Podcasts about Marvel Cinematic Universe

Do it right, or don't do it at all. In episode 179, Nick Koumalatsos returns to Veteran Made to talk about his work as a consulting producer on The Punisher: One Last Kill and his collaboration with Jon Bernthal to bring Frank Castle back to the screen with honesty, weight, and realism. Nick shares how his own background as a Force Recon Marine and special operations veteran helped shape the character, from the tactical details to the deeper emotional truth of a man who has lost his identity, his purpose, and the people who mattered most to him. We talk about how Nick's book, Excommunicated Warrior, influenced parts of Frank's arc, why the story needed to show rock bottom instead of explain it, and what it means to portray veterans and special operations service members as human beings rather than untouchable icons. We also get into the craft behind the film itself — working with Jon Bernthal and the stunt team to build realistic action sequences, refining weapons manipulation and close quarter combat, and understanding the difference between what is real in life and what reads as real on camera. This is a conversation about transition, accountability, purpose, brotherhood, pain, and the responsibility of telling these stories the right way in the most grounded depiction of a modern veteran in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Episode Sponsors: VM Merch Go Pills -- use "VM15" at checkout for 15% off your order. BUBS Naturals -- use "veteranmade" at checkout for 20% off your order. True Made Foods -- use "VET" at checkout for 15% off your order. Ruck Sox -- use "VETERANMADE15" at checkout for 15% off your order. Bravo Actual -- use "Veteran Made" at checkout for 15% off your order. Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9. SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/ https://www.instagram.com/nickkoumalatsos/

Rachel Rampage joins the show this week and this episode is absolute chaos from the jump. After leaving the adult industry back in 2016 and spending the last decade in a relationship, Rachel is officially back in the game — and fully embracing her wild side all over again. We get into her return to porn, exploring submission after years of domination, gangbang fantasies, DP, fake kidnapping roleplay, and the important question of where she prefers the cumshot.We also talk about her background as a dominatrix, stripping, insane strip club stories, and why she says she wants to get “dicked down” as much as humanly possible. Oh — and somehow her and her tits ended up as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This one is funny, wild, horny, and completely out of control in the best possible way.Welcome to EP 227: "The Return Of Rachel Rampage" with Rachel Rampage.Watch the video version of the show on YouTube YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIuCkOl_XummXVdu1t3XOuQFollow Rachel RampageInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealrachelrampage (@therealrachelrampage) Follow the showInstagram: https://instagram.com/sexparty.fm (@sexparty.fm)Twitter: https://twitter.com/sexpartyfm (@sexpartyfm)Follow Dustin Instagram: https://instagram.com/dustin.rybka (@dustin.rybka)Twitter: https://twitter.com/dustinrybka (@dustinrybka)Sex Party with Dustin Rybka

Terminó la segunda temporada de Daredevil: Born Again, en la que Matt Murdock y Wilson Fisk se disputaron la ciudad de Nueva York. Analizamos todo lo que nos dejó esta historia y especulamos sobre cómo continuará el año que viene, además de sus ramificaciones en el resto del MCU, incluyendo el rol de Punisher en Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

This week we venture to Phase Two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to discuss our favorite armored avenger with Iron Man 3. Journey with us as we discuss this third film that pits Tony Stark against his archenemy, an evil tech company, and Extremis. We discuss the production timeline of this film and how Shane Black leaves his impression on the trilogy. Is this the best of the Iron Man films or are there too many jump the shark moments? So pour some rye, grab your Mark 42 suit, and get ready for another Iron Man adventure. Cheers!

Robert Hays joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk about Airplane!, the classic comedy that made him a household name as Ted Striker and remains one of the most quotable movies ever made. In this conversation, Hays looks back on the film's wild legacy, working with Leslie Nielsen, Peter Graves, Lloyd Bridges and Julie Hagerty, and why Airplane! still makes audiences laugh 45 years later.Hays also opens up about the Airplane! Live tour, reuniting with Julie Hagerty, the behind-the-scenes moments that shaped the movie, and why Airplane 3 never happened. He also reflects on his career beyond the cockpit, including Homeward Bound, Starman, Angie and voicing Tony Stark/Iron Man before the Marvel Cinematic Universe became a global phenomenon.Airplane! Live gives fans the chance to watch the iconic comedy on the big screen and hear behind-the-scenes stories from Robert Hays and Julie Hagerty: https://www.airplanelivetour.com/Visit Nerdtropolis.comFacebook.com/nerdtropolisInstagram.com/nerdtropolisTwitter.com/nerdtropolisTikTok.com/@nerdtropolis

Se estrenó el especial The Punisher: One Last Kill, donde Frank Castle toca fondo para resurgir como una versión más letal de sí mismo, a puro tiro, cuchillazo y birome. En este episodio hablamos de lo que nos dejó esta historia y especulamos sobre qué le espera al personaje, a pocas semanas de que se cruce con Peter Parker en Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Au programme :Debrief de "The Punisher: One Last Kill" et "Daredevil Born Again S2"Infos :

Kristian Harloff breaks down the biggest movie and TV news stories of the day, including major shakeups in the future of Star Wars on Disney+, new Marvel reveals, fresh reactions to The Punisher: One Last Kill, and the latest updates on Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated epic, The Odyssey. A rumored crossover event connecting The Mandalorian and Ahsoka may have been scrapped, while new reports reveal the massive release gap between Ahsoka Season 1 and Season 2. Plus, VisionQuest finally gets a premiere window and new details teasing the return of Ultron to the MCU. Kristian also discusses whether Miles Morales could finally enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe and what the first reactions to The Punisher: One Last Kill are saying. On top of that, Christopher Nolan responds to criticism surrounding historical accuracy claims for The Odyssey while new details emerge about Lupita Nyong'o's mysterious dual roles in the film. Topics include: Star Wars crossover movie between The Mandalorian and Ahsoka reportedly canceled Ahsoka Season 2 release date window and Disney+ delays explained VisionQuest premiere date and Ultron MCU return rumors The Punisher: One Last Kill early reviews and reactions Miles Morales potentially joining the MCU Christopher Nolan addresses The Odyssey controversy Lupita Nyong'o's roles in The Odyssey revealed Marvel, Star Wars, DC and movie news updates If you're a fan of Star Wars, Marvel Studios, Christopher Nolan, The Punisher, Ahsoka, The Mandalorian, VisionQuest, Spider-Man, and the latest entertainment news, this episode of The Kristian Harloff Show has you covered. #StarWars #Ahsoka #TheMandalorian #VisionQuest #Marvel #MCU #ThePunisher #MilesMorales #SpiderMan #ChristopherNolan #TheOdyssey #KristianHarloff #MovieNews #DisneyPlus #MarvelStudios Livestream Timecodes 00:00 Intro 03:35 Ahsoka Season 2? 23:35 Hims 25:19 VisionQuest Date Reveal 39:54 Peter Jackson's Tintin? 44:38 28 Years Later 3rd Film? 49:52 The Odyssey Updates 57:59 Q&A SPONSOR:  HIMS: Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://www.hims.com/KRISTIAN to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you.  Based on advertised cash price for 30-day supply of medication only. Membership required, fee not included, and billed separately. Weight Loss by Hims is not available in all 50 states. Wegovy® is the registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A.S. To get started and learn more, including important safety information, Wegovy® clinical study information, and restrictions, visit https://www.Hims.com BECOME A MEMBER & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Get exclusive perks by joining this channel:    / @thekristianharloff   Discord Link:   / discord   WATCH MORE FROM THE KRISTIAN HARLOFF SHOW: Clips Channel:    / @kristianharloffclipschannel   Full Show Playlist:    • The Kristian Harloff Show   Capes and Cowls:    • Playlist   Movie Reactions:    • Playlist   SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon:   / thebigthingshow   Merch Store: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-... Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls... FOLLOW KRISTIAN HARLOFF: Cameo: https://cameo.com/kristianharloff Twitter/X:   / kristianharloff   Facebook:   / harloff   Instagram:   / kristianharloff   THE KRISTIAN HARLOFF SHOW TEAM: Hosts: Kevin Smets @StarWarsSquad Kris Carr: @TwoFilthyCasualsPod John Rocha: @JohnRochaSays Roxy Striar: @roxystriar Mike Kalinowski: @MrMikeKalinowski Steph Sabraw: @StephSabraw Winston A. Marshall: @TheSwaggyBlerd Producers: Luke: @GalaxyGeeks PLD: @PLDprojects Submit questions for future shows:   / harloff        

Uh oh! Voting rights have been dismantled and now Meagan is vying for crusty stinker of the week! But it's okay and everything is fine because she has made an important discovery, and it's something called…“The Marvel Cinematic Universe.”

Ten years ago today, Team Cap went face-to-face with Team Iron Man on the big screen. Join The Watchers as we celebrate one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's biggest films: Captain America: Civil War! #TeamCap #TeamIronMan #MCU #CivilWar #Marvel #MarvelStudios #PhaseThreeCaptain America: Civil War (2016) is a superhero movie directed by the Russo Bros. that stars Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Emily VanCamp, Marisa Tomei, Tom Holland, Frank Grillo, Martin Freeman, William Hurt and Daniel Brühl. Subscribe, rate and review! Follow The Watchers in the Basement on social media! Use #WatchersBasement to comment about the show! facebook.com/watchersbasementtwitter.com/WatchBasement instagram.com/watchersbasementthreads.net/@watchersbasementanchor.fm/watchersbasement#captainamerica #captainamericamovie #captainamericacivilwar #steverogers #chrisevans #teamcap #ironman #tonystark #robertdowneyjr #rdj #teamironman #marvel #marvelstudios #mcu #marvelcinematicuniverse #marvelcomics #phasethree #phase3 #russobrothers #civilwar #kevinfeige #watchersbasement #podcast #houston #houstontx #houstonpodcast #blackwidow #blackwidowmarvel #scarjo #sebastianstan #buckybarnes #buckybarnes #thewintersoldier #samwilson #thefalcon #thefalconandthewintersoldier #anthonymackie #warmachine #doncheadle #jeremyrenner #hawkeye #clintbarton #blackpanther #blackpantherwakandaforever #chadwickboseman #thevision #wandavision #paulbettany #wanda #wandamaximoff #wanda_maximoff #elizabetholsen #antman #scottlang #paulrudd #giantman #spiderman #spidermanmcu #peterparker #tomholland #avengers #avengersageofultron #zemo

This week on the show, after the news - we're going to discuss what we'd like to see in the Marvel Cinematic Universe after Secret Wars drops - and maybe even answer the question - why does my cat keep drinking my iced tea?

