Director Jon M. Chu Talks 'Wicked' Sequel, Surprise Cameos & More

2024 is coming to a close, which means it’s time for us to look back at another incredible year of movies and rank our 10 favorites. From Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two” to Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance” and Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist,” it has been a banner year. In today’s episode, each host will reveal their personal top 10 favorite films of the year, all adding up to ReelBlend’s official top 5.This is our last full episode of the year, but stay tuned. Next week, we have two more great interviews coming your way, including Halina Reijn discussing “Babygirl” and Bill Skarsgård and Willem Dafoe discussing “Nosferatu.”ReelBlend PremiumSign up for a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form.Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnellJake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsTimestamps (approx. only)00:00 - Intro 6:02 - #1014:50 - #920:46 - #825:08 - #726:00 - #634:48 - #542:14 - #450:04 - #31:03:21 - #21:14:57 - #11:23:27 - ReelBlend’s Top 5 Movies Of The Year1:26:19 - OutroOur Sponsors:* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sony's "Kraven The Hunter" is finally hitting theaters this weekend, and director J.C. Chandor joins us to discuss creating an R-rated superhero origin story, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and his passion for the source material.ReelBlend PremiumSign up for a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form.Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnellJake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsTimestamps (approx. only)00:00 - Intro 10:40 - J.C. Chandor Interview | ‘Kraven The Hunter”45:41 - Will ‘Kraven The Hunter’ Underperform At The Box Office?50:58 - Oscar Race: Trending Up, Trending Down1:15:35 - OutroOur Sponsors:* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult joined the show to discuss the making of their new film "The Order," which is now playing in select theaters. Jude Law shares his tried and true plan for shaking off a character after production, the two gush about each other's filmography and Nicholas Hoult keeps his lips sealed on what to expect from his turn as Lex Luthor in James Gunn's DCU. After our interview, we discuss our thoughts on "The Order," Luca Guadagnino's new film "Queer" starring Daniel Craig and what "Moana 2's" box office tells us about the future of streaming.Jon M. Chu Interview (Wicked): https://youtu.be/sBRQJVFvZA4ReelBlend PremiumSign up for a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form.Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnellJake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsTimestamps (approx. only)00:00 - Intro 07:36 - Jude Law & Nicholas Hoult Interview32:09 - ‘The Order’ Review37:05 - ‘Queer’ Review49:01 - ‘Moana 2’s’ Box Office & Streaming’s Effect On Franchise Films1:01:42 - Will ‘Wicked’ Win Best Picture?1:18:20 - OutroOur Sponsors:* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Director Jon M. Chu joins us to discuss his hit musical "Wicked," starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. He chats about editing "Wicked: Part Two," the incredible attention to detail in Cynthia Erivo's iconic hat, putting together Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth's surprise cameos, getting feedback from Steven Spielberg, and more. You can see Wicked in theaters now.ReelBlend PremiumSign up for a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form.Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnellJake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsOur Sponsors:* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The filmmaking duo Peter and Bobby Farrelly are here to discuss the making of their new film Dear Santa starring Jack Black! The comedy legends share stories from the making of their iconic films such as "Dumb and Dumber" and "There's Something About Mary."Peter Farrelly tells us why his Best Picture-winning film Green Book was the easiest film he's ever made compared to comedy, how the brothers decided who would get directing credit for "Dumb and Dumber," their parents visiting the set during Jeff Daniels' toilet scene and more.ReelBlend PremiumSign up for a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form.Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnellJake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsOur Sponsors:* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We are honored to welcome actor Giovanni Ribisi to the show, and he's joining us to discuss his incredible cinematography in "Strange Darling." If you've been listening to the show this year, you know how much we loved '"Strange Darling," one of our favorite movies of the year. This conversation does get into spoilers for "Strange Darling," so be warned. However, we cover a range of projects from Giovanni Ribisi's filmography including Steven Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan," Kevin Costner's "Horizon: An American Saga" and more.ReelBlend PremiumSign up for a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form.Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnellJake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsOur Sponsors:* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John David Washington returns to geek out about his favorite films, discuss his journey going from the NFL to Hollywood, and share stories from the making of Tenet and his new film "The Piano Lesson," directed by Malcolm Washington. After our interview, stick around for our thoughts on "The Piano Lesson," and our reviews of this week's huge theatrical releases, "Gladiator II" and "Wicked."ReelBlend PremiumSign up for a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form.Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnellJake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsTimestamps (approx. only)00:00 - Intro 8:40 - John David Washington Interview44:19 - ‘The Piano Lesson’ Review51:10 - ‘Gladiator II’ Review1:03:55 - ‘Wicked’ Review1:20:38 - OutroOur Sponsors:* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We are so excited to welcome Alison Schapker, showrunner of HBO's new series "Dune: Prophecy," to the show to discuss bringing the 'Dune' to TV. We chat about some of the season's central mysteries that are beginning to unfold following the premiere episode, capturing the same visual styling of Denis Villeneuve's cinematic universe, putting their own stamp on the music of the "Dune" world and more. Alison Schapker also shares her incredible origin story in the entertainment industry, detailing the decades of experience that have led to her running HBO's new hit sci-fi series and how she coordinates the storytelling of full season with the series' three directors.ReelBlend PremiumSign up for a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form.Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnellJake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsOur Sponsors:* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

30 years after “Forest Gump,” Tom Hanks and Robin Wright reunite with filmmaker Robert Zemeckis for “Here.” Last week, we were joined by Tom Hanks to discuss the making of “Here,” and his broader career. This week, director Robert Zemeckis takes a turn on ReelBlend to discuss the same. From the themes of “Here” connecting as far back in his career as “Back To The Future,” to how he created that mind-boggling mirror shot in “Contact,” we cover a wide range of the icon's filmography. Stick around after the interview for our reactions to the film’s disappointing box office, and we play a Tom Hanks Bracket Challenge. ReelBlend PremiumSign up for a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form.Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnellJake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsTimestamps (approx. only)00:00 - Intro 8:11 - Robert Zemeckis Interview29:48 - ‘Here’ Box Office Disappoints41:40 - Tom Hanks Bracket Challenge1:12:11 - OutroOur Sponsors:* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tom Hanks returns to the show! Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, and Robert Zemeckis are back together for their new film "Here." He walks us through some of the iconic scores his films have been part of including "Apollo 13's" launch sequence bringing him to tears. He shares the story behind a "Forrest Gump" sequel that never happened and even having doubts about "Gump" while filming. Stick around after the interview for our reviews of "Here," and Sean's breakdown of his coverage at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival. Next week, director Robert Zemeckis joins us to continue the conversation, so stay tuned!ReelBlend PremiumSign up for a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form.Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnellJake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsTimestamps (approx. only)00:00 - Intro 05:44 - Tom Hanks Interview36:40 - Rare Interviews With Big Movie Stars40:47 - ‘Here’ Review57:37 - Sean At SCAD: ‘September 5,’ ‘Anora’ & More 1:09:53 - OutroOur Sponsors:* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy