Podcast appearances and mentions of john nugent

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees Chris Hewitt mark the release of Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning by doing a non-spoiler, non-epic (less than 20 minutes!) chat with that film's director, the legendarily loquacious Christopher McQuarrie, [26:00 - 43:06 approx] and have a lovely natter with the stars of the new Wes Anderson film, The Phoenician Scheme, Benicio del Toro and Michael Cera. [1:01:37 - 1:15:35 approx] Right at the end of the show, we also bring you an extended excerpt from our Andor s2 spoiler chat with that show's creator, Tony Gilroy, who tells Ben Travis all about the fates of certain characters. Do not listen if you haven't seen Andor! [1:43:43 - 1:56:02 approx] Elsewhere, Chris Hewitt is joined in the podbooth by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and John Nugent, to talk about Cannes and Cruise, run their collective eye over the week's movie news, and review The Final Reckoning, The Phoenician Scheme, Lilo & Stitch, and Guy Ritchie's Fountain Of Youth. Enjoy.

We start on a director's chair. We pull back to reveal its back. On it is emblazoned a name. That name? George MacKay, the wonderful star of this week's thought-provoking original movie musical, Joshua Oppenheimer's The End, who pops into the podbooth to have a good old natter [from 30:49 - 48:20 approx] with... We pull back. It's another director's chair. On it, another name: Chris Hewitt. Everyone shrugs their shoulders. But wait! There's another chair, and another name! That name is Irwin Winkler, the legendary producer of Rocky, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, The Irishman, Creed, and now The Alto Knights, as he talks to Chris about going double De Niro on that movie. [1:00:37 - 1:17:11 approx] And then there are three more chairs, with three more names, as Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and John Nugent join Chris in the podbooth for a topsy-turvy episode that flips the format of the show upside down. Our intrepid quartet answer a listener question about Double De Niro, review A Working Man, The Woman In The Yard, and Novocaine, and discuss the week's movie news, including the glacially-paced reveal of the cast of Avengers Doomsday, which was unfolding as we recorded this very show. But they don't necessarily do all of those things in that order. If you're not an MCU stan (or Stan), that discussion comes right at the end of the episode, so here's a rough time stamp should you wish to skip. [1:32:24 approx] For MCU fans, though, dive in. Enjoy.

It's another bumper, jam-packed edition of the Empire Podcast this week, folks! The great Angelina Jolie heads up our trio of amazing guests, as she talks to John Nugent about taking on the challenge of playing the legendary opera singer, Maria Callas, in Pablo Larrain's Maria. [20:48 - 34:02 approx] Plus, Chris Hewitt has a fascinating chat with Jason Reitman about how, exactly, he recreated Saturday Night Live's opening night for Saturday Night, [56:33 - 1:15:42 approx] and finally Chris sits down on Zoom with EE Rising Star Award nominee, the wonderful David Jonsson, for a natter about that, Rye Lane, the difference between a stroll and a strut, and tackling a very complex role in Alien: Romulus, which is now on Disney+. [1:38:23 - 1:56:21 approx] Meanwhile, back in the podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara and James Dyer to share their thoughts on the recent West End version of The Tempest, put together a Mount Rushmore of SNL stars, discuss the week's movie news, and review Saturday Night, Companion, and Mike Leigh's Hard Truths. Enjoy.

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast brings you not one but two Oscar winners, as first Chris Hewitt sits down with Michelle Yeoh to talk about her new Star Trek movie, Section 31, and how the Best Actress Oscar for Everything Everywhere All At Once changed her life [20:56 - 36:39 approx]; then, John Nugent has a fascinating chat with The Brutalist star, current Oscar nominee, and former Best Actor winner, Adrien Brody, about the LA Fires and his role in Brady Corbet's epic drama. [1:02:49 - 1:18:11 approx] Elsewhere, Chris is joined in the podbooth by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Kelechi Ehenulo to dig deep into the Oscar nominations, discuss VFX gone wrong, and review The Brutalist, Steven Soderbergh's Presence, Flight Risk, and Star Trek: Section 31, while they also get really specific about TV episodes. Enjoy.

