Entertainment journalist Leigh Livingstone and movie expert Tim Iffland review the newest film releases, plus break down the latest trailers and movie news. Bite-sized, moreish and a little salty – this is Popcorn Podcast with Leigh and Tim.
All in Interviews
Australian actor Callan Mulvey joins Popcorn Podcast to talk his dystopian action drama, The Run. In our chat, Callan talks about how he feels about scenes getting cut that he is passionate about, how much he loves the collaborate process and surrendering to it, how his characters costume came together, and how the psychology of his character informs his performance.
Andy Serkis is on Popcorn Podcast to talk his latest directorial effort, and animated retelling of George Orwell’s classic novel, Animal Farm. In our chat, Andy shares how the origins of his adaptation were originally much darker, how the corruption of power is explored in his film, what he considers to be his spiritual home, and which moment in a Paul Thomas Anderson film brings him joy.
Obsession writer/director Curry Barker is on the podcast for this very special interview episode. In our chat, Curry talks about the film club he is now part of, his reaction to people getting tattoos inspired by the film, how he discovered a new vision for his film during the process, and how he helped Inde Navarrette learn how to scream.
Zoey Deutch, David Wain and Ken Marino are here to talk Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass - a high-concept cliché machine that plays dumb so smart. It’s so bonkers and is so gleefully committed to its absurdity. In our chat, Ken and David reveal who they write their films for, what it was like for Zoey to join the Wain/Marino Cinematic Universe, why the films stupid premise meant they just HAD to make it and who the secret Australian characters are in the film.
Hollywood icon Jeff Bridges and SNL alum Bobby Moynihan join Popcorn Podcast to talk Minions & Monsters. In our chat, Jeff and Bobby share what the most rewarding part of the filmmaking process is for them, how their research influenced their voice work and what iconic movie props they would display in a film history museum - all this and so much more.
Director of Supergirl Graig Gillespie is on Popcorn Podcast to take us behind the scenes of the DCU space opera. Supergirl which proves the range Craig has as a filmmaker, from critically acclaimed indie cinema to this big budget comic book adaptation. In our chat, Craig talks about the tonal balancing act he was going for, how he and Milly Alcock were “co-conspiritors” on set each day and the zero fucks nature to Kara that he loves.
Supergirl writer Ana Nogueira is on Popcorn Podcast in an interview DC fans won't want to miss. We first got a taste of Milly Alcock’s Kara Zor-El in 2025’s Superman, but Ana is giving us the true introduction to the hero in her first feature length appearance since 1984’s Supergirl. In our chat, we talk about how Ana was mining Kara’s complexities and grief, that Krypton as a symbol of home, the films connection with The Princess Bride and James Gunn’s brief to Ana about the DCU world she was to play in.
Actors Joe Bird, Mia Wasikowska and writer/director Adrian Chiarella are on Popcorn Podcast to talk new queer horror, Leviticus. We recently sat down with Joe, Mia and Adrian to discuss how the universality of fear connects us, how our primal fear plays a role in unlearning things, how horror is a safe space for the queer community, and the significance of Naim and Ryan’s rings in the film. That and so much more, including how Titanic influenced a particular scene.
Piper Curda & Bobby Moynihan join Popcorn Podcast to celebrate Disney Pixar's Hoppers streaming on Disney+. In our chat, Piper and Bobby talk about their amazing Beaver Sanctuary experience in the UK, what momentoes they now hold from their experience on the film, why their director got them to do 80-100 takes for some lines and so much more. You’re gonna love it.
Academy award nominated filmmaker Travis Knight is on Popcorn Podcast to talk his new blockbuster fantasy epic, Masters of the Universe. In our chat, Travis talks about his very clear vision for the film he wasted no time in bringing to life, how he married practical and visual effects in the film perfectly and a story about Queen lead guitarist you have to hear to believe.
Australian filmmaker Zoe Pepper is here to talk her satirical dark comedy, Birthright. In our chat, Zoe talks about the films power dynamics, satirical tone and why she gravitates towards things that are dark and political. She also shares the intention behind the films heightened music and the moral grey area the story plays in.
Life Could Be A Dream director Jasmin Tarasin and screenwriter Courtney Collins discuss their deeply important film about the destructive cycles of coercive control. In our chat, Jasmin and Courtney share how the film came to be and the unique creative process that beared fruit between writer, director and actor. They also discuss how they extended their web of knowledge to authentically represent cohesive control in relationships and how important the partnerships with CommBank and the Mancave are to the films message.
Mortal Kombat II director Simon McQuoid returns to Popcorn Podcast! In our chat, Simon shares his goal to create a maximalist world, how the IMAX experience levelled up the sequel in big ways, why dialling up the female representation was a must for the story and the dirty fighting he revelled in bringing to live. All this and much more.
The incredibly talented Molly Gordon is here to talk new family film, The Sheep Detectives. In our chat, Molly gives us insight into her glamorous “va va voom” entrance, how her role was a “delicious challenge” and what it was like working with “dream boat” Aussie Hugh Jackman, plus so much more.
Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd joins us on Popcorn Podcast to talk new action thriller, Seven Snipers. In our chat, Ioan describes the experience of expert training to become a sniper, how the human elements of the script drew him in, what filming on location in Australia offered his performance and the underrated joys of solo visits to the cinema.
Deborah Mailman returns to Popcorn Podcast to talk her latest collaboration with Warwick Thornton, Wolfram. In this insightful and joyous chat, Deborah shares how writer/director Warwrick Thornton had her at hello, the softness of the story that attracted her to the project, how she found a soft landing after cameras stopped rolling and the cultural obligation of telling this story and also making it entertaining for audiences.
We welcome two brilliant Australian artists on Popcorn Podcast to talk their new Australian film, Beast. Director Tyler Atkins and Australian actor Daniel MacPherson. In our chat, Dan and Tyler share how the script evolved into a distinctly Australian story and the incredible challenges faced during the production. What Pattons greatest strength is as a character and the action of letting the film go for an audience to enjoy. We also unpack the importance of how a very clear vision helps realise a powerful and impactful final product.
Our guest today is the multi-talented actor, musician and visual artist Aidan Langford who stars in new Netflix comedy, Roommates. In our chat, Aidan talks honestly about bringing authenticity to his closeted character and coming out journey, the blossoming friendship he forged with co-stars Sadie Sandler and Chloe East, why he admires Rachel Sonnet and the joy of going to the cinema with his friends.
Karl Urban joins Popcorn Podcast to farewell Billy Butcher ahead of The Boys final season. He drops behind-the-scenes Easter eggs, teases an emotional finale and reflects on a career that's touched Middle Earth, deep space and now Mortal Kombat…
Rebel Wilson's Australian musical The Deb is joyous, hilarious and moving – and that's largely thanks to Natalie Abbott and Shane Jacobson. We welcome the Aussie stars to talk about the father-daughter dynamic that quietly anchors the The Deb, what it's like to sing live on a film set, and how grief and connection sit alongside comedy in rural Australia…