La carrera política de Wilson Fisk y el camino de Matt Murdock como vigilante convergen en el episodio final de la segunda temporada de Daredevil: Born Again.

The Chicago Sky had social media buzzing by waiving Hailey Van Lith, only to announce the signing of veteran guard Natasha Cloud minutes later. The Dallas Wings have been clicking on all cylinders during the WNBA preseason, and more with Tyler DeLuca and Brian “BMac” Mackay. HerHoopStats.com: Unlocking better insight about the women's game.The Her Hoop Stats Newsletter: https://herhoopstats.substack.comTo donate to 24 Hours of Nothing But Net with Debbie Antonelli: https://24HoursNBN.comWatch LIVE on Facebook and YouTube by searching username: @NBNwithDA.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh sits down with Dungannon actor Fra Fee to chat about his impressive catalogue of work that spans stage, film & TV, while delving into those key moments that shaped his career.From his breakout screen role as Courfeyrac in Les Misérables to performances in local films including Animals & Boys From County Hell, Fra has built a strong presence on screen, balancing indie projects against large-scale productions like Hawkeye on Disney+ & Zack Snyder's Rebel Moon.Now, Unchosen is available to stream on Netflix, in which he plays the enigmatic & manipulative Sam. Fra discusses his approach to this complex, morally ambiguous role, the contrast in working across different mediums, & how he develops a character from script to performance.This podcast has been made possible with the support of the Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland Stakeholders Fund.Listen now to the podcast on SoundCloud, Apple, Spotify, Acast & Amazon, subscribe to Film Ireland wherever you get your podcasts or watch the original recording back:https://www.filmireland.net/podcast-actor-fra-fee-unchosen-rebel-moon-hawkeyeAbout Fra FeeImmediately after graduating from the Royal Academy of Music, Dungannon actor Fra landed a role in the West End production of Dirty Dancing. Since then, he has worked consistently across stage & screen. Recently, Fra Fee starred in the leading role of Emcee in the Olivier Award-winning production of Cabaret in the West End. Fra also appeared in Jez Butterworth's critically acclaimed run, The Ferryman at the Royal Court Theatre, London's West End & on Broadway. Fra won the 2018 WhatsOnStage Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Play, for his role in the show. Fra's other theatre credits include Translations & As You Like It, both at the National Theatre, the World Premiere of The Wind in the Willows, & the title role in Candide at the Menier Chocolate Factory. On screen, Fra is known for his portrayal of Courfeyrac in Tom Hooper's film adaptation of Les Misérables. In 2021, he appeared as Kazi in the Disney+ series Hawkeye, which is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He worked with director Zack Snyder, starring as Balisarius in Rebel Moon Part 1 & 2. He also had roles in Animals, Boys From County Hell, Pixie & The Laureate.UnchosenAll six episodes are available to stream on Netflix now.Molly Windsor & Asa Butterfield (Sex Education) star alongside Christopher Eccleston, Siobhan Finneran, & Fra in the series from Intergalactic writer/creator Julie Gearey. This psychological thriller takes viewers behind the closed doors of a fictional conservative religious sect.Unchosen follows Rosie, who lives in a cloistered Christian community with her husband, Adam (Butterfield) & their daughter. The fateful arrival of the mysterious Sam, an escaped prisoner, throws into relief the reality & restraints of Rosie's world: Perhaps her hidden religious community doesn't have her best interests at heart. As cracks begin to appear in Rosie & Adam's marriage, Sam presents himself as Rosie's savior. But with his dark criminal past, where does the greatest danger lie - with the cult, or with Sam?Sam is an escaped convict who was arrested as a teen for a deadly crime. He quickly integrates himself into the fellowship & uses his powers of coercion to become a pillar of the community. While balancing an affair with Rosie & flirtation with Adam, Sam lives in fear of being sent back to prison. “He is fiercely intelligent, highly manipulative, & able to get what he wants by abusing other characters' insecurities or their weaknesses,” Fee tells Tudum. “A lot of the time, I don't think it's necessarily premeditated. He's just very reactionary & a real survivor.” Figuring out how to play Sam was a lesson in embracing the grey areas. Because the character's intentions were often murky & complex, Gearey encouraged Fee to never “fully dot the i's or cross the t's” in scenes. “There always had to be room for an alternative intention,” Fee explains. Over the years, the podcast has featured acclaimed guests such as Phyllida Lloyd, Lenny Abrahamson, M. Night Shyamalan, John Boorman, Saoirse Ronan, Colin Farrell, Aisha Tyler, Colm Meaney, Paul Reiser, Niamh Algar, David Freyne, Ciarán Donnelly, Joshua Oppenheimer, John Crowley, Niamh Algar, Gene Stupnitsky, and Terence Davies, alongside many of the most influential voices working in film and television today.So make sure to subscribe and listen back! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us Fan MailWe are back this week reviewing the latest from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is the penultimate episode of Daredevil Born Again Season 2. We break this one down and give our look and thoughts onto each scene, as well as preparing ourselves for the finale up ahead. What did we think of the show? Did it land as much as the others? Are we excited for the finale? We break it all down while also having the time to discuss cargo shorts, Titanic, a role-play of Goldar and Randy Newman in a relationship with a special guest appearing at the door, and so much more.Tune in for the Daredevil thoughts, stay for the laughs. We appreciate you tuning in!To support the show, you can find us at Patreon.com/ABINGERSPodcast.Thanks for listening!The ABINGERSSupport the show

A solo una semana del final, empezamos a despedirnos de la segunda temporada de Daredevil: Born Again con un penúltimo episodio en el que Matt y Karen llevan la batalla contra Fisk al terreno legal.

Season 2 of Geekstorians continues with the corporate disaster that accidentally redrew modern pop culture.In ‘The Fire Sale Blueprint', Dave looks at how Marvel's bankruptcy in the 1990s led to one of the strangest and most important chain reactions in film history. As the company collapsed under debt, many of its biggest characters were licensed or sold off in deals that looked sensible at the time and faintly insane in hindsight.Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four and others ended up in other studios' hands. What Marvel was left with looked, at the time, like the second-string cupboard. Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Black Panther, The Avengers. Characters with history, but not the kind of obvious Hollywood heat attached to Spider-Man or the X-Men.That bad hand turned out to be the hand that changed everything.This episode follows the path from Ronald Perelman's debt-loaded takeover of Marvel, through the bankruptcy fight involving Carl Icahn, Isaac Perlmutter and Avi Arad, to the strange reality in which the company's most famous heroes became someone else's blockbuster and the leftovers became the foundation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.It is also the story of how Blade, X-Men and Spider-Man proved the value of Marvel characters on screen, while Kevin Feige, Jon Favreau and Robert Downey Jr. helped turn the characters nobody wanted into the centre of the biggest shared universe in film history.If the earlier episodes in Season 2 were about collapse and survival, this one is about something slightly stranger: how a financial disaster became a design document.Geekstorians is a documentary-style podcast from Dave Elliott of Geektown, exploring the hidden history of geek culture, fandom, film, television, comics and gaming.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/geektown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LIVE EPISODE TAPING of Dayspring with the legendary voice of Jean Grey herself, Catherine Disher! We're recording this live from Lady J's Mutant and Proud event in Philadelphia!

With great podcasting power, there must also come great responsibility as Priscilla joins the guys to discuss 2021's 'Spider-Man: No Way Home'. They discuss the culmination of Tom Holland's initial MCU trilogy, their love for 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' and seeing three Spider-Men, Spider-Mans(?) on screen being the stuff of nerd dreams. Oh, and don't worry, they question whether the film should have made the list in the first place. Grab your sling ring, open a portal and come join us.  (02:45) - Why we love 'Spider-Man: No Way Home'(07:50) - Criticisms of the Film(39:05) - Categories(1:13:40) - Film Specific Superlatives(1:21:35) - Hope for 'Avengers: Doomsday'Please support us here.Also available on YouTube.Host: Bankole Imoukhuede Guests: Ebuka, Steve and PriscillaProduction by: Bankole Imoukhuede

The ComicBook Nation crew tries to recover from the Season 4 Finale of Invincible, and get hyped about Jessica Jones making her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, and review the new Netflix thriller Apex with Charlize Theron and Taron Edgerton.  PLUS: The trailer park is open as we get our first look at DC's Clayface, another look at Mortal Kombat II, and a first look at the next Evil Dead movie! We also discuss Avengers: Endgame getting re-released in theaters with new footage, and whether it's worth seeing.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