There are laws that once were, but that we are no longer beholden to in Christ. Are we experiencing a shift in God's progressive narrative in our time? Do we have reason to believe that God is changing His view on sexual ethics? Find out why that is a flawed principle to begin with. In today's episode, the guys present their concluding thoughts and illustrate both the consistency and change we find in God as He reveals Himself through His Word and actions, engaging with and redeeming His creation, and some application points for us moving forward. 

Did God give bad laws? Did He intentionally set His people up for failure to demonstrate His glory and grace? Does God change His mind about His moral standards? Was the Law given solely to terrify us? In today's episode, the guys unpacks these questions and shares why they believe there are better ways to interpret the texts in their original context and language.

Today, the guys discuss what they have experienced in their study of God and change, bringing their insights into conversation with conclusions drawn by others. While God experiences a dynamic relationship with His creation, does this mean He also broadens or changes His moral requirements for His people? Tune in today to find out! 

So far, we have seen that God experiences change at some level while interacting dynamically with His creatures. Now, we consider the counter-evidence as we wrestle with the scriptures that reveal a broader perspective on how we might understand God and change. How do we deal with the apparent contradiction: does God change His mind or not?

How do we interpret the language that depicts God as being provoked to emotion? What does this tell us about God and His changing mind? Is the language used univocal, equivocal, or analogical? The hosts wrestle with this in today's episode of the After Class Podcast.

The Bible sometimes depicts God as changing his mind, some have used this narrative to promote a view that God has changed his mind about sexual ethics in our time.  While not dealing with this topic exclusively, the guys begin a new series investigating the question: What does the Bible say about divine change? 

Prayers, oils, elders, sickness, and sin: the guys unpack the power of prayer and oil and the various interpretations in today's episode as they conclude the book of James. 

The USA presidential debate has just taken place. Interestingly, the guys did an episode on Kamala back in Season 2. Check out Episode 2.10 - Indecent Proposal. Today, they turn to the last chapter of the Book of James and Section Three of the address. Here, Sam, John, and Ron wrap up the 'slow to anger' dialogue and enter into the conclusion of James.

We're back at it again this week! The Guys continue the reading of James and dig into what John calls "section three" as they transition to the slow to anger section. When worldly ideology meets Kingdom ideology, sparks may fly! Check your blood pressure and tune into today's episode! 

One pod to rule them all? This Thursday (August 29) sees the return of Prime Video's epic J.R.R. Tolkien adaptation, The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power, and to mark the occasion we've put together a little preview special, just for you. In it, you'll find an in-depth interview with showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, in which they tease and tantalise John Nugent about what people can expect from this second season (hint: lots of Sauron), and then a shorter but no less wonderful chat between Helen O'Hara and Morfydd Clark, who plays Galadriel, and Sam Hazeldine, who plays Adar in this season. (That interview has slight sound issues, by the way) The first three episodes of The Rings Of Power s2 drop on Thursday, and then return to a weekly schedule, so give this a listen before you stock up on second breakfasts and strap yourselves in for a binge. Enjoy.

You're not done with James, and neither are we! Tune back in today for James part three! This week the guys dig into chapter two and being quick to listen. Quick, listen! 

Back to the book of James! The guys continue where they left off last week with, “The believer who is poor still has reasons to boast, for he has been placed on high. But those who are rich should boast in how God has brought them low and humbled them, for all their earthly glory will one day fade away like a wildflower in the meadow” - let's resume… 

To mark  the upcoming 19th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's, the New Orleans Museum of Art will screen the documentary, Katrina Babies on Aug. 21. The documentary offers a close look at the aftermath of the storm and its impact on youth in New Orleans. Filmmaker and director Edward Buckles, Jr. joins us for more on the legacy of his film and the storm. 2024 was expected to be one of the most highly active hurricane seasons in recent history. Although Louisiana has been mostly spared so far this summer, we aren't out of the woods quite yet.On Aug. 24, the Equality Health Foundation will host a weather ready drive-thru emergency backpack giveaway at Zion Tabernacle Church in Lake Charles. This is just the latest in the organization's ongoing efforts to help prepare Louisianans for threatening conditions.Tomás Leon, the president of the Equality Health Foundation and John Nugent, the managing director of Beacon Community Connections in Lafayette, join us to share more about the storm readiness events. ___Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Diane Mack. Our managing producer is Alana Schrieber. Matt Bloom and Aubry Procell are assistant producers. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

