Chimera.  If you'd like to send us a voice memo for use in a future episode, please email podcast@picturehouses.co.uk. Rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Rate and follow us on Spotify. Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram with @picturehouses. Find our latest cinema listings at picturehouses.com.  Produced by Stripped Media. Proudly supported by Kia. Listen to Sam Clements over at the 90 Minutes Or Less Film Festival Podcast. Thank you for listening. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, rate, review and share with your friends. Vive le Cinema.

Hi listeners! Season 1 of Fallout has hit Amazon Prime Video! And to mark the occasion, Clarisse Loughrey interviewed executive producers Jonathan Nolan and Todd Howard (07:11), plus stars Ella Purnell & Aaron Moten (17:06) and Kyle MacLachlan & Walton Goggins (26:47). Then Clarisse and Amon Warmann break down the show in spoilerific detail (36:23), talking mech suits, cults, and more. If you enjoy this deep dive into one of the best shows of the year so far, let us know if you'd like more of this type of content by tweeting us @FadetoBlackPod. Follow us: @amonwarmann, @clarisselou, @hannaflint Music by ⁠The Last Skeptik⁠ If you like the show, please subscribe, leave a review, and rate us too!

This week's Empire Podcast brings you a double bill of wonderful actors, nattering away about their latest projects. How lovely. First up, Kingsley Ben-Adir talks to Amon Warmann about Bob Marley: One Love, the film that shines the spotlight on two pivotal years in the life of the legendary reggae singer, Bob Marley, and the madness of being part of Greta Gerwig's Barbie. (22-46.00 - 41:52.00) And Chris Hewitt has a lovely talk with Tahar Rahim, star of Madame Web, about finally saying yes to Hollywood, what he would do if he knew when he was going to die, and working with Ridley Scott on Napoleon. (1:08:18.00 - 1:23:07.00) Then, in the podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara and James Dyer to discuss billion dollar movies that should have been nominated for Best Picture, the week's movie news including the revelation of the Fantastic Four casting and the Super Bowl trailers, and review Bob Marley: One Love, The Taste Of Things, Madame Web, and Jennifer Lopez' This Is Me... Now. Also, we bang on about our March tour, which starts in just two weeks. Tickets on sale now at empireonline.com/podtour. Enjoy!

Today the British Museum unveils a new exhibition – Legion: Life in the Roman Army – on the lives of soldiers who helped conquer more than a million square miles of land, settling in communities from Scotland to the Red Sea. Elodie Harper – author of the Wolf Den trilogy - and critic Amon Warmann give their verdict on the exhibition as well as the new Amazon Prime spy comedy Mr & Mrs Smith - and how it compares with the 2005 Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie film version. And Tom Sutcliffe talks to Joe Powell-Main and Denecia Allen on dancing with disabilities, ahead of a gala at Sadler's Wells, Empower in Motion, which features disabled and non-disabled dancers.

After last week's triumphant live show to mark episode 600, the Empire Podcast team — Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Amon Warmann — return to the safety of the podbooth this week to kick off the road to 700... but we're not exactly skimping on the guests. First, Blitz Bazawule, director of The Colour Purple, tells Helen all about how he tackled the big-screen version of the musical based on the Alice Walker book. Then, Chris has an audience with The Holdovers director Alexander Payne, and his Oscar-nominated star, Paul Giamatti, and they wind up talking about horror films. And finally, Alex Godfrey sits down with All Of Us Strangers stars, Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal, for a reflective chat about Andrew Haigh's wonderful new film. Either side of all of those, the podteam right some Oscars wrongs in the Listeners' Question section (although they wish it to be known that they are planning no heists), discuss more Oscars stuff in the wake of this week's nominations announcement, the revelation of the book that will form Reacher season 3, and more in a bumper News section, and then review All Of Us Strangers, The Colour Purple, and Jackdaw. Enjoy. (Timestamps to come... maybe! Sorry it's late!)

"Say hi to your family for me!" Mark Wahlberg, star of the action comedy The Family Plan, returns to the Empire Podcast for the first time in aaaaaaages this week, and brings his on-screen wife, Michelle Monaghan, with him for a fun chat with Chris Hewitt that takes in everything from kids swearing in front of their parents to Adele's impact on Wahlberg's sleep cycle. Chris is also in the interviewer's chair for a fun audience with Zachary Levi, the star of Chicken Run: Dawn Of The Nugget. And, in the antepenultimate episode of the year (no Christmas break for us!), Chris hosts from his home office this week, and is joined by Amon Warmann and James Dyer to tackle a couple of Christmas movie-related questions, take a look at the week's movie news, including the sad death of Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Andre Braugher, and review Zack Snyder's Rebel Moon Part 1: A Child Of Fire, Godzilla Minus One, The Family Plan, and The Three Musketeers: Milady. Enjoy. RUNNING ORDER (all timings approx)Intro/Listeners' QuestionsMark Wahlberg and Michelle Monaghan -- 19:19.00 - 34.00.00Movie NewsZachary Levi -- 53:11.00 - 1:09:26.00Reviews/Outro

