The Empire Film Podcast Ft. Guests Sam Riley And Hugh Bonneville & Allen Leech

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast might just go ahead, make your day, as Chris Hewitt (having recovered from a colleague-inflicted mischief) invites Helen O'Hara and James Dyer into the podbooth for a discussion of the best films directed by Clint Eastwood. Amazingly, one-star wonder The Rookie is given short shrift. Then, our intrepid trio take a look at the week's movie news, including the surprising return of Michael Caine, trailers for The Rip and Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, The Conjuring TV series plans, and Superman sequel Man Of Tomorrow's latest plot detail drop. Plus the gang also review The Long Walk, Spinal Tap II: The Grand Finale, and Downton Abbey: The End Continues. Or is it Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, and Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale?

Either way, it's a big episode for Downton fans, as Hugh Bonneville and Allen Leech bid farewell to the cultural juggernaut in the best way possible, by talking to Boyd Hilton. [1:04:33 — 1:16:31 approx.] And Chris has a wonderful time talking tennis and more with Islands star Sam Riley, who makes a triumphant return to the podcast this week. [27:44 — 43:45 approx.] Oh, and Noel Coward pops in for a little song, which is nice. Enjoy.

You can listen to this week's episode (which, if you're counting, is #684) on the pod app of your choice. And if you want more of The Empire Film Podcast, but LIVE and IN PERSON, then boy do we have just the thing for you. On Saturday 13 September — yes, tomorrow night — at 7pm, Team Empire will be coming at you live from Kings Place for an evening of movie news, reviews, nonsense, and maybe a special guest or two as part of this year's London Podcast Festival. Head on over to Kings Place's website to secure your ticket now. We'll see you there!