This week's Empire Podcast is jam-packed full of goodness, including three tremendous interviews well worth your time. First off, Alex Godfrey sits down with M. Night Shyamalan and Josh Hartnett to discuss their first film together, Trap, and talk about why it's taken them so long to work together. [19:49 - 37:12 approx] Then, Dafne Keen pops into the podbooth to tell Chris Hewitt how her appearance in her new film, [REDACTED], came about. [54:02 - 1:14:53 approx] And finally, we bring you a meaty chunk of our Deadpool & Wolverine spoiler special interview with Ryan Reynolds and Shawn Levy. [1:35:54 - 1:56:42 approx] To hear Team Empire banging on about the film, do subscribe to our spoiler special feed, if you don't already. Either side of those, Chris is joined in the podbooth by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer and, briefly, John Nugent to discuss great wedding movies, talk about the week's movie news (what there is of it pre-D23, where we expect some pretty big announcements), and review Borderlands, It Ends With Us, Tuesday, and The Instigators. Lovely stuff. Enjoy!

Round two: Picking up where we left off, the guys attempt to summarize the New Testament in seven sentences. How would you do it? Tune in to today's episode to see if you chose the same verses as Sam, John, or Ron.

As summer break rapidly comes to an end, the guys begin a new experiment. Is it possible to tell the Old Testament story in seven sentences? What principles would one use? How does one capture the whole thing in such a short blurb? How many commas can one use? Will the guys come up with the same summaries? Find out in today's episode. 

The guys pause to speak about recent events, specifically, the attempt on Trump's life. How do believers respond as kingdom representatives as they interact with events like this? 

New edition, same story. Where First Maccabees tells the story of the facts, Second Maccabees slows down on certain details and illustrates them, sometimes in extreme fashion. Let's investigate this second telling and see what wisdom we might glean as the guys wrap up the series on the Apocrypha.

This week, the guys dive into the Maccabees and reflect on the stories of Mattathias and his sons, who break away from sell-out Jews. What can we learn from Judas, "The Hammer," and the Maccabees? What does this have to do with the role of the priesthood? Tune in to find out!

This week, Sam, John, and Ron survey the book of Baruch to see what wisdom and encouragement we might impart from this pseudepigraphal work. When the world does evil as the world does, how might we interpret the events? What insights into faithfulness does Baruch provide? Find out in today's episode of the After Class Podcast.

This week, the guys dive into two wisdom books: Ben Sira (Sirach/Ecclesiasticus) and the Wisdom of Solomon. Watch over your daughters, take medicine, fear God, seek wisdom, and praise… men? What are we talking about? Tune in to find out!

Born and raised in St. John's, from an illustrious musical family, John Nugent now lives in Rochester, New York. That's where he started the Rochester International Jazz Festival, twenty years ago. This year's festival began on Friday, and that's when we reached John Nugent in Rochester.

Join Sam, John, and Ron as they survey the story of Judith, an imaginative, highly fictionalized romance, portraying an Assyrian invasion of Israel led by a man named Holofernes. He besieges the town of Bethulia, where a widow named Judith dwells. Find out how she kept her head under pressure, glorified God, and saved her people from the Assyrian invaders. 

A man goes from a pious life of prosperity and joy to blindness and misery, all on account of bird poop and botched medical practices. A woman loses seven husbands and is accused of murder in the marital bed. Both parties call upon God and plead for a swift end to their lives. Yet God acts to redeem them instead. Join John, Ron, and Sam this week as they walk us through the story of Tobit to see what we might learn from this fascinating tale.