Hi listeners! Loki's second season recently concluded in glorious fashion, aided by a God-tier score by Natalie Holt. In this exclusive interview, our Amon Warmann spent one hour with the composer chatting about the show's biggest moments, character themes, her episode 3 cameo (did you spot her?), and much more. If you enjoy this 60 minute deep dive with one of the most talented composers working today, let us know if you'd like more of this type of content by tweeting us at ⁠⁠⁠@FadeToBlackPod.⁠ Follow us: ⁠⁠@amonwarmann⁠⁠, ⁠⁠@clarisselou⁠⁠, ⁠⁠@hannaflint⁠⁠ If you like the show do subscribe, leave a review and rate us too!

Another hat-trick of directors on this week's beautifully-designed, utterly symmetrical Empire Podcast, folks. First, Ben Travis says what a marvellous day for a chat with David Gordon Green, director of The Exorcist: Believer. Then, Beth Webb (yes, actual Beth Webb, back on the podcast!) chats with Chloe Domont, the writer/director of the savage relationship drama, Fair Play. And then John Nugent travels to Venice to have a chat with the one and only Wes Anderson — who was wearing pyjamas monogrammed with his own initials — about his Roald Dahl short films, currently streaming on Netflix. John didn't have any pod equipment with him, which is why his audio is slightly spotty in this one. Then, back in the virtual podbooth, Chris Hewitt hosts and is joined by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Amon Warmann for a fun episode in which they review The Exorcist: Believer, Fair Play, The Great Escaper and Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, come to grips with an almost total absence of movie news, and answer a listener question (well, more of a challenge, really) that leaves Amon, Helen and James in particular shaken AND stirred. Enjoy. RUNNING ORDER (all timings approx)Intro/Listeners QuestionDavid Gordon Green: 23:24.00 - 42.48.00Movie NewsChloe Domont: 54:21.00 - 1:12:51.00ReviewsWes Anderson: 1:36:29.00 - 1:56:09.00

Presenter Samira Ahmed is joined by the broadcaster and Chair of Judges Reeta Chakrabarti to announce the shortlist of the 2023 BBC National Short Story Awards with Cambridge University. Front Row will interview each of the shortlisted authors in the coming weeks, ahead of hosting the award ceremony live from the BBC Radio Theatre on 26th September. Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen has been described as possessing “a once-in-a-generation-voice.” Samira spoke to her between performances as Elizabeth of Valois in Verdi's Don Carlo at the Royal Opera House, looking ahead to her starring role in the Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall and the BBC on Saturday. Our reviewers Alayo Akinkugbe, art historian and founder of the Instagram platform A Black History of Art, and Amon Warmann, Contributing Editor of Empire magazine and co-host of the Fade To Black podcast review the exhibition “Black Atlantic: Power, People, Resistance” at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, which asks questions about Cambridge's role in the trade of enslaved people and how related objects and artworks have influenced our history and perspectives. We also review “Past Lives” from South Korean director Celine Song, about two childhood friends, Nora and Hae Sung, who are separated when Nora's family emigrates from South Korea. Two decades later, with Nora married to an American, they are reunited in New York for a week as they consider what might have been and perhaps still could be. Presenter: Samira Ahmed Producer: Corinna Jones NSSA Shortlist 00:57 Fitzwilliam Museum review 03:57 Naomi Wood 13:25 Past Lives review 21:14 Lise Davidsen 30:02

Well, look at that: just in time for the Women's World Cup final this weekend, the Empire Podcast scores a hat-trick of lovely guests. (Well, four actually, which is even better!) Chris Hewitt may be off this week, but he continues to haunt the podcast by conducting two of those interviews, a chat about the impact of YouTube with Alex Winter, former Bill and current director of thought-provoking new documentary, The YouTube Effect, and then a fun and insightful talk about Blue Beetle with that film's director, Angel Manuel Soto. And we're also visited for the first time in a while by old pod-chums, Phil Lord & Chris Miller, who tell Ben Travis all about how they produced raunchy talking dog movie, Strays. And there's a bit of Spider-Verse chat as well, because of course there is. With Chris on a beach, earning 20% (of his Empire salary, so you work out how much that is), Helen O'Hara hosts this week's film-related fun, welcoming James Dyer, Amon Warmann, and Nick de Semlyen into the podbooth, where they talk about Nick's new book, The Last Action Heroes; discuss the dream Q&A they'd love to host; muse on the greatest movie hair; run their collective eye over the week's movie news; and review Strays, Blue Beetle, Hitchcock, Biosphere and Billion Dollar Heist. Enjoy!