(00:00:00) Technical Difficulties and Mic Troubles (00:03:00) The Clay Face Movie Announcement (00:05:43) Batman Universe Expansion and Clay Face's Origins (00:19:40) The Odyssey: Christopher Nolan's Epic Adaptation (00:32:21) Robert Eggers' New Werewolf Movie (00:42:33) Other CinemaCon Announcements (00:44:31) Lord of the Rings Prequel Casting News (00:45:35) Supergirl's Alien Language Skills (00:46:03) Evil Dead Franchise Updates (00:47:35) Dune Part Three and Avengers Doomsday To kick off this week's exciting episode, the guys dive deep into the latest and most intriguing news emerging from this year's highly anticipated CinemaCon. This event, known for showcasing the biggest upcoming films and industry trends, has provided a wealth of information that fans and filmmakers alike are buzzing about. They begin their discussion with a fascinating look at DC Studios' upcoming project, Clayface. This film, which is being heralded as a body horror masterpiece, is penned by the talented Mike Flanagan, who is known for his ability to weave horror elements with rich character development. The direction is in the capable hands of James Watkins, whose previous works have demonstrated a keen eye for atmospheric storytelling. The guys analyze what this unique take on the classic villain could mean for the DC cinematic universe, particularly in how it might explore themes of identity and transformation in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.Following this, the conversation shifts to Christopher Nolan's much-anticipated film, The Odyssey. This project promises to be a visually stunning reinterpretation of the classic tale, featuring a pivotal scene that showcases the legendary Trojan Horse. The guys discuss Nolan's signature storytelling style and how it might bring new layers of depth to this ancient narrative, potentially blending historical elements with his trademark non-linear storytelling. They ponder on the implications of such a scene in the context of modern cinema and how it could influence audience perceptions of heroism and cunning.Next on the agenda is Robert Eggers' intriguing new film, Werwulf, which stars the dynamic duo of Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Lilly-Rose Depp. The guys express their excitement about Eggers' unique vision, known for his meticulous attention to historical detail and atmospheric tension. They speculate on the film's premise and themes, considering how it might delve into folklore and mythology, potentially offering a fresh perspective on the werewolf legend. The chemistry between Taylor-Johnson and Depp is also a point of discussion, with the guys contemplating how their performances could elevate the film's narrative.As the episode progresses, the guys engage in a rapid-fire news segment that covers a plethora of upcoming projects that are generating buzz in the film community. They touch upon Evil Dead Burn, a new installment in the beloved horror franchise that promises to deliver the same thrills and chills that fans have come to expect. The conversation then shifts to Dune Part 3, where they discuss the potential for the continuation of Frank Herbert's epic saga and what it could mean for the characters and the expansive universe. They also touch on the intriguing title Avengers' Doomsday, speculating on how this new entry might reshape the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its heroes.Furthermore, the guys briefly discuss Digger, a project that has caught their attention, along with a new venture from J.J. Abrams that has yet to be fully unveiled. The anticipation surrounding Abrams' work is palpable, given his track record of creating compelling narratives that captivate audiences. Lastly, they wrap up the rapid-fire segment with a mention of Violent Night 2, a sequel that has fans eager to see how the story of Santa Claus in a violent showdown will unfold. Each of these topics fuels an engaging discussion, providing insights and predictions that keep listeners on the edge of their seats, eager for the cinematic experiences that await.Official Website: https://www.comesnaturallypodcast.comOfficial Merchandise: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/comes-naturally-podcast/iTunes: http://tinyurl.com/kqkgackFacebook: http://tinyurl.com/myovgm8Tumblr: http://tinyurl.com/m7a6mg9Twitter: @ComesNaturalPodYouTube: http://tiny.cc/5snxpy

Marvel Studios plans to return to Hall H this year, the Clayface trailer delivers a sculpted first look at that film, and there's steady heat at the box office. All of that and more coming up right after this.Welcome to Multiverse News, your source for information about all your favorite fictional universes.Five Star Review from Simon Poelzer on Overcast: Currently the service Overcast I use doesn't have a review system but I still wanted to show my appreciation with a direct email 5 star review.Personally I think the new Harry Potter series is unnecessary like seeing new people in your old house, but it looks good and well made so I will probably watch by pirating because I refuse to give a cent towards JK RowlingGo Jays goHaha I just got an American to cheer for the Blue JaysMarvel Studios Will ReturnPerhaps hope will spring eternal after all with the announcement that Marvel Studios will be back in Hall H this year at San Diego Comic-Con. There's a lot on the line this year with Avengers: Doomsday, so the franchise giant must see the sense in returning to their iconic presentation time and space. Post-COVID, Comic-Con has seen success wax and wane in these presentations, but is it do or die time for the MCU?Skin-Deep VillainyDC Studios delivered a teaser trailer for Clayface, premiering this fall on October 23. The haunting trailer shows the titular character and flashes of violence happening to and around him. We're also getting the whole Harvey Dent family in The Batman II with legendary actor Charles Dance in talks to play Harvey's father. Dance is known for his role as Tywin Lannister on Game of Thrones and joins a powerful family with Sebastian Stan and Scarlett Johansson already slated to play Harvey and Gilda Dent, respectively. Things are feeling spooky in the best way, right?Space-Crazy Box OfficeSpace is dominating the space at the box office, with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie crossing the $740 million mark recently and Project Hail Mary bringing in more than half a billion dollars. Though perhaps not well-known in the states, Super Mario just blew by China's race car film Pegasus 3, which has garnered more than $600 million. Lee Cronin's The Mummy opened last weekend to a $34 million global start as well with a different trajectory than space and keeping the horror box office strong. It appears that the movie theater is back…?Coming up in the Lightning Round: David Harbour joins Rambo prequel, The Elden Ring movie is a go, another, yes ANOTHER, Texas Chainsaw Massacre property, and Rings of Power Season 3 coming soon. Don't go anywhere!Patreon Plug - Patron of the Week: Mt.KillaManjaroSpotify PollWho won CinemaCon this year?Disney - 71.4%Warner Bros. - 21.4%Sony - 4.8%Paramount - 0%Universal - 2.4%Amazon MGM - 0%Lightning RoundDavid Harbour has joined the cast of Rambo prequel John Rambo, Lionsgate and Millennium Media's action feature being directed by Jalmari Helander.A24 has entered production on Alex Garland's film adaptation of the video game Elden Ring, which now has a release date of March 3, 2028. Several cast members have also been announced including Cailee Spaeny, Jonathan Pryce, Nick Offerman, and Peter Serafinowicz, among others.Kathryn Newton is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Avengers: Doomsday after starring in 2023's Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. She announced her return to the franchise on Instagram last week.A24 is in talks with Obsession filmmaker Curry Baker to write and direct a Texas Chainsaw Massacre film, which will exist separately from the planned TV series from Glen Powell.AppleTV has released the first teaser trailer for season 3 of Silo and set a release date. The 10-episode season will premiere with the first episode on July 3, followed by one new episode every Friday through September 4.The Multiverse News lore runs deep today: Ketchup Entertainment has released the first trailer for Dave Green's Coyote vs. Acme.

Matt y Karen en crisis, Fisk en duelo, el regreso de Jessica Jones, el cumpleaños de Gandolfini, Heather en 50 sombras de Buck, y mucho más, en el episodio 2x06 de Daredevil: Born Again.

Welcome back to The Kristian Harloff Show—your go-to hub for breaking movie news, trailer breakdowns, and everything happening in Hollywood. On today's episode, Kristian dives deep into some major updates across DC, Marvel, and horror: A full Clayface trailer breakdown—what can we expect from Clayface and how might this project shape the future of the DC Universe? New reports confirm trailers for Coyote, Clayface, and Creed are on the way—what should fans be watching for as these releases approach? Marvel Studios is reportedly planning big moves for Comic-Con while also dealing with internal layoffs—what does this mean for the future of Marvel Cinematic Universe? The Punisher: One Last Kill starring Frank Castle has officially been rated TV-MA—are we getting the darkest version of The Punisher yet? Curry Barker is set to direct a new The Texas Chainsaw Massacre film—what direction will this iconic horror series take next? If you're into DC, Marvel, horror films, and the biggest industry updates, Kristian brings expert analysis, strong opinions, and fan-driven discussion every single day. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more movie news, trailer reactions, and deep dives into everything happening in entertainment. #KristianHarloffShow #Clayface #DCU #Marvel #Punisher #TexasChainsawMassacre #MovieNews #TrailerBreakdown #Hollywood   SPONSORS:  RUGIET: Head to https://www.Rugiet.com/KRISTIAN and get 15% off your ED treatment. HIMS: Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://www.hims.com/KRISTIAN to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you. Weight Loss by Hims is not available in all 50 states. Wegovy® is the registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A.S. To get started and learn more, including important safety information, Wegovy® clinical study information, and restrictions, visit Hims dot com.

In a twist that no one saw coming, not even us, the villains in this movie are Val and Mel!  Despite this, I thought Thunderbolts would be better. :( However, the constant characters in this movie support a protagonist with a change arc, and fill archetypal roles in the movie. In another surprising twist - switching the villain in the end of the movie has a big impact on the effectiveness of the speech in praise of the villain. This episode has more twists and and turns than the MCU - and that is saying something! -M Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.Watch us on YouTube!

Kevin Schaefer, along with his fellow geeky pals Andy Walsh, Jill Elizabeth, and Will Rose, digs deep into the origins of Daredevil in this special bonus episode of Systematic Geekology, all in honor of Earth Day! The crew unpacks how the tragic accident that blinds Matt Murdock intertwines with the legacy of Iron Fist, revealing some nifty Easter eggs about the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They explore the people who shaped Matt into the heroic figure we know, from his father Jack Murdoch to his mentor Stick, weaving a rich tapestry of inspiration and influence. With witty banter and a relaxed vibe, they not only geek out on the superhero's backstory but also reflect on broader themes of responsibility and morality. So, whether you're a hardcore fan or just curious, this chat is a delightful blend of comic lore and thoughtful musings! Daredevil's origin story is a complex tapestry woven from tragedy, morality, and the intricate relationships that shape the hero he becomes. The episode dives deep into Matt Murdock's backstory, exploring how his childhood accident, which left him blind, is not just a pivotal moment for him but also a reflection of his innate sense of justice. The hosts, Kevin, Andy, Will, and Jill, dissect the connection between Daredevil and Iron Fist, particularly how Rand Enterprises plays a crucial role in Matt's transformation into the vigilante we know. They highlight the idea that Matt's blindness did not just rob him of sight but heightened his other senses, shaping him into a uniquely gifted fighter for justice. The discussion also touches on the importance of familial ties, particularly with his father, Jack Murdock, whose death at the hands of gangsters becomes a catalyst for Matt's journey into the law and his nighttime escapades as Daredevil. The banter among the hosts adds a lively touch to the analysis, making the exploration feel like a conversation among friends rather than a formal review, which keeps the audience engaged and invested in the discussion.Takeaways:Daredevil's origin story is deeply rooted in tragedy, influencing his moral compass and drive for justice.The connection between Daredevil and Iron Fist adds an intriguing layer to their respective origins in the MCU.Matt Murdock's heightened senses serve as a metaphor for his internal struggle with morality and justice.The role of mentors like Stick and Jack Murdock shapes Daredevil's character, showcasing the impact of relationships on identity.Exploring the themes of responsibility and personal tragedy reveals the complex layers of Daredevil's character.The podcast emphasizes how the experiences and influences behind superheroes can mirror our own life journeys..Be sure to check out our merch, find extra content, and become an official member of Systematic Geekology on our website:https://systematic-geekology-shop.fourthwall.com/.Listen to last year's Earth Day special where we discuss our favorite animated films for environmental awareness:https://systematic-geekology.captivate.fm/episode/top-3-eco-friendly-animated-films-to-celebrate-earth-day/.Check out all of our annual theme series for 2026, "The Faces Behind Us":https://player.captivate.fm/collection/dd903597-98be-49ed-998c-5cdaf73b6af4.Listen to our other Marvel episodes:https://player.captivate.fm/collection/fb519d38-2d9b-4f82-b041-81b81613543c.Check out other episodes with Kevin:https://player.captivate.fm/collection/84fd7d06-cf1f-48e5-b358-09a01c5a6bc9.Check out other episodes with Will:https://player.captivate.fm/collection/4559ab55-4b6a-4432-b0a7-b61540df8803.Listen to all of Andy's episodes:https://player.captivate.fm/collection/c86f7a67-357b-4324-bf95-e42cedb9932a.Hear all of our episodes with Jill:https://player.captivate.fm/collection/93b2d7c5-1f3a-4fdb-8d87-350f6ca167b9Mentioned in this episode:Systematic GeekologyOur show focuses around our favorite fandoms that we discuss from a Christian perspective. We do not try to put Jesus into all our favorite stories, but rather we try to ask the questions the IPs are asking, then addressing those questions from our perspective. We are not all ordained, but we are the Priests to the Geeks, in the sense that we try to serve as mediators between the cultures around our favorite fandoms and our faith communities.The Anazao Podcast NetworkBe sure to check out the network website to see other podcasts trying to engage honestly with Scripture, Theology, Pop Culture, Martial Arts, Science, and more!Anazao Podcast NetworkBecome a Member of Systematic Geekology Today!You can become a member of Systematic Geekology using the link below and gain access to free extra content, exclusive t-shirts, merchandise giveaways, and much more!SG on Fourthwall