It's another bumper, jam-packed edition of the Empire Podcast this week, folks, with four wonderful guests. First, legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who has both Young Woman And The Sea and Bad Boys: Ride Or Die in cinemas right now, shares some of the secrets of his success with Alex Godfrey. [21:13 - 38:36 approx] Then, John Nugent has an audience with the Shyamalans — Ishana Night Shyamalan, writer and director of new horror, The Watched (aka The Watchers in the States), and her producer/second unit director, her father M. Night Shyamalan. [1:00:25 - 1:18:40 approx] And finally Chris Hewitt sits down on Zoom with the great Viggo Mortensen, who writes, directs, composes and stars in this week's Western, The Dead Don't Hurt. If you know anyone who worked at the Australian video store Viggo mentions in this interview, let us know. [1:35:41 - 1:55:06 approx] Either side of all that, Chris dials into the podbooth where Helen O'Hara and James Dyer are waiting, so they can discuss the best glasses in movies, chat about the week's movie news, including rumoured casting for Sam Mendes' Beatles biopics, and review Bad Boys: Ride Or Die, Ron Howard's documentary Jim Henson: Idea Man, The Dead Don't Hurt, and Hit Man, now that it's on Netflix. Enjoy!

As we continue our studies of the Apocrypha, we turn to the additions to Esther that appear in the Greek translation of the story. What differences are there that do not appear in the Hebrew version? What does it add? How should we interpret it? Join John, Ron, and Sam as they find out in today's episode of the After Class Podcast!  

Join the guys as they read more apocryphal extensions and stories of Daniel. Be inspired and encouraged to maintain faithfulness to the living God in the face of man-made alternatives. When asked, 'Why do you not worship this [god/thing]?' reply boldly with Daniel, 'Because I do not revere idols made with hands but the living God, who created heaven and earth and has dominion over all living creatures.' For we do not worship Bel, nor the dragon, nor will we fear the flames of persecution. Nay, we shall exalt the living God and give praise to the one who holds all creation in His hands! Delay no further, click “play” and listen to today's episode of the After Class Podcast! 

On this week's episode of the Empire Podcast, the doctor is in. Doctor George Miller, that is, as the MD turned visionary director returns to the big screen with his latest slice of post-apocalyptic madness, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. So, naturally, our Chris Hewitt went along and had a big old chat with Dr. George, as we're reliably informed they call him in Australia, and we bring you the full version of that engrossing interview. [46:15 - 1:14:25 approx) Then, Chris is joined in the podbooth by Helen O'Hara, John Nugent, and James Dyer for a fun episode in which they review Furiosa, Jennifer Lopez' Atlas, Richard Linklater's Hit Man, and The Garfield Movie; discuss the week's movie news, including X-Men, Star Trek and Godzilla developments (but not, crucially, the third Benoit Blanc film, which will be discussed next week); and, in a spoilerific listener question section, talk about their favourite movie farewells (this episode is dedicated to Jürgen Norbert Klopp). Hope you guys have seen noted 'Allo 'Allo prequel, Casablanca! Enjoy.

God is concerned with justice, yet some of those who hold positions of power in His name abuse it. Congregants may give a blank slate to their leaders, mistakenly believing them incapable of evil. In the story of Susanna, we are presented with a narrative depicting the abuse of power and sexual exploitation—an ancient Jewish story that sheds light on a very contemporary problem. Entering the world of the Apocrypha helps round out our knowledge of God, His people, and their worldview through history. The guys invite you to join in the mini-series on the Deuterocanonical 'Second Canon' writings that provide insight into the thoughts and lives of the exiled Jewish people who were awaiting the Messiah.

Today, the guys wrap up their series on creation care and present various views of our relationship with creation both now and in the future. What camp do you find yourself in? The escapist, survivalist, animist, creationist, restorationist, or new-creationist? If you don't know what these views are, listen to the end of today's episode, and while you're at it, order a copy of John Nugent's new book!  https://a.co/d/gWLGGcN

Christ is the source of creation and the one who maintains it in its present form. He is currently at work in this world, ensuring it doesn't fall apart. Anything we do to push against creation and pull it apart is working against Christ. However, Christ is reconciling all things, and the children of God—the church and the kingdom community—are as close to the new creation as the current creation can get. Tune in to today's episode where the guys unpack New Testament passages that speak about our relationship to creation care.

Today the guys wrap up the Old Testament view of creation care. We are stewards and tenants of the land, but there is one who owns it all. Who set the world on its foundation? Who set the stars in the cosmos? Say among the nations, the Lord is king! Let us play in and with God's good creation!