This week's Empire Podcast sees Gal Gadot and Alia Bhatt, stars of the new Netflix blockbuster Heart Of Stone, sit down for a lovely chat with Amon Warmann, in which they talk about the dangers of A.I., and Gadot's recent cameo in a major blockbuster. No, not that one. No, not that one either. Amon then hangs around for the episode's other interview, with Haunted Mansion director Justin Simien. And then, in the virtual pod booth, Chris Hewitt hosts and is joined by Helen O'Hara and John Nugent for a fun discussion about sitcom stars breaking out onto the big screen, the week's movie news (including a tribute to the great William Friedkin, who passed away this week), and review Heart Of Stone, Haunted Mansion, Gran Turismo, You Hurt My Feelings, Red, White And Royal Blue, and more. Oh, and John takes delivery of a new sofa. Pivot! Pivooooooot! PIVOOOOOOOOTTTTTTTTTT! Enjoy.

It's finally here - Oppenheimer releases in cinemas this week! Film journalist Amon Warmann joins me to review the latest, extraordinary feature from writer/director Christopher Nolan. This episode is spoiler-free.

Wes Anderson's new film, Asteroid City, has so many incredible actors in it that we were able to send John Nugent to the Cannes Film Festival recently, steal three of them away for interview purposes, and put them back before anyone even noticed. So, in this week's episode of the (soon to be award-losing once again) Empire Podcast, you can hear that fun interview with old hands Adrien Brody, Bryan Cranston and Jeffrey Wright. Then, in the podbooth, Chris Hewitt is joined by James Dyer and Amon Warmann to finally drive a stake through the heart of the 'which director won a particular decade' question, introduce Amon to horror movie soundtracks, discuss the week's movie news, including an extended look at the repercussions of the weak openings for The Flash and Elemental, and review Asteroid City, No Hard Feelings, and Nimona. Oh, and chaos reigns. Enjoy.

The Jhalak Prize is an annual literary prize for British or British-Resident writers of colour, established in 2016. Previous winners include Reni Eddo-Lodge and Johny Pitts. Tom speaks to the winners of this year's Jhalak Prize and Jhalak Children's and Young Adult Prize, announced at the British Library this evening. This week Tate Britain revealed a complete rehang of its free collection displays - the first in ten years. There are over 800 works by over 350 artists, featuring much-loved favourites and recent discoveries, including 70 works which entered the collection in the past 5 years. The rehang intends to reflect revolutionary changes in art, culture and society, and present new work by some of Britain's most exciting contemporary artists. Associate arts editor of The Times, Alice Jones, and TV and film critic Amon Warmann give their view. Plus The Little Mermaid. In their 100th year, Disney have reworked their 1989 Oscar winning animated musical classic into a live action version, starring Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King and Melissa McCarthy. Alice and Amon review. And the Cannes Film Festival - critic Jason Solomons offers his round up of this year's films. Presenter: Tom Sutcliffe Producer: Corinna Jones

It's been 30 years since Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers and Chris Hewitt, in a special preview of a bigger interview to come, sat down with Nick Park to talk all things Aardman. And Aml Ameen joins Amon Warmann to discuss hunting down paramilitaries in '70s London with Sky original Dead Shot. Plus, with Chris in LA, James Dyer, Helen O'Hara and John Nugent converge upon the studio to chat about the movie location landmarks that take them to their respective happy places, whether The Meg 2 will be the greatest film ever made and quite who Jenna Ortega plays in the new Beetlejuice sequel.

This week's Empire Podcast has more stars than Frank Lampard has had managerial jobs at Chelsea, folks. First up, Amon Warmann is The Pope's Exorcist's star's interviewer, as he talks to the great Russell Crowe about accents, Gladiator 2 and more. Then Amon gives Air stars Matt Damon and Marlon Wayans the big old Nike tick of approval in another fun chat. And finally Chris Hewitt rounds things off with a fun if chaotic chat with Chris Pratt and Charlie Day, the stars of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Then Chris and Amon are joined in the podbooth by James Dyer for an episode in which they talk about great movie scenes featuring eggs, discuss a ton of movie news, and review all of the above movies, along with Guy Ritchie's Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre. Enjoy.