The nostalgia bomb has officially detonated. Ryan and David are covering Spider-Man: No Way Home. This month on Puny Pod, the MCU rewatch podcast that covers the Marvel Cinematic Universe in release order, Ryan and David dig into the movie that made $1.9 billion dollars, broke the all-time trailer record, and — depending on who you ask — is either a top-tier MCU entry or a brilliantly engineered feelings delivery system masquerading as a film. Spoiler: they do not agree. At all. But they both have a very good time arguing about it. Along the way they break down the comics, the wild behind-the-scenes story of how this movie almost didn't happen, the villain who absolutely steals the show, and why Andrew Garfield might deserve a little more credit than he ever got. Plus post-credits scenes, MVP picks, and Ryan making a confession about his relationship with nostalgia that explains a lot. Themes by J.R. Trimpe: https://trimpe.org/ ---------------- Support the show! Check out our super secret spoiler show on the EarzUp! Patreon Visit us on Etsy for the official Puny Pod Merch Come say hi on Discord! Subscribe on iTunes Start your own podcast with Zencastr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the premium unc hour.Welcome to the premium unc hour.Chapters00:00 Coachella Reflections and Hip-Hop's Status02:39 Festival Experiences and Nostalgia05:38 WrestleMania and Wrestling's Current Landscape08:28 The Impact of Celebrity on Wrestling11:19 The Evolution of Entertainment and Niche Markets14:10 The Decline of Social Media Quality17:06 The Nature of Online Interactions19:57 The Absurdity of Ads and Targeting23:48 Pop Culture and Current Shows28:29 The Overload of Content Consumption28:36 Marvel Movie Discussions and Cultural Representation31:22 Upcoming Marvel Projects and Nostalgia33:26 Shannon Elizabeth's OnlyFans and Nostalgic Icons39:22 Hood Classics and Cultural Perspectives40:34 Nostalgia for Classic Movies42:41 Cultural Reflections in Film45:28 Modern Cinema and Changing Narratives48:25 Sports Talk: NBA and UFC Highlights resourcesCoachella Official Site - https://www.coachella.com/Justin Bieber Official - https://www.justinbiebermusic.com/WWE Official Site - https://www.wwe.com/The Boys (Amazon Prime) - https://www.amazon.com/The-Boys/dp/B07VJYZF4VInvincible (Amazon Prime) - https://www.amazon.com/Invincible-Season-2/dp/B0B8V7V7XKThe Mandalorian (Disney+) - https://www.disneyplus.com/series/the-mandalorian/3jLIGMDYINqDFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Marvel Cinematic Universe - https://www.marvel.com/moviesShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9376612/Porky's (1981) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082533/The Sandlot (1993) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108037/Superbad (2007) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0829482/Weird Science (1985) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089885/Animal House (1978) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077975/The USS Liberty incident - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Liberty_incident

The Daily Quiz - Entertainment, Society and Culture Today's Questions: Question 1: Which popular '90s show featured the character of Ross Geller? Question 2: Name the movie that matches the following plot summary: 'A former detective becomes obsessed with the woman he has been hired to trail.' Question 3: Which of these languages would you find spoken in Pakistan? Question 4: Which animal would you associate with the Porsche logo? Question 5: Which actor has appeared in both Django Unchained and Moneyball? Question 6: Which actor plays the role of Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Question 7: What is the plot of the movie Schindler's List? Question 8: In which year was The Great Escape released? This podcast is produced by Klassic Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Murdock y Wilson Fisk van y vienen entre presente y pasado, en el quinto episodio de la segunda temporada de Daredevil: Born Again. Además: el trailer de The Punisher: One Last Kill, ¿se viene el trailer de Avengers: Doomsday?, despidos en Marvel, y más. // ATAJOS // (00:41) Despidos en Marvel / (10:05) CinemaCon: avances de Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-verse, ¿y Avengers: Doomsday? / (17:53) Trailer de The Punisher: One Last Kill / (28:07) Daredevil: Born Again, temporada 2, episodio 5: 'The Grand Design' 

Cate Blanchett Month takes a cosmic, neon-drenched turn this week on We Drink & We Watch Things as we dive into the Marvel Cinematic Universe to witness Cate Blanchett at her most delightfully wicked: Taika Waititi's 2017 technicolor blast, Thor: Ragnarok. It's time to pour yourself a drink that's as bold and dangerous as our guest of honor - Lemar's Hella Fire, perhaps - as we head to Asgard to meet the sister Thor and Loki never knew they had.This week, we celebrate Cate's turn as Hela, the Goddess of Death, and how she managed to create one of the most charismatic and genuinely threatening villains in the entire MCU. We examine her incredible physical presence - from the effortless way she catches Mjolnir to the iconic antlered headgear - and talk through how much fun she clearly had playing a character who is unapologetically powerful and bored by everyone else's rules. We also highlight the film's shift toward improvisational comedy, the vibrant "Jack Kirby" visual style, and why Hela stands out as a masterclass in how to bring gravitas and theatrical flair to a superhero blockbuster. And why we want more of her!If you love a villain who steals every scene they're in, or if you just want to hear us gush about Cate's ability to command an entire army with just a flick of her wrist, this is the episode for you. We're blending our adoration for her range with our usual casual banter, making this a high-voltage highlight of our actress Month journey. Kneel before your Queen!This episode VIDEO is live on YouTube AND Spotify!Follow us on Instagram to get ep sneak peaks and find out what's coming up. DM us what you want to hear about next!Interested in what we're watching off the pod? Check out Mackenzie or Lemar's Letterboxd!

Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Analytic⁠⁠Join The Normandy For Ad-Free NME, Additional Bonus Audio And Visual Content For All Things Nme+! Join Here:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://ow.ly/msoH50WCu0K⁠⁠In this segment of Notorious Mass Effect, Analytic Dreamz reacts to the official trailer for A Marvel Television Special Presentation: The Punisher: One Last Kill. Jon Bernthal returns as Frank Castle in this highly anticipated Marvel Television special, set to premiere May 12 on Disney+.Analytic Dreamz breaks down the trailer's intense footage, exploring Frank's internal struggle as he searches for meaning beyond revenge, only to be pulled back into a brutal fight by an unexpected force. The segment covers key details including the special's violent tone, returning elements from the original Punisher series, its place within the Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline, and what it signals for Bernthal's future appearances in upcoming Marvel projects.This Notorious Mass Effect segment delivers a detailed, spoiler-free reaction and analysis of the trailer, examining the storytelling, visuals, and implications for one of Marvel's most iconic anti-heroes.Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome back to The Kristian Harloff Show—your daily source for the biggest movie news, Marvel updates, DC rumors, and everything trending in Hollywood. On today's episode, Kristian dives into some major stories that could shape the future of blockbuster filmmaking: A new report suggests the first full trailer for Avengers: Doomsday could be dropping sooner than expected. What can we expect from the next massive chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? With CinemaCon buzz heating up, we break down 15 major pieces of movie news that could break next week—from potential reveals in Star Wars to surprises surrounding The Legend of Zelda adaptations and more. DC Universe speculation continues as Adria Arjona is rumored to be playing Wonder Woman in Man of Tomorrow. Could this be the direction James Gunn is taking the DCU? If you're into Marvel, DC, Star Wars, and breaking entertainment news, Kristian brings expert analysis, insider-style discussion, and fan-focused reactions to all the biggest stories. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for daily updates, trailer breakdowns, and movie news coverage right here on the channel. #KristianHarloffShow #AvengersDoomsday #Marvel #DCU #WonderWoman #StarWars #MovieNews #CinemaCon #MCU SPONSOR:  RUGIET: For a limited time only, head to https://www.Rugiet.com/KRISTIAN to get 15% off your order.

Matt y Karen intentan fortalecer la resistencia, Fisk demuestra su habilidad para el boxeo y Bullseye toma un licuado de banana en el cuarto episodio de la segunda temporada de Daredevil: Born Again.