How much attention does God pay to how we treat the land? In today's episode, the guys discuss the interconnectedness of our life choices as God's image-bearers and stewards of creation, and our treatment of the land. What we do matters. God's restoration is not only for us but for all creation. Find out what the prophets say about it in today's episode of the After Class Podcast.

Today, the guys continue through the Old Testament and venture into apocalyptic imagery, trees that clap their hands, and… God's destruction of the earth? Is God culpable for the attacks brought on by nations? All this and more in today's episode of the After Class Podcast.

While we're waiting patiently for Joel and Ethan Coen to reunite as the filmmaking entity known as the Coen Brothers, can we interest you in the Coen Brother and Sister-in-Law? For Ethan Coen and his wife, Tricia Cooke, have teamed up to make the rambunctious road trip comedy, Drive Away Dolls, and on this week's episode they tell John Nugent about how they did it, and poke fun at his Star Wars toys. [25:34 - 40:09 approx.] We're also joined by another great filmmaker this week, as Phillip Noyce Zooms in for a chat with Chris Hewitt about life in the Hollywood system, and how his new movie, Pierce Brosnan thriller Fast Charlie, nearly fell apart at the first hurdle. [1:02:57 - 1:24:01 approx.] Then, in the studio, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara and James Dyer for a fun episode in which they discuss their most recent favourite movies, the films of Ryan Gosling, the week's movie news (including much Oscar chat and Neve Campbell's return to the Scream series), and review Drive Away Dolls, Monster, and The New Boy. Enjoy!

Another week, another packed episode of the Empire Podcast, and once again we're joined by some cracking guests. First, Jeffrey Wright, the freshly Oscar-nominated star of American Fiction, joins Chris Hewitt to talk about that movie, his working practices, the film's unusual original title, and more. (30:37 - 48:53)Then Alex Godfrey sits down on Zoom with The Iron Claw director, Sean Durkin, and his star Zac Efron, for a chat about wrestling, big arms, and big hearts. (1:08:47 - 1:22:35, approx) And either side of those, Chris is joined in the podbooth by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and John Nugent to discuss a whole host of stuff. They talk about the upcoming Empire Podcast tour (Birmingham! Norwich! Sheffield! Dublin! Manchester!), which has just gone on sale now, right some Oscar wrongs for the third and final time, this time tackling Best Director, discuss the week's movie news, including the sad death of Carl Weathers, and review The Iron Claw, Steve McQueen's Occupied City, and Orion And The Dark. Hope to see some of you at our live shows in March. In the meantime, enjoy!

We love the Irish animation studio, Cartoon Saloon, at Empire. And we're not alone — the Kilkenny-based marvels behind the likes of Song Of The Sea, Wolfwalkers, and The Secret Of Kells recently had a BFI season devoted to their exploits, and to mark the beginning of their 25th anniversary. And in this very special edition of the Empire Podcast, Helen O'Hara sits down on Zoom with Cartoon Saloon's head honchos, Tomm Moore, Nora Twomey, and Paul Young, to talk about their unique philosophy and approach. Then Helen hosts Ben Travis and John Nugent for a fun chat about The Very Best Of Cartoon Saloon. Enjoy!

Can you tell the SAG-AFTRA strike is over after several long months, folks? We sure can, because the Empire Podcast this week was besieged by big-name Hollywood actor-types, all keen to appear on the podcast after months of walking up and down outside studios with picket signs. First up, the wonderful Rachel Zegler returns to the pod to talk to Sophie Butcher about starring in the Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad Of Songbirds and Snakes, and brings her British co-star, Tom Blyth, with her. Then, John Nugent sits down on Zoom for an engrossing chat about Killers Of The Flower Moon and the history surrounding it and the Osage people with that film's breakout star, Lily Gladstone. And then, because it's British Actors Named Tom Week, apparently, the one and only Tom Hiddleston — Loki himself — returns to the pod for a chat with Chris Hewitt about the triumphant final episode of season 2 of Loki. Now, bear in mind, this is a lengthy excerpt from our spoiler special interview (which is available now in full, fact fans), so do not listen to it until you've seen Loki s2. So we've placed it right at the end of the pod (1:45:16.00 - 2:01:42.00, to be precise-ish) for the spoiler-averse. Then, in the podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer and, for a spell, John Nugent to discuss the worst presents they've ever bought each other, John Candy movies, the week's movie news (there's a lot of MCU and MCU-adjacent stuff this week, you'll be shocked to hear) and to review May December, Saltburn, and that Hunger Games movie with the long title. Welcome back, actors — we missed you! Enjoy.