The conclusion of the Oscars marks the end of the film awards season, so Front Row took the opportunity to look at the progress made on representation in film and at awards. Tom is joined by the film critic Amon Warmann, Katherine Pieper of LA's Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, which looks at equalities at the Oscars, and Marcus Ryder of the Lenny Henry Centre For Media Diversity. Plus, with a host of new productions exploring the cost of living crisis, we look at how playwrights are tackling this. Writer Emily White talks about her new play, Joseph K and the Cost of Living, being staged as part of a three-part project at the Swansea Grand Theatre, and the writer and critic Sarah Crompton discusses theatre's response to social and political issues on stage. Bex Lindsay, presenter on Fun Kids Radio and children's books expert, joins us for a round-up of some of the most interesting and engaging new releases for young independent readers. Books discussed: Like A Curse by Elle McNicoll Montgomery Bonbon: Murder at the Museum by Alasdair Beckett-King Skandar and the Unicorn Thief/The Phantom Rider by AF Steadman Jamie by L D Lapinski Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels by Tola Okogwu I Spy, A Bletchley Park Mystery by Rhian Tracey Saving Neverland, by Abi Elphinstone Presenter: Tom Sutcliffe Producer: Emma Wallace Main Image: Michelle Yeoh

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees another onslaught of incredible guests, as Ian Freer chats with Babylon's director-composer duo of Damien Chazelle and Justin Hurwitz about their working relationship and long friendship, and Chris Hewitt talks scary VHS covers with We Have A Ghost director Christopher Landon, and stepping into the directorial breach with Creed III star (and shot caller), Michael B. Jordan. Then, in the podbooth, Helen O'Hara hosts this week, and she's joined by James Dyer and Amon Warmann to discuss movies with small casts, the week's movie news (such as it is), and review Creed III, Close, The Strays, and The Independent. Enjoy.

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees the team swap Kings Place, where we recorded last week's triumphant 550th episode, for the podbooth once more... and quickly yearn for air conditioning. Inbetween melting down (in the case of our equipment, quite literally), Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer and Sophie Butcher discuss franchises that went on too long, have a crack at the week's movie news, and review Women Talking, Magic Mike's Last Dance, Blue Jean, and Your Place Or Mine. Frankly, if your place has working air con, we're in. On the guest front, Amon Warmann chats to M. Night Shyamalan, director of Knock At The Cabin, about twists and basketball, and Ian Freer sits down with Felix Kammerer, the Austrian actor who is the star of the 14-times BAFTA-nominated German sensation, All Quiet On The Western Front. The road to episode 600 starts here, folks. Enjoy!

After soaring over Agrabah and beyond, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers make the pilgrimage to Pride Rock to pay tribute to Disney's regal Shakespeare spin: 1994's The Lion King. And they're joined by Simba super-fan Amon Warmann, for a bumper-sized discussion of the biggest Disney film yet. Together, they explore how the film accidentally stumbled into its Hamlet homage, how it rose from being one of the studio's less-prestigious projects into a box office behemoth, and solve the ultimate question: is ‘Be Prepared' a good karaoke song or not? Plus, Ben is thrilled by an alternate universe where a very different pop giant wrote the songs, Sam breaks down the dubious politics of the Pride Lands, Amon rhapsodises about Hans Zimmer's score, and all three are mind-boggled by the bizarre lore of The Lion Guard. The Circle Of Life begins when you press play… Next up: Pocahontas Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney's animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we'll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Strange World. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film's historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.

And so 2022 has come to an end, folks. It was a tough year for pretty much everybody, but it was also a very good year, cinematically speaking, and in this Empire Podcast special, Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Amon Warmann convene in the podbooth to have an extended natter about the year that was. Along the way, formats for the show are abandoned on the fly, the pod discuss the films that they loved, the future of cinema, a strange year for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and much, much more. Enjoy, and have a happy new year, everyone!

On the last Empire Podcast of the year, we have something of a The Prestige reunion, which is nice. First, Christian Bale, star of The Pale Blue Eye, talks to Chris Hewitt about being mistaken for Gareth Bale, and his experiences working with directors on multiple occasions, including Adam McKay, Scott Cooper, and Terrence Malick. Then Hugh Jackman, Golden Globe-nominated star of The Son (which opens here in February), talks to Amon Warmann about his experiences on that movie, working with Anthony Hopkins for a day, and why he's about to play Wolverine again in Deadpool 3. Then, Kate Hudson and Jessica Henwick, neither of whom were in The Prestige, more than make up for it by having a freewheeling and very funny chat with Chris about their new movie Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, life with an assistant, British sitcoms, and John Carpenter and Kurt Russell. And if that weren't enough, Chris is then joined in the podbooth by James Dyer and Helen O'Hara (who's not in the podbooth, which is why there's some slight distortion on her mic this week. Hopefully it won't spoil your listening experience.) for a fun episode in which they discuss their Christmas movie traditions, who would win between John McClane and Kevin McCallister; talk about the week's movie news, including Avatar: The Way Of Water's box office, the Barbie trailer, and the sad passing of Mike Hodges; and review Corsage, Glass Onion, and The Pale Blue Eye. We're taking a little break but are back on January 13, folks, so have a great Christmas if you celebrate, a fantastic holiday season if you don't, and an amazing start to 2023. Thanks so much for listening and supporting our nonsense throughout the year. Here's to more!