Welcome back to The Kristian Harloff Show — your go-to destination for the latest breaking news, rumors, and analysis in the world of movies, TV, and pop culture. Today's episode is packed with major updates from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, huge developments for the future of the X-Men, and exciting news for fans of One Piece and street-level Marvel heroes. We kick things off with a deep dive into Marvel Studios' evolving plans for mutants as director Jake Schreier teases what's next for the X-Men in the MCU. With new writers from Beef and The Bear stepping in to reshape the upcoming X-Men film, what direction is Marvel heading—and can they finally get it right? We also revisit She-Hulk: Attorney at Law after surprising comments that it was one of Marvel's best-performing Disney+ shows. Was it underrated, or is Marvel rewriting the narrative? On the streaming side, One Piece fans get a major update as Season 3 is officially targeting a 2027 release. What does this mean for the future of the live-action adaptation and Netflix's long-term anime strategy? Plus, huge developments for street-level Marvel: discussions about putting the finale of Daredevil: Born Again in theaters, teases about Danielle Cage entering the MCU, and new hints at a Punisher special presentation. Is Marvel doubling down on its darker, grounded storytelling?

Let's dive into everything we know about X-Men '97 Season 2!Was Neve Campbell supposed to be Polaris? Was Onslaught planned? Are they adapting The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix? Grant Morrison costumes?! IS GAMBIT COMING BACK AS DEATH?! Let's break it all down!

Hell's Kitchen is not safe right now. Ryan and David are very okay with that. This month on Puny Pod, the MCU rewatch podcast that covers the Marvel Cinematic Universe in release order, Ryan and David are back with the April 2026 Bugle. The headliner is Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 — Ryan finally does the comics primer he forgot to do last year, and then the two of them break down the first three episodes of a show that is very clearly not pulling its punches. Wilson Fisk as mayor of New York, an anti-vigilante task force that hits a little close to home, Bullseye doing Bullseye things, and Karen Page steadily crossing lines she is probably not going to uncross. Then it's on to the news: Spider-Man: No Way Home is finally coming to Disney+ on April 15th — which means for the first time ever, the entire MCU is on one platform. The Punisher: One Last Kill is arriving May 12th and sounds like anything but a quiet watch. And the Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer has Ryan spinning some theories about a certain rippling suit, some chunky web shooters, and what might be the MCU's first real step toward mutant territory. Next up on Puny Pod: Spider-Man: No Way Home. Themes by J.R. Trimpe: https://trimpe.org/ ---------------- Support the show! Check out our super secret spoiler show on the EarzUp! Patreon Visit us on Etsy for the official Puny Pod Merch Come say hi on Discord! Subscribe on iTunes Start your own podcast with Zencastr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here we go, in preparation for the release of Avengers: Doomsday later this year, we decided to rewatch Phases 4, 5, and 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. First up, the movies Black Widow (2021) and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021). What do we think about these movies upon rewatching them? How do they hold up? Is Phase 4 off to a good start here? Watch along, and share your thoughts!

In this episode Kieran, Paul, and Mark (FIRST-TIME GUEST ON THE SPIELBERGPOD!!!) cover our final film of the Infinity Saga... it's Ryan Coogler's 'Black Panther.' (We also spend a substantial amount of time reminiscing about the X-Files right at the end, so be sure to stick around for that).

Send us Fan MailEric and Neil continue our slow crawl through the Marvel Cinematic Universe with The Avengers from 2012. We talk about Joss Wheadon and all of his baggage. How far superhero movies have come. Grab an Infinity Stone and join us.

Dive into an immersive cosmic adventure in Foundation: Galactic Frontier! https://foundation.onelink.me/RBex/itfivzpz?C=kristian Use my exclusive gift code: kristianharloff to receive bonus starter resources and boost your fleet! Download now and begin your journey through the stars!

Send us Fan MailMarvel Television does it again.We are back this week with not one, but two episodes of Daredevil reviews! Marvel surprised us with two episodes, and we drop all of our thoughts on Kingpin's inner circle, potential leaks, the race to expose him, and Kingpin's brilliant move that even Matt gave credit to him for.So much to unpack in this episode, and we break it all down for you all. Tune in for our review of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's take on Daredevil, and let us know what you think of the show as well!To support the show, head over to Patreon.com/ABINGERSPodcast.Thanks for tuning in!The ABINGERSSupport the show

Send us Fan MailMarvel Television does it again.We are back this week with not one, but two episodes of Daredevil reviews! Marvel surprised us with two episodes, and we drop the verdict nobody (or everybody) saw coming, the scales and the sword that have nothing to do with Little Mermaid, as well as the attempt to play fire with fire.So much to unpack in this episode, and we break it all down for you all. Tune in for our review of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's take on Daredevil, and let us know what you think of the show as well!To support the show, head over to Patreon.com/ABINGERSPodcast. We greatly appreciate your support!Thanks for tuning in!The ABINGERSSupport the show

In a world where everybody has superpowers, what if one person used it to make the greatest radio show known to man? Join Spencer, Ty, and Andy as they write a script for the newest blockbuster film; perhaps, if somebody from Disney's Marvel Cinematic Universe is listening, the one that can save their flailing company. Support us on Patreon for $5, $7, or $10: www.patreon.com/tgofv. TGOFV Theme by World Record Pace. A big shout-out to our $10/month patrons: Celeste, Yung Zoe, Dane Stephen, Weedworf, James Lloyd-Jones, Sam Thomas, Josh O'Brien, Kilo, David, Sam, T, Rach, Tomix, Adam W, L M, Revidicism, Jennifer Knowles, Jeremy-Alice, Louis Ceresa, Charles Doyle, Dean, Axon, Themandme, Raouldyke, Stephen Tucker, Lawrence, Rebecca Kimpel, Malek Douglas, Jacon Sauber-Cavazos, Bernventers, William Copping, NewmansOwn, Heather-Pleather, Bunknown, Dinosarden, Bedi, Francis Wolf, King Krang, Anthony C, ASDF, Buffoonworld, Bavbiff, D Love, and Tugboat!

Let's breakdown where these characters are at in season 2!

In this episode of Nerd of Godcast, the crew is back with a full-on game night packed with laughs, competition, and a few unexpected twists. We put our fandom knowledge to the test with Marvel Cinematic Universe trivia, try to outwit each other in a hilarious Jedi mind trick guessing game, and dive into a fun (and slightly chaotic) Scripture-based challenge you won't see coming.Along the way, we share a quick update from MegaCon Orlando, wrap up our “Best Thing Ever” bracket, and think about who we would be in a world of everyday cosplay.If you love Marvel, Star Wars, Bible games, Christian podcasts, nerd culture, and faith-based conversations, this episode is for you.

Hey check it out! It's another spoiler filled movie episode with Duck Washington as a guest! This time we are discussing "Thunderbolts," the most recent entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We are pretty happy with this film overall and even get into some debate about how "bad" the latest string of Marvel movies have been. Maybe it hasn't been as rough a stretch as many seem to think.