A Matter Of Life And Death. The Red Shoes. Black Narcissus. The Tales Of Hoffmann. The Small Back Room. The Life And Death Of Colonel Blimp. I Know Where I'm Going. We could just fill this blurb box by simply listing the films of Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger, the filmmaking duo who might just be British cinema's greatest double act, but we won't. Instead, we'll tell you that their work is currently being celebrated in an amazing nationwide BFI retrospective called Cinema Unbound (check it out and book tickets for screenings and events etc. at bfi.org.uk), and that put us in the mood to put together a special in their honour. And what's truly special about it is the interview that John Nugent conducted with Thelma Schoonmaker, the legendary editor of Martin Scorsese's films, and who was married to Powell until his death 1990 (in fact, Scorsese introduced her to Powell); and Kevin Macdonald, the Scottish film director who is Emeric Pressburger's grandson. On the other side of that wonderful, warm interview, Chris Hewitt invites P&P superfans Ian Freer, Nick de Semlyen and the aforementioned John Nugent into the podbooth to wax lyrical about their favourite Powell & Pressburger moments, movies and more. It's a belter. Enjoy.

It's not so much a hat-trick of amazing guests on this week's Empire Podcast, more a hat-treat as our bumper-sized Halloween edition brings you, tucked away at the episode's end (should you wish to skip there immediately), Ben Travis' warm and wonderful chat with Greta Gerwig, director of the year's biggest movie, Barbie, just in time to mark its release on home entertainment. Plus, Alex Godfrey catches up with Matt Johnson, director of the brilliant Blackberry, and Chris Hewitt talks Hammer and breaking into Pinewood Studios (hopefully not with a hammer) with the newly-revived studio's first title star, Eddie Izzard, star of Doctor Jekyll. Then, in the podbooth, Chris is joined by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and John Nugent for a spooktacular episode in which they reveal their greatest horror movie set visit experiences, talk about their ultimate monster mashes, discuss the week's movie news, and review David Fincher's The Killer, Five Nights At Freddy's, Liam Neeson's Retribution, and Cat Person. Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS! (all approx.)Eddie Izzard: 28:39.00 - 45:12.00Matt Johnson: 1:05:28.00 - 1:25:07.00Greta Gerwig: 1:46:55.00 - 2:04:56.00

In today's episode, the guys begin to wind down the series and respond to listener emails. If God's people are not supposed to use violence, what do we make about the story of Phinehas? What about Jael, Nehemiah, and the Judges of the Old Testament? Today you get your answer.

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

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.

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.

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 episode of the Empire Podcast sees Luca Guadagnino, director of Call Me By Your Name, talk about his new movie, the dark cannibal romance Bones And All, and to spare him the ignominy of Chris Hewitt bellowing *that* song at him, we asked John Nugent to Zoom with Guadagnino instead. The result is a fascinating and frank discussion about the director's creative process. Also being frank and fascinating about their creative process is Tim Minchin, the genius songwriter behind the tunes of this week's Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical. He talks to Helen O'Hara about turning the hit stage musical into a movie, and about the sad failure of the quite wonderful Groundhog Day The Musical. Then, in the podbooth, Chris Hewitt returns and, as well as Googling 'how to host a podcast', welcomes Helen, James Dyer and fourth chair newcomer, Kelechi Ehenulo for discussions of random encounters with Emma Thompson in a lift, the best sequels to not feature the main character from the previous movie, the week's movie news (such as it is; thanks a bunch, Thanksgiving!), and review Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, She Said, Strange World, Matilda, The Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special, and more. It's podcast time — gobble gobble!