Brace yourself: The Noel Diary is a Netflix Christmas romance that has some actual dramatic substance! Film critic Amon Warmann and editor Amanda Keats get involved in the discussion of this story of buried family secrets, long-lost parents and a tiny degree of actual realism among the fairy lights. If you've enjoyed listening to “BAH HUMBUG”, please take a moment to give us a lovely 5 STAR rating on Apple Podcasts. It really helps other people to find the show. If you haven't done so already please subscribe to this podcast so you auto-magically get the next episodes for free and do tell all your friends and family about it too.  If you want to read or hear more from Helen, you can order her book "Women Vs Hollywood: The Fall and Rise of Women in Film" which is out now in The UK and comes out on 16th December in the USA and Canada.  Helen O'Hara is also on the Empire podcast every week and hosts the Podcast "His Darker Materials" to coincide with the BBC/HBO TV drama "His Dark Materials". You can find Helen on Twitter @HelenLOHara This pod was edited by Ben Williams and produced by Helen O'Hara and Stripped Media. If you want to know more about this podcast and others produced by Stripped Media please visit www.Stripped.media to find out more or email producers@Stripped.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christmas is coming, and the goose isn't the only thing that's getting fat. The Empire Podcast is bursting at the seams with incredible guests yet again, as we welcome a trio of top directors this week. First up, you get a brief excerpt from Chris Hewitt's live Q&A with James Cameron as he returns to cinemas with Avatar: The Way Of Water (the full show will be up soon, should you wish to listen to the rest; and you should!). Then, Amon Warmann has a nice in-depth chat with Alejandro G. Inarritu about his most personal film yet, Bardo: False Chronicle Of A Handful Of Truths, and then Chris talks to Spirited director Sean Anders about turning Dickens into a musical. Oh, and Chris gushes about one of Anders' films. No, not Daddy's Home 2. Although it is a Christmas movie. Then, in the virtual podbooth this week, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara and James Dyer to talk about the movie-themed Christmas presents they'd like, the film they've bought the most; to discuss the week's movie news, including Henry Cavill's on-off-on-off-again relationship with Superman; and review Bardo, The Amazing Maurice and that water film. Enjoy.

Christmas is coming, folks, and that means that the Empire Podcast's sack is simply heaving with guests this week. First, Toy Story 3 and Coco director, Lee Unkrich, pops into the booth for a bit to talk about his new, definitive book about the making of Stanley Kubrick's The Shining, and tackle this week's listener question (about Christmas songs in movies). Then Chris Hewitt chats with Resurrection star Rebecca Hall and Emancipation director Antoine Fuqua, and Amon Warmann gets to the heart of The Silent Twins' silent twins, Letitia Wright and Tamara Lawrance. And yes, he asks about Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Then, in the podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara and James Dyer to talk about the week's movie news, including the possible demise of Wonder Woman 3, and review Emancipation, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio and Resurrection. Bumper-sized! Jampacked! Ho ho ho! Enjoy!

Blimey, folks, this week's episode of the Empire Podcast has more guests than Jamie Lee Curtis' home on Christmas Day. (Because she's married to Christopher Guest, you see, and presumably there would be a large number of extended family members invited around for a slap-up meal.) Helen O'Hara has a lovely chat with White Noise star Greta Gerwig about casting herself, her desire to make a musical, and more. Then Chris Hewitt has a lovely natter with action movie ace Frank Grillo, who's spreading his wings as the star of Lamborghini: The Man Behind The Legend. And, in the studio this week, Chris and Helen are joined by the brilliant Damian Lewis and Nick Murphy, star and director respectively of the ITVX drama, A Spy Among Friends (take that, Pilot TV). Lewis and Murphy (no, they're not a RoboCop tribute act) occupy the third and fourth chairs with remarkable grace, fielding questions about spies, breakfasts and buttocks, while tackling this week's listener question, about the best time jumps in movies and TV. Then, Chris and Helen are joined by Amon Warmann to discuss the week's movie news (including all those big trailers), review Violent Night and White Noise, and bang on about Cocaine Bear. Oh, and Amon has his mind blown by Frank Grillo. Enjoy.