What makes a character so compelling that readers will forgive almost anything about the plot? How do you move beyond vague flaws and generic descriptions to create people who feel pulled from real life? In this solo episode, I share 15 actionable tips for writing deep characters, curated from past interviews on the podcast. In the intro, thoughts from London Book Fair [Instagram reel @jfpennauthor; Publishing Perspectives; Audible; Spotify]; Insights from a 7-figure author business [BookBub]. This show is supported by my Patrons. Join my Community and get articles, discounts, and extra audio and video tutorials on writing craft, author business, and AI tools, at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn This episode has been created from previous episodes of The Creative Penn Podcast, curated by Joanna Penn, as well as chapters from How to Write a Novel: From Idea to Book. Links to the individual episodes are included in the transcript below. In this episode: Master the ‘Believe, Care, Invest' trifecta, how to hook readers on the very first page Define the Dramatic Question: Who is your character when the chips are down? Absolute specificity. Why “she's controlling” isn't good enough Understand the Heroine's Journey, strength through connection, not solo action Use ‘Metaphor Families' to anchor dialogue and give every character a distinctive voice Find the Diagnostic Detail, the moments that prove a character is real Writing pain onto the page without writing memoir Write diverse characters as real people, not stereotypes or plot devices Give your protagonist a morally neutral ‘hero' status. Compelling beats likeable. Build vibrant side characters for series longevity and spin-off potential Use voice as a rhythmic tool Link character and plot until they're inseparable Why discovery writers can write out of order and still build deep character Find the sensory details that make characters live and breathe More help with how to write fiction here, or in my book, How to Write a Novel. Writing Characters: 15 Tips for Writing Deep Character in Your Fiction In today's episode, I'm sharing fifteen tips for writing deep characters, synthesised from some of the most insightful interviews on The Creative Penn Podcast over the past few years, combined with what I've learned across more than forty books of my own. I'll be referencing episodes with Matt Bird, Will Storr, Gail Carriger, Barbara Nickless, and Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer. I'll also draw on my own book, How to Write a Novel, which covers these fundamentals in detail. Whether you're writing your first novel or your fiftieth, whether you're a plotter or a discovery writer like me, these tips will help you create characters that readers believe in, care about, and invest in—and keep coming back for more. Let's get into it. 1. Master the ‘Believe, Care, Invest' Trifecta When I spoke with Matt Bird on episode 624, he laid out the three things you need to achieve on the very first page of your book or in the first ten minutes of a film. He calls it “Believe, Care, and Invest.” First, the reader must believe the character is a real person, somehow proving they are not a cardboard imitation of a human being, not just a generic type walking through a generic plot. Second, the reader must care about the character's circumstances. And third, the reader must invest in the character's ability to solve the story's central problem. Matt used The Hunger Games as his primary example, and it's brilliant. On the very first page, we believe Katniss's voice. Suzanne Collins writes in first person with a staccato rhythm—lots of periods, short declarative sentences—that immediately grounds us in a survivalist mentality. We care because Katniss is starving. She's protecting her little sister. And we invest because she is out there bow hunting, which Matt pointed out is one of the most badass things a character can do. She even kills a lynx two pages in and sells the pelt. We invest in her resourcefulness and grit before the plot has even begun. Matt was very clear that this has nothing to do with the character being “likable.” He said his subtitle, Writing a Hero Anyone Will Love, doesn't mean the character has to be a good person. He described “hero” as both gender-neutral and morally neutral. A hero can be totally evil or totally good. What matters is that we believe, care, and invest. He demonstrated this beautifully by breaking down the first ten minutes of WeCrashed, where the characters of Adam and Rebekah Neumann are absolutely not likable, but we are completely hooked. Adam steals his neighbour's Chinese food through a carefully orchestrated con involving an imaginary beer. It's not admirable behaviour, but the tradecraft involved, as Matt put it—using a term from spy movies—makes us invest in him. We see a character trying to solve the big problem of his life, which is that he's poor and wants to be rich, and we want to see if he can pull it off. Actionable step: Go to the first page of your current work in progress. Does it achieve all three? Does the reader believe this is a real person with a distinctive voice? Do they care about the character's circumstances? And do they invest in the character's ability to handle what's coming? If even one of those three is missing, that's your revision priority. 2. Define the Dramatic Question: Who Are They Really? Will Storr, author of The Science of Storytelling, came on episode 490 and gave one of the most powerful frameworks I've ever heard for character-driven fiction. He explained that the human brain evolved language primarily to swap social information—in other words, to gossip. We are wired to monitor other people, to ask the question: who is this person when the chips are down? That's what Will calls the Dramatic Question, and it's what he believes lies at the heart of all compelling storytelling. It's not a question about plot. It's a question about the character's soul. And every scene in your novel should force the character to answer it. His example of Lawrence of Arabia is unforgettable. The Dramatic Question for the entire film is: who are you, Lawrence? Are you ordinary or are you extraordinary? At the beginning, Lawrence is a cocky, rebellious young soldier who believes his rebelliousness makes him superior. Every iconic scene in that three-hour film tests that belief. Sometimes Lawrence acts as though he truly is extraordinary—leading the Arabs into battle, being hailed as a god—and sometimes the world strips him bare and he sees himself as ordinary. Because it's a tragedy, he never overcomes his flaw. He doubles down on his belief that he's extraordinary until he becomes monstrous, culminating in that iconic scene where he lifts a bloody dagger and sees his own reflection with horror. Will also used Jaws to demonstrate how this works in a pure action thriller. Brody's dramatic question is simple: are you going to be old Brody who is terrified of the water, or new Brody who can overcome that fear? Every scene where the shark appears is really asking that question. And the last moment of the film isn't the shark blowing up. It's Brody swimming back through the water, saying he used to be scared of the water and he can't imagine why. Actionable step: Write down the Dramatic Question for your protagonist in a single sentence. Is it “Are you ordinary or extraordinary?” or “Are you brave enough to love again?” or “Will you sacrifice your principles for survival?” If you can't answer this with specificity, your character might still be a sketch rather than a person. 3. Get rid of Vague Flaws, and use Absolute Specificity This was one of Will Storr's most important points. He said that vague thinking about characters is really the enemy. When he teaches workshops and asks writers to describe their character's flaw, most of them say something like “they're very controlling.” And Will's response is: that's not good enough. Everyone is controlling. How are they controlling? What's the specific mechanism? He gave the example of a profile he read of Theresa May during the UK's Brexit chaos. Someone who knew her said that Theresa May's problem was that she always thinks she's the only adult in every room she goes into. Will said that stopped him in his tracks because it's so precise. If you define a character with that level of specificity, you can take them and put them in any genre, any situation—a spaceship, a Victorian drawing room, a school playground—and you will know exactly how they're going to behave. The same applies to Arthur Miller's Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman, as Will described it: a man who believes absolutely in capitalistic success and the idea that when you die, you're going to be weighed on a scale, just as God weighs you for sin, but now you're weighed for success. That's not a vague flaw. That's a worldview you can drop into any story and watch it combust. Will made another counterintuitive point that I found really valuable: writers often think that piling on multiple traits will create a complex character, but the opposite is true. Starting with one highly specific flaw and running it through the demands of a relentless plot is what generates complexity. You end up with a far more nuanced, original character than if you'd started with a laundry list of vague attributes. Actionable step: Take your protagonist's flaw and pressure-test it. Is it specific enough that you could place this character in any situation and predict their behaviour? If you're stuck at “she's stubborn” or “he's insecure,” keep pushing. What kind of stubborn? What kind of insecure? Find the diagnostic sentence—the Theresa May level of precision. 4. Understand the Heroine's Journey: Strength Through Connection Gail Carriger came on episode 550 to discuss her nonfiction book, The Heroine's Journey, and it completely reframed how I think about some of my own fiction. Gail explained that the core difference between the Hero's Journey and the Heroine's Journey comes down to how strength and victory are defined. The Hero's Journey is about strength through solo action. The hero must be continually isolated to get stronger. He goes out of civilisation, faces strife alone, and achieves victory through physical prowess and self-actualisation. The Heroine's Journey is the opposite. The heroine achieves her goals by activating a network. She's a delegator, a general. She identifies where she can't do something alone, finds the people who can help, and portions out the work for mutual gain. Gail put it simply: the heroine is very good at asking for help, which our culture tends to devalue but which is actually a powerful form of strength. Crucially, Gail stressed that gender is irrelevant to which journey you're writing. Her go-to examples are striking: the recent Wonder Woman film is practically a beat-for-beat hero's journey—Gilgamesh on screen, as Gail described it. Meanwhile, Harry Potter, both the first book and the series as a whole, is a classic heroine's journey. Harry's power comes from his network—Dumbledore's Army, the Order of the Phoenix, his friendships with Ron and Hermione. He doesn't defeat Voldemort alone. He defeats Voldemort because of love and connection. This distinction has real practical consequences for writers. If you're writing a hero's journey and you hit writer's block, Gail said, the solution is usually to isolate your hero further and pile on more strife. But if you're writing a heroine's journey, the solution is probably to throw a new character into the scene—someone who has advice to offer or a skill the heroine lacks. The actual solutions to writer's block are different depending on which narrative you're writing. As I reflected on my own work, I realised that my ARKANE thriller protagonist, Morgan Sierra, follows a hero's journey—she's a solo operative, a lone wolf like Jack Reacher or James Bond. But my Mapwalker fantasy series follows a heroine's journey, with Sienna and her group of friends working together. I hadn't consciously chosen those paths; the stories led me there. But understanding the framework helps me write more intentionally now. Actionable step: Identify which journey your protagonist is on. Does your character gain strength by being alone (hero) or by building connections (heroine)? This will inform every plot decision you make, from how they face obstacles to how your story ends. 5. Use ‘Metaphor Families' to Anchor Dialogue and Voice One of the most practical techniques Matt Bird shared on episode 624 is the idea of assigning each character a “metaphor family”—a specific well of language that they draw from. This gives each character a distinctive voice that goes beyond accent or dialect. Matt explained how in The Wire, one of the most beloved TV shows of all time, every character has a different metaphor family. What struck him was that Omar, this iconic character, never utters a single curse word in the entire series. His metaphor family is pirate. He talks about parlays, uses language that feels like it belongs in Pirates of the Caribbean, and it creates this incredible ironic counterpoint against his urban setting. It tells us immediately that this is a character who sees himself in a tradition of people that doesn't match his immediate surroundings. Matt also referenced the UK version of The Office, where Gareth works at a paper company but aspires to the military. So all of his language is drawn from a military metaphor family. He doesn't talk about filing and photocopying; he talks about tactics and discipline and being on the front line. This tells us that the character has a life and dreams beyond the immediate scene—and it's the gap between aspiration and reality that makes him both funny and believable. He pointed out that a metaphor family sometimes comes from a character's background, but it's often more interesting when it comes from their aspirations. What does your character want to be? What world do they fantasise about inhabiting? That's where their language should come from. In Star Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi is a spiritual hermit, but his metaphor family is military. He uses the language of generals and commanders, and that ironic counterpoint is part of what makes him feel so rich. Actionable step: Assign each of your main characters a metaphor family. It could be based on their job, their background, or—more interestingly—their secret aspirations. Then go through your dialogue and make sure each character is consistently drawing from that well of language. If two characters sound the same when you strip away the dialogue tags, this is the fix. 6. Find the Diagnostic Detail: The Diagonal Toast Avoid clichéd character tags—the random scar, the eye patch, the mysterious limp—unless they serve a deep narrative purpose. Matt Bird on episode 624 was very funny about this: he pointed out that Nick Fury, Odin, and eventually Thor all have eye patches in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Eye