The Empire Podcast has more hat-tricks than Mo Salah, and this week is no exception, as we welcome three batches of tremendous guests. First, Paul Mescal, star of the wonderful new drama Aftersun, goes it alone, as he tells Ella Kemp that he's not as serious as the movies and TV shows he makes, no honest. Then, Chris Hewitt is the Host Of Christmas Present as he chats to Spirited stars Will Ferrell and Octavia Spencer about the best swag they've ever got from a movie. And finally, Amon Warmann chats to Florence Pugh and Sebastian Lelio, star and director respectively of stunning new Netflix drama, The Wonder. And as well as all of that, there's an actual podcast in there too as, with Chris stricken with lurgy, Helen O'Hara invites Amon and regular pod debutant, Sam Clements, into the virtual podbooth for a fun pod in which they discuss the fictional movie companies they'd buy and tank if they could; the week's movie news (up to Thursday night that is); and review Disenchanted, Aftersun, Confess, Fletch, Bardo, Spirited, and more in another jam-packed reviews section. Oh, and a special guest host drops in for a short while too. Enjoy! (And please accept our apologies for the delay in it going up...)

Another bumper belting bangily-banger this week, folks, as the Empire Podcast marks the eagerly-awaited arrival of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever by dispatching Amon Warmann to talk to two of its stars, Dania Gurira — Okoye herself — and the MCU's latest menace, Namor The Sub-Mariner, aka Tenoch Huerta Mejía. Then, Chris Hewitt has a chat with Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, the filmmaking duo behind the trippy and terrific Something In The Dirt. But that's not all — in the virtual podbooth this week, Chris is joined by Amon, James Dyer, and Helen O'Hara to talk about the Christmas movies they wish could have sequels (and things take a turn for the dark pretty quickly), discuss the week's movie news, review Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Hellraiser, The Wonder, My Father's Dragon, Slumberland and Is That Black Enough For You?, while all trying desperately to name every movie Peter Berg and Mark Wahlberg have made together. Who will be the lone survivor? Find out by listening. Enjoy!

Who hasn't found themselves consumed with thoughts of Pierce Brosnan films after reading the instructions on a microwaveable ready meal? And rightly so, for the Irish superstar has made a number of memorable movies over the years, including some in which he played a memorable number. But now to the iconic likes of James Bond and Thomas Crown, we can add Doctor Fate, the character Brosnan plays in the new DCEU movie, Black Adam. And on this week's Empire Podcast, The Artist Formerly Known As Bronhom tells Amon Warmann all about that, about shooting The Thomas Crown Affair, and pays a heartfelt tribute to his former Bond comrade, the late Robbie Coltrane. Our other guests this week are Emma Corrin and Michael Grandage, star and director respectively of the love-triangle melodrama My Policeman, who tell Ella Kemp all about their experiences making that movie. Either side of those, Chris Hewitt is joined in the podbooth by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and John Nugent for a fun episode in which they discuss the horror filmmakers who would adorn their personal Mount Rushmores, have a crack at the week's movie news including Harrison Ford joining the MCU, and review Black Adam, Park Chan-wook's Decision To Leave, Martin McDonagh's The Banshees Of Inisherin, and Paul Feig's The School For Good And Evil. Oh, and we raise a glass to our fellow colleague of such lethal cunning, Ben Travis, who got married last week to his beloved Lizzie. Up the Weds! Enjoy.

"Now it's time for Halloween Ends, Halloween Ends, Halloween Ends — Empire Podcast!" Yes, folks, Halloween is just around the corner and with it, the debut of Halloween Ends, David Gordon Green's conclusion to the retconned sequel trilogy that continues the story that began so memorably in John Carpenter's Halloween. That, of course, introduced the world to Michael Myers and one Jamie Lee Curtis as his nemesis, Laurie Strode, and now, over forty years on, Curtis returns to the pod for the third year in a row to have a chat with Amon Warmann about saying goodbye to Laurie, about a possible Knives Out return, and about rapping to and for Michelle Yeoh. Our other guest this week is one of our favourite British actors (and also, as the star of The Haunting Of Hill House and The Invisible Man, someone with a background in horror), the brilliant Oliver Jackson-Cohen, who talks to Ella Kemp about his new movie, Emily, about speaking French on screen, and much, much more. Then, in the podbooth this week, Chris Hewitt is joined by Helen O'Hara, Amon, and James Dyer for an episode that delves into their Halloween traditions, pays tribute to the late, great Angela Lansbury by discussing the greatest typewriters on screen, casts an eye over the week's movie news, and just about manages to review Halloween Ends, Emily, Nothing Compares, Rosaline, and Luckiest Girl Alive. Oh, and the world's most terrifying earworm is back, so prepare yourself. But remember: YOU WILL NOT BE SAVED!

Who doesn't love a bit of Hans Zimmer blasting through their speakers/earbuds/headphones [delete as applicable]? The legendary Oscar-winning composer has been soundtracking our cinematic lives for decades now, and recently has started taking the show on the road with an incredible live tour and, as of March next year, a live album called Hans Zimmer Live. (See hanszimmerlive.com for more details) So, when the great man popped into London last week and let it be known he was up for speaking to the Empire Podcast, there was only one person in the Zimmer frame: super-fan Amon Warmann, who popped along to talk to the composer about his live shows, creating the best setlist imaginable, and synths. Lots of synths. As Hans himself might say, 'bloody 'ell!' (That'll make sense in about half an hour, trust us.) Enjoy!

The second trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever didn't hold back on the emotion that is clearly going to drive Ryan Coogler's MCU mega-sequel, following the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman, but it also filled in more of the film's blanks, plot-wise, hinted at some major action sequences, and preserved the mystery of just who is going to take over as the new Black Panther. Plenty, then, for Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, and Amon Warmann to dig into in this trailer breakdown special, recorded very late at night, and with one of us down with Covid, so if there's even more brain fog than usual, go easy on us. Enjoy.

This week's Empire Podcast sees the ace British actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù — memorably seen breaking heads in Gangs Of London — breaking hearts instead as the most eligible bachelor in England, in the delightful Mr. Malcolm's List. He tells Chris Hewitt all about this gear shift, his extensive research for a period role, and his days as a Harry Potter fan. That can be found between 00:32:45.00 and 00:55:19.00, timestamp fans. Then, in the virtual podbooth this week, Helen O'Hara hosts and brings Amon Warmann and John Nugent along for the ride, discussing average films with great scores, the week's movie news (including the trailer for Empire Of Light, the new Sam Mendes film), and reviewing Mr. Malcolm's List, Beast, Samaritan, and Official Competition. Enjoy.

Nature is healing. How do we know? Because Saturday saw Kevin Feige and some of his amazing friends return to Hall H at the San Diego Comic-Con to announce a ton of exciting news about the future of the MCU, including the first trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, an 18-episode Disney+ series for Charlie Cox's Daredevil and not one, but two Avengers movies, due to be released just six months apart in 2025. And while Team Empire wasn't at Comic-Con this year (we were busy picking up a gong at the British Podcast Awards!), we decided that this news was too big to wait until later in the week before discussing it on the pod. (It also spares those who couldn't give a The Tinker's cuss about the MCU) And so, in this very special episode, Chris Hewitt is joined by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, Amon Warmann, and Ben Travis for a deep dive into all the titles and dates confirmed by Feige. There is speculation aplenty, hot takes galore, and the debut of a new prediction phrase that will take the world by storm. And that's an Amon Guarantee. Enjoy.

Elvis has entered the building. This week sees the release of Elvis, Baz Luhrmann's energetic biopic of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock'n'roll, and as a result our guest is Austin Butler, the young actor whose scintillating, swaggering performance as Elvis is set to make him a huge star. The charming Butler talks to Chris Hewitt about getting under Elvis' skin, and about the time he had a surprising encounter while shooting Once Upon A Time In Hollywood with Quentin Tarantino. That interview starts around 40:15.00. Then, in the virtual podbooth this week, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara, Ben Travis, and Amon Warmann for an episode in which they discuss their favourite movie parents (not just mums or dads), have a chat about the week's movie news (there was some, promise), and dive deep into both Elvis and Scott Derrickson's chilling new horror, The Black Phone, which introduces a cracking horror villain in the shape of Ethan Hawke's The Grabber. Oh, and Helen gets docked some Dune points. Find out why by giving it a listen. Enjoy. Thankyouverymuch.

This week's Empire Podcast is an episode 65 million and 29 years in the making, as Jurassic World: Dominion star Bryce Dallas Howard pops in for a face-to-face chat with Chris Hewitt, in which she talks about growing up on set with her director dad, Ron Howard, and how he's rubbish at keeping secrets. There's plenty of dino-chat as well for you Parkheads. Then, in the virtual podbooth this week, Chris is joined by James Dyer and Amon Warmann for an episode in which they take advantage of Helen O'Hara's ongoing absence to have a mass debate over the hottest Chris Evans moments, discuss just what it takes for a film to get the Empire one-star treatment, have a natter about the week's movie news including the announcement of Joker 2 (which whips the podteam into a frenzy of excitement), and review Jurassic World: Dominion, Udo Kier in Swan Song, Karen Gillan and Karen Gillan in Dual, while Chris and Amon have a bit of a barney over Adam Sandler in Hustle. Enjoy!