patches are done, he said. You cannot do eye patches anymore. Instead, look for what I'm calling the “diagonal toast” detail, after a scene Matt described from Captain Marvel. In the film, Captain Marvel is trying to determine whether Nick Fury is who he says he is. She asks him to prove he isn't a shapeshifting alien. Fury shares biographical details—his history, his mother—but then she pushes further and says, name one more thing you couldn't possibly have made up about yourself. And Fury says: if toast is cut diagonally, I can't eat it. Matt said that detail is gold for a writer because it feels pulled from a real life. You can pull it from your own life and gift it to your characters, and the reader can tell it's not manufactured. He gave another example from The Sopranos: Tony Soprano's mother won't answer the phone after dark. The show's creator, David Chase, confirmed on the DVD commentary that this came from his own mother, who genuinely would not answer the phone after dark and couldn't explain why. Matt's practical advice was to keep a journal. Write down the strange, specific things that people do or say. Mine your own life for those hyper-specific details. You just need one per book. In my own writing, I've used this approach. In my ARKANE thrillers, my character Morgan Sierra has always been Angelina Jolie in my mind—specifically Jolie in Lara Croft or Mr and Mrs Smith. And Blake Daniel in my crime thriller series was based on Jesse Williams from Grey's Anatomy. I paste pictures of actors into my Scrivener projects. It helps with visuals, but also with the sense of the character, their energy and physicality. But visual details only take you so far. It's the behavioural quirks—the diagonal toast moments—that make a character feel genuinely alive. That said, physical character tags can work brilliantly when they serve the story. As I discuss in How to Write a Novel, Robert Galbraith's Cormoran Strike is an amputee, and his pain and the physical challenges of his prosthesis are a key part of every story—it's not a cosmetic detail, it's woven into the action and the character's psychology. My character Blake Daniel always wears gloves to cover the scars on his hands, which provides an angle into his wounded past as well as a visual cue for the reader. And of course, Harry Potter's lightning-shaped scar isn't just a mark—it's a direct connection to his nemesis and the mythology of the entire series. The rule of thumb is: if the tag tells us something about the character's interior life or connects to the plot, it's earning its place. If it's just there to make the character visually distinctive, it's probably a crutch. Game of Thrones takes character tags further with the family houses, each with their own mottos and sigils. The Starks say “Winter is coming” and their sigil is a dire wolf. Those aren't just labels—they're worldview made visible. Actionable step: Start a “diagonal toast” notebook. Every time you notice something strange and specific about someone's behaviour—something that feels too real to be made up—write it down. Then gift it to a character who needs more texture. 7. Displace Your Own Trauma into the Work Barbara Nickless shared something deeply personal on episode 732 that fundamentally changed how I think about putting pain onto the page. While starting At First Light, the first book in her Dr. Evan Wilding series, she lost her son to epilepsy—something called SUDEP, Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy. One day he was there, and the next day he was gone. Barbara said that writing helped her cope with the trauma, that doing a deep dive into Old English literature and the Viking Age for the book's research became a lifeline. But here's what's important: she didn't give Dr. Evan Wilding her exact trauma. Evan Wilding is four feet five inches, and Barbara described how he has to walk through a world that won't adjust to him. That's its own form of learning to cope when circumstances are beyond your control. She displaced her genuine grief into the character's different but parallel struggle. When I asked her about the difference between writing for therapy and writing for an audience, she drew on her experience teaching creative writing to veterans through a collaboration between the US Department of Defense and the National Endowment for the Arts. She said she's found that she can pour her heartache into her characters and process it through them, even when writing professionally, and that the genuine emotion is what touches readers. We've all been through our own losses and griefs, so seeing how a character copes can be deeply meaningful. I've always found that putting my own pain onto the page is the most direct way to connect with a reader's soul. My character Morgan Sierra's musings on religion and the supernatural are often my own. Her restlessness, her fascination with the darker edges of faith—those come from me. But her Krav Maga fighting skills and her ability to kill the bad guys are definitely her own. That gap between what's mine and what's hers is where the fiction lives. Barbara also said something on that episode that I wrote down and stuck on my wall. She said the act of producing itself is a balm to the soul. I've been thinking about that ever since. On my own wall, I have “Measure your life by what you create.” Different words, same truth. Actionable step: If you're carrying something heavy—grief, anger, fear, regret—consider how you might displace it into a character's different but emotionally parallel struggle. Don't copy your exact situation; transform it. The emotion will be genuine, and the reader will feel it. 8. Write Diverse Characters as Real People When I spoke with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer on episode 673—Sarah is Choctaw and a historical fiction author honoured by the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian—she offered a perspective that every fiction writer needs to hear. The key message was to move away from stereotypes. Don't write your American Indian character as the “Wise Guide” who exists solely to dispense mystic wisdom to the white protagonist. Don't limit diverse characters to historical settings, as though they only exist in the past. Place them in normal, contemporary roles. Your spaceship captain, your forensic scientist, your small-town baker—any of them can be American Indian, or Nigerian, or Japanese, and their heritage should be a lived-in part of their identity, not the sole reason they exist in the story. I write international thrillers and dark fantasy, and my fiction is populated with characters from all over the world. I have a multi-cultural family and I've lived in many places and travelled widely, so I've met, worked with, and had relationships with people from different cultures. I find story ideas through travel, and if I set my books in a certain place, then the story is naturally populated with the people who live there. As I discuss in my book, How to Write a Novel, the world is a diverse place, so your fiction needs to be populated with all kinds of people. If I only populated my fiction with characters like me, they would be boring novels. There are many dimensions of difference—race, nationality, sex, age, body type, ability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, class, culture, education level—and even then, don't assume that similar types of people think the same way. Some authors worry they will make mistakes. We live in a time of outrage, and some authors have been criticised for writing outside their own experience. So is it too dangerous to try? Of course not. The media amplifies outliers, and most authors include diverse characters in every book without causing offence because they work hard to get it right. It's about awareness, research, and intent. Actionable step: Audit the cast of your current work in progress. Have you written a mono-cultural perspective for all of them? If so, consider who could bring a different background, perspective, or set of cultural specifics to the story. Not as a token addition, but as a real person with a real life. 9. Respect Tribal and Cultural Specificity Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer on episode 673 was emphatic about one thing: never treat diverse groups as monolithic. If you're writing a Native American character, you must research the specific nation. Choctaw is not Navajo, just as British is not French. Sarah described the distinct cultural markers of the Choctaw people—the diamond pattern you'll see on traditional shirts and dresses, which represents the diamondback rattlesnake. They have distinct dances and songs. She said that if she saw someone in traditional dress at a distance, she would know whether they were Choctaw based on what they were wearing. She encouraged writers who want to write specifically about a nation to get to know those people. Go to events, go to a powwow, learn about the individual culture. She noted that a big misconception is that American Indians exist only in the past—she stressed that they are still here, still living their cultures, and fiction should reflect that present reality. I took a similar approach when writing Destroyer of Worlds, which is set mostly in India. I read books about Hindu myth, watched documentaries about the sadhus, and had one of my Indian readers from Mumbai check my cultural references. For Risen Gods, set in New Zealand with a young Maori protagonist, I studied books about Maori mythology and fiction by Maori authors, and had a male Maori reader check for cultural issues. Research is simply an act of empathy. The practical takeaway is this: if you're going to include a character from a specific cultural background, do the work. Use specific cultural details rather than generic signifiers. Sarah talked about how even she fell into stereotypes when she was first writing, until her mother pointed them out. If someone from within a culture can fall into those traps, the rest of us certainly can. Do the research, try your best, ask for help, and apologise if you need to. Actionable step: If you're writing a character from a specific culture, identify three to five sensory or behavioural details that are particular to that culture—not the generic version, but the real, researched, lived-in version. Consider hiring a sensitivity reader from that community to check your work. 10. Give Your Protagonist a Morally Neutral ‘Hero' Status Matt Bird was clear about this on episode 624: the word “hero” simply means the protagonist, the person we follow through the story. It's a functional role, not a moral label. We don't have to like them. We don't even have to root for their goals in a moral sense. We just have to find them compelling enough to invest our attention in their problem-solving. Think of Succession, where every member of the Roy family is varying degrees of awful, and yet the show was utterly compelling. Or WeCrashed, where Adam Neumann is a narcissistic con artist, but we can't look away because he's trying to solve the enormous problem of building an empire from nothing, and the tradecraft he employs is fascinating. As I wrote in How to Write a Novel, readers must want to spend time with your characters. They don't have to be lovable or even likable—that will depend on your genre and story choices—but they have to be captivating enough that we want to spend time with them. A character who is trying to solve a massive problem will naturally draw investment from the audience, even if we wouldn't want to have tea with them. Will Storr extended this idea by pointing out that the audience will actually root for a character to solve their problem even if the audience doesn't actually want the character's goal to be achieved in the real world. We don't really want more billionaires, but we invested in Adam Neumann's rise because that was the problem the story posed, and our brains are wired to invest in problem-solving. This connects to something deeper: what does your character want, and why? As I explore in How to Write a Novel, desire operates on multiple levels. Take a character like Phil, who joins the military during wartime. On the surface, she wants to serve her country. But she also wants to escape her dead-end town and learn new skills. Deeper still, her father and grandfather served, and by joining up, she hopes to finally earn their respect. And perhaps deepest of all, her father died on a mission under mysterious circumstances, and she wants to find out what happened from the inside. That layering of motivation is what turns a flat character into a three-dimensional one. The audience doesn't need to be told all of this explicitly. It can emerge through action, dialogue, and the choices the character makes under pressure. But you, the writer, need to know it. You need to know what your character really wants deep down, because that desire—more than any external plot device—is what drives the story forward. And your antagonist needs the same depth. They also want something, often diametrically opposed to your protagonist, and they need a reason that makes sense to them. In my ARKANE thriller Tree of Life, my antagonist is the heiress of a Brazilian mining empire who wants to restore the Earth to its original state to atone for the destruction caused by her father's company. She's part of a radical ecological group who believe the only way to restore Nature is to end all human life. It's extreme, but in an era of climate change, it's a motivation readers can understand—even if they disagree with the solution. Actionable step: If you're struggling to make a morally grey character work, make sure their problem is big enough and their methods are specific and interesting enough that we invest in the how, even if we're ambivalent about the what. 11. Build Vibrant Side Characters Gail Carriger made a point on episode 550 that was equal parts craft advice and business strategy. In a Heroine's Journey model, side characters aren't just fodder to be killed off to motivate the hero. They form a network. And because you don't have to kill them—unlike in a hero's journey, where allies are often betrayed or removed so the hero can be further isolated—you can pick up those side characters and give them their own books. Gail said this creates a really voracious reader base. You write one series with vivid side characters, and then readers fall in love with those side characters and want their stories. So you write spin-offs. The romance genre does this brilliantly—think of the Bridgerton books, where each sibling gets their own novel. The side character in one book becomes the protagonist in the next. Barbara Nickless experienced this firsthand with her Dr. Evan Wilding series. She has River Wilding, Evan's adventurous brother, and Diana, the axe-throwing research assistant, and her editor has already expressed interest in a spin-off series with those characters. Barbara described creating characters she wants to spend time with, or characters