Britain may have shut down to mark the celebrations of the Queen's latest Jubilation Lee, but the Empire Podcast keeps on trucking, folks. In this week's episode, Chris Hewitt sits down on Zoom (luckily, with no demon present) to talk to director Rob Savage about DASHCAM, his follow-up to the sensational Host, and he brings his stars Annie Hardy and Amar Chadha-Patel along for an interview that is a wild ride in itself. Perhaps it's best to listen to this once you've seen the film, as they talk about the film's unique credit sequence, Annie's fears about playing a character who shares her name, the actors' multi-tasking as camera operators on the film, and whether producer Jason Blum could become a hitman. Then, in the podbooth, Chris is joined by James Dyer and Amon Warmann to tackle listener questions about the greatest examples of royalty in the movies, and what franchises should do to negate toxic fanbases (in the wake of the abhorrent racist comments sent to Obi-Wan Kenobi star, Moses Ingram). They also discuss the week's movie news, including a lengthy tribute to Ray Liotta, and Amon and Chris jettison James to review DASHCAM, Alex Garland's Men, and Bergman Island. Enjoy. TIMESTAMPS! (Timings approx.) Intro/Listener Questions -- 0:00.00 - 22:35.00 Movie News -- 22:36.00 - 45:05.00 DASHCAM Interview -- 45:06.00 - 1:06:34.00 Reviews/Outro -- 1:06:35.00 - end

In a world-first for a podcast, every single person on this week's episode of the Empire Podcast (sorry, newly award-nominated Empire Podcast) is played by Rory Kinnear. Probably. Actually, that's not true, but after witnessing his tour de force performance(s) in Alex Garland's MEN, which is out next week and which sees Kinnear play multiple roles opposite Jessie Buckley, we wouldn't be surprised if it turned out that he was also playing Amon Warmann, who talks to Kinnear about Men, his career, and knowing the biggest spoiler in Bond history ahead of time. (Don't listen to that interview if you haven't seen No Time To Die!) Our second guest is the excellent Miles Teller, who stars in Top Gun: Maverick as Rooster, aka Son Of Goose, and he talks to Chris Hewitt about his Tom Cruise experience, about flying for real, and about Whiplash (and whiplash, most likely). Then, in the podbooth (virtual this week), Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara and James Dyer for an episode in which they discuss great movie scenes set in and around airports, talk about movie news including the Thor: Love And Thunder, The Gray Man, and Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One trailers (however, this was recorded before the sad passing of the great Ray Liotta; we will pay tribute to him next week), and review The Bob's Burgers Movie, Sneakerella, and Cop Secret. Oh, and they lose their minds over Top Gun: Maverick, and plan an open-top bus parade through the streets of London. Enjoy. TIMESTAMPS! Intro/Listener Q -- 0:00.00 - 24:59.00 Rory Kinnear Interview (inc. No Time To Die spoiler) -- 25:00.00 - 42:17.00 Movie News -- 42:18.00 - 1:07:23.00 Miles Teller Interview -- 1:07:24.00 - 1:26:56.00 Reviews/Outro -- 1:26:57.00 - end

Episodes of The Ranking are like buses: you wait ages for one, and then when you get on, everyone's discussing the movies of Nicolas Cage. In this special live edition of The Ranking, recorded at our all-day Episode 500 celebrations at Kings Place in February (can it really be so long ago?), Helen O'Hara leads a motley crew of Cage enthusiasts — Nick de Semlyen, John Nugent, Amon Warmann, and Dan Jolin — to talk about the movies, career and nouveau shamanic acting style of the one, the only Nicolas Kim Coppola, aka Nicolas Cage. The top ten may well surprise you! Enjoy.

Welcome to Downtonpalooza, as this week's guests on the Empire Podcast hail from either side of the camera on Downton Abbey: A New Era, the latest cinematic instalment of the ever-popular Downton Abbey franchise. First, Helen O'Hara chats to two of the movie's stars, Laura Carmichael and Tuppence Middleton, and then has a natter with the creator of the whole shebang, Julian Fellowes. Then, in the podbooth, Helen joins Chris Hewitt, Amon Warmann, and James Dyer to discuss the obscure non-MCU Marvel cameos they'd like to see in Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness; talk about the week's movie news, including the reveal of the title for Avatar 2, Justin Lin's departure from Fast X, and more; and review Downton Abbey: A New Era, Casablanca Beats, and The Velvet Queen. And they ask the biggest question of all: just what has happened to Alan Cumming's chimpanzee? Enjoy.