who give her nightmares but also intrigue her. That's the dual test: are they interesting enough for you to write, and interesting enough for readers to demand more? As I wrote in How to Write a Novel, characters that span series can deepen the reader's relationship with them as you expand their backstory into new plots. Readers will remember the character more than the plot or the book title, and look forward to the next instalment because they want more time with those people. British crime author Angela Marsons described it as readers feeling like returning to her characters is like putting on a pair of old slippers. Actionable step: Look at your supporting cast. Is there a side character who is vivid enough to carry their own story? If not, what could you add—a specific hobby, a distinct voice, a compelling backstory—that would make readers want more of them? 12. Use Voice as a Rhythmic Tool Voice is one of the most important elements of novel writing, and Matt Bird helped me think about it in a technical, mechanical way that I found really useful. He pointed out that the ratio of periods to commas defines a character's internal reality. A staccato rhythm—lots of periods, short sentences—suggests a character who is certain, grounded, or perhaps survivalist and traumatised. Katniss in The Hunger Games has a period-heavy voice. She's in survival mode. She doesn't have time for complexity or qualification. A flowing, comma-heavy style suggests someone more academic, more nuanced, or possibly more scattered and manipulative. The character who qualifies everything, who adds sub-clauses and digressions, is a different kind of person from the character who speaks in declarations. This is something you can actually measure. Pull up a passage of your character's dialogue or internal monologue and count the periods versus the commas. If the rhythm doesn't match who the character is supposed to be, you've found a mismatch you can fix. Sentence length is the heartbeat of your character's persona. And voice extends beyond rhythm to the words themselves. As I discussed in the metaphor families tip, each character should draw from a distinctive well of language. But voice also encompasses their relationship to silence. Some characters talk around the thing they mean; others say it straight. Some are self-deprecating; others are blunt to the point of rudeness. All of these choices are character choices, not just style choices. I find it useful to read my dialogue aloud—and not just to check for naturalness, but to hear whether each character sounds distinct. If you could swap dialogue lines between two characters and nobody would notice, you have a voice problem. One practical test: cover the dialogue tags and see if you can tell who's speaking from the words alone. Actionable step: Choose a key passage from your protagonist's point of view and read it aloud. Does the rhythm match the character? A soldier under fire should not sound like a philosophy professor at a wine tasting. Adjust the ratio of periods to commas until the voice feels right. 13. Link Character and Plot Until They're Inseparable Will Storr made the case on episode 490 that the number one problem he sees in the writing he encounters—in workshops, in submissions, even in published books—is that the characters and the plots are unconnected. There's a story happening, and there are people in it, but the story isn't a product of who those people are. He said a story should be like life. In our lives, the plots are intimately connected to who we are as characters. The goals we pursue, the obstacles we face, the same problems that keep recurring—these are products of our personalities, our flaws, our specific ways of being in the world. His framework is that your plot should be designed specifically to plot against your character. You've got a character with a particular flaw; the plot exists to test that flaw over and over until the character either transforms or doubles down and explodes. Jaws is the perfect example. Brody is afraid of water. A shark shows up in the coastal town he's responsible for protecting. The entire plot is engineered to force him to confront the one thing he cannot face. Will pointed out that the whole plot of Jaws is structured around Brody's flaw. It begins with the shark arriving, the midpoint is when Brody finally gets the courage to go into the water, and the very final scene isn't the shark blowing up—it's Brody swimming back through the water. Even a film that's ninety-eight percent action is, at its core, structured around a character with a character flaw. This is the standard I aspire to in my own work, even in my action-heavy thrillers. The external plot should be a mirror of the internal struggle. When those two are aligned, the story becomes irresistible. Will also made an important point about series fiction, which is where most commercial authors live. I asked him how this works when your character can't be transformed at the end of every book because there has to be a next book. His answer was elegant: you don't cure them. Episodic TV characters like Fleabag or David Brent or Basil Fawlty never truly change—and the fact that they don't change is actually the source of the comedy. But every episode throws a new story event at them that tests and exposes their flaw. You just keep throwing story events at them again and again. That's a soap opera, a sitcom, and a book series. As I wrote in How to Write a Novel, character flaws are aspects of personality that affect the person so much that facing and overcoming them becomes central to the plot. In Jaws, the protagonist Brody is afraid of the water, but he has to overcome that flaw to destroy the killer shark and save the town. But remember, your characters should feel like real people, so never define them purely by their flaws. The character addicted to painkillers might also be a brilliant and successful female lawyer who gets up at four in the morning to work out at the gym, likes eighties music, and volunteers at the local dog shelter at weekends. Character wounds are different from flaws. They're formed from life experience and are part of your character's backstory—traumatic events that happened before the events of your novel but shape the character's reactions in the present. In my ARKANE thrillers, Morgan Sierra's husband Elian died in her arms during a military operation. This happened before the series begins, but her memories of it recur when she faces a firefight, and she struggles to find happiness again for fear of losing someone she loves once more. And then there's the perennial advice: show, don't tell. Most writers have heard this so many times that it's easy to nod and then promptly write scenes that tell rather than show. Basically, you need to reveal your character through action and dialogue, rather than explanation. In my thriller Day of the Vikings, Morgan Sierra fights a Neo-Viking in the halls of the British Museum and brings him down with Krav Maga. That fight scene isn't just about showing action. It opens up questions about her backstory, demonstrates character, and moves the plot forward. Telling would be something like: “Morgan was an expert in Krav Maga.” Showing is the reader discovering it through the scene itself. Actionable step: Look at the main plot events of your novel. For each major turning point, ask: does this scene specifically test my protagonist's flaw? If not, can you redesign the scene so that it does? The tighter the connection between character and plot, the more powerful the story. 14. The ‘Maestra' Approach: Write Out of Order If you're a discovery writer like me, you may feel like the deep character work I've been describing sounds more suited to plotters. But Barbara Nickless gave me a beautiful metaphor on episode 732 that reframes it entirely. Barbara described her evolving writing process as being like a maestra standing in front of an orchestra. Sometimes you bring in the horns—a certain theme—and sometimes you bring in the strings—a certain character—and sometimes you turn to the soloist. It's a more organic and jumping-around process than linear writing, and Barbara said she's only recently given herself permission to work this way. When I told her that I use Scrivener to write in scenes out of order and then drag and drop them into a structure later, she was genuinely intrigued. And this is how I've always worked. I'll see the story in my mind like a movie trailer—flashes of the big emotional scenes, the pivotal confrontations, the moments of revelation—and I write those first. I don't know how they hang together until quite late in the process. Then I'll move scenes around, print the whole thing out, and figure out the connective tissue. The point is that discovery writers can absolutely build deep characters. Sometimes writing the big emotional scenes first is how you discover who the character is before you fill in the rest. You don't need a twenty-page character worksheet or a 200-page outline like Jeffery Deaver. You need to be willing to follow the character into the unknown and trust that the structure will emerge. As Barbara said, she writes to know what she's thinking. That's the discovery writer's credo. And I would add: I write to know who my characters are. Actionable step: If you're stuck on your current chapter, skip it. Write the scene that's burning in your imagination, even if it's from the middle or the end. That scene might be the key to unlocking who your character really is. 15. Use Research to Help with Empathy Research shouldn't just be about factual accuracy—it's a tool for finding the sensory details that create empathy. Barbara Nickless described research as almost an excuse to explore things that fascinate her, and I feel exactly the same way. I would go so far as to say that writing is an excuse for me to explore the things that interest me. Barbara and I both travel for our stories. For her Dr. Evan Wilding books, she did deep research into Old English literature and the Viking Age. For my thriller End of Days, I transcribed hours of video from Appalachian snake-handling churches on YouTube to understand the worldview of the worshippers, because my antagonist was brought up in that tradition. I couldn't just make that up. I had to hear their language, feel their conviction, understand why they would hold venomous serpents as an act of faith. Barbara also mentioned getting to Israel and the West Bank for research, and I've been to both places too. Finding that one specific sensory detail—the smell of a particular location, the specific way an expert handles a tool, the sound of a particular kind of music—makes the character's life feel lived-in. It's the difference between a character who is described as living in a place and a character who inhabits it. As I wrote in How to Write a Novel, don't write what you know. Write what you want to learn about. I love research. It's part of why I'm an author in the first place. I take any excuse to dive into a world different from my own. Research using books, films, podcasts, and travel, and focus particularly on sources produced by people from the worldview you want to understand. Actionable step: For your next piece of character research, go beyond reading. Watch a documentary, visit a location, talk to someone who lives the experience. Find one sensory detail—a smell, a sound, a texture—that you couldn't have invented. That detail will make your character feel real. Bonus: Measure Your Life by What You Create In an age of AI and a tsunami of content, your ultimate brand protection is the quality of your human creation. Barbara Nickless said that the act of producing itself is a balm to the soul, and I believe that with every fibre of my being. Don't be afraid to take that step back, like I did with my deadlifting. Take the time to master these deeper craft skills. It might feel like you're slowing down or going backwards by not chasing the latest marketing trend, but it's the only way to step forward into a sustainable, high-quality career. Your characters are your signature. No AI can replicate the specificity of your lived experience, the emotional truth of your displaced trauma, or the sensory details you've gathered from a life of curiosity and travel. Those are yours. Pour them into your characters, and they will resonate for years to come. Actionable Takeaway: Identify the Dramatic Question for your current protagonist. Can you state it in a single sentence with the kind of specificity Will Storr described? Is it as clear as “Are you ordinary or extraordinary?” or “Are you the only adult in the room?” If you can't answer it with that kind of precision, your character might still be a sketch. Give them a diagonal toast moment today. Find the one hyper-specific detail that proves they are not an imitation of life. And then ask yourself: does your plot test your character's flaw in every major scene? If you can align those two things—a precisely defined character and a plot that exists to test them—you will have a story that readers cannot put down. References and Deep Dives The episodes I've referenced today are all available with full transcripts at TheCreativePenn.com: Episode 732 — Facing Fears, and Writing Unique Characters with Barbara Nickless Episode 673 — Writing Choctaw Characters and Diversity in Fiction with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer Episode 624 — Writing Characters with Matt Bird Episode 550 — The Heroine's Journey with Gail Carriger Episode 490 — How Character Flaws Shape Story with Will Storr Books mentioned: The Secrets of Character: Writing a Hero Anyone Will Love by Matt Bird The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr The Heroine's Journey by Gail Carriger How to Write a Novel: From Idea to Book by Joanna Penn You can find all my books for authors at CreativePennBooks.com and my fiction and memoir at JFPennBooks.com Happy writing! How was this episode created? This episode was initiated created by NotebookLM based on YouTube videos of the episodes linked above from YouTube/TheCreativePenn, plus my text chapters on character from How to Write a Novel. NotebookLM created a blog post from the material and then I expanded it and fact checked it with Claude.ai 4.6 Opus, and then I used my voice clone at ElevenLabs to narrate it. The post Writing Characters: 15 Actionable Tips For Writing Deep Character first appeared on The Creative Penn.

Angela Bassett is an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress who is nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series at this year's NAACP Image Awards. In this conversation from March 2025, Bassett sits down with Willie Geist to discuss playing the president of the United States opposite Robert De Niro in Netflix's Zero Day, her decades-long career, and what it means to portray leadership on screen. Plus, she reflects on honoring the legacy of the late Chadwick Boseman and her time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.