Terry Matalas on VisionQuest, James Spader’s Ultron & the MCU

How do you bring one of the greatest stories in human history to the big screen?Screen Off Script sits down with director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra for an exclusive conversation about RAMAYANA: RISE OF A LEGEND, an ambitious cinematic adaptation of one of the world's most influential epics.Traditionally attributed to the poet Valmiki, the Ramayana has influenced generations of storytelling, culture and literature across South and Southeast Asia for more than two millennia.In this interview, we discuss the vision behind bringing the ancient epic to a global audience, the responsibility of adapting such an iconic story, the extraordinary scale of the production and the importance of balancing spectacular filmmaking with the humanity at the heart of the original story.The project brings together Academy Award-winning visual effects artists behind films including Dune and Tenet, alongside an unprecedented musical collaboration between Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman.Producer Namit Malhotra describes the Ramayana as the OG of epic storytelling, while director Nitesh Tiwari leads the cinematic vision behind this ambitious adaptation.Featuring:Nitesh Tiwari – DirectorNamit Malhotra – ProducerAn exclusive filmmaking conversation about RAMAYANA: RISE OF A LEGEND from Screen Off Script.Follow Screen Off Script for more exclusive interviews with the biggest names in film and television, movie news, red carpet conversations and coverage from international film festivals.

Screen Off Script sits down with Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash for an exclusive interview about RAMAYANA: RISE OF A LEGEND, the ambitious cinematic adaptation of one of the world's most influential epics.The film brings the legendary story of the Ramayana to life, following Rama (Ranbir Kapoor), Sita (Sai Pallavi) and Ravana (Yash) in an epic tale of duty, sacrifice, love, vengeance and destiny.Traditionally attributed to the poet Valmiki, the Ramayana has shaped culture, literature, ethics and storytelling across South and Southeast Asia for more than two millennia. Now, the filmmakers are bringing this extraordinary story to audiences around the world through an ambitious cinematic production.The project brings together Academy Award-winning visual effects artists behind films including Dune and Tenet, alongside an historic musical collaboration between two acclaimed composers, Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman.In this conversation, we speak with the film's leading stars about taking on some of the most iconic characters in storytelling history and helping bring this legendary epic to a new generation of audiences.Featuring:Ranbir Kapoor as RamaSai Pallavi as SitaYash as RavanaAn exclusive RAMAYANA: RISE OF A LEGEND cast interview from Screen Off Script.Follow Screen Off Script for more exclusive interviews, film festival coverage, red carpet conversations and the latest entertainment news.Instagram: @screenoffscript

Actress Diane Kruger joins us at the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, where she receives the prestigious Evolution ICON Award, for a conversation about her career, memorable film roles and the projects that have defined her journey.Kruger looks back on playing Helen of Troy in Wolfgang Petersen's Troy, the 2004 historical epic that introduced her to a huge international audience. With Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey bringing renewed attention to Greek mythology and epic filmmaking, we discuss the lasting legacy of Troy and how the experience shaped her career.We also talk about her much-loved role as Dr. Abigail Chase in National Treasure and National Treasure: Book of Secrets. With National Treasure 3 currently in development, we ask whether she would be interested in returning for another adventure alongside Nicolas Cage.From Troy and National Treasure to Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds and her award-winning performance in In the Fade, Diane reflects on an impressive career spanning international cinema.An engaging conversation with the Evolution ICON Award recipient about her career, Hollywood, and the films audiences continue to love.

Oscar-winning filmmaker Edward Berger joins us at the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival for an exclusive conversation about his career, upcoming projects and ambitions for the future of cinema.The director of All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave discusses reuniting with Brad Pitt for World War Z 2 and what excites him about stepping into the world of a major Hollywood franchise.Berger also addresses the speculation surrounding his name and James Bond. Having previously expressed his interest in directing 007, would he still be interested if the right opportunity came along?We also talk about The Riders, his upcoming collaboration with Brad Pitt, and Fatherland, directed by Paweł Pawlikowski, which Berger produced. He reflects on working with Sandra Hüller, his experience as a producer and the importance of maintaining an independent filmmaking mentality while taking on large-scale commercial projects.A fascinating conversation with one of today's most acclaimed directors about blockbuster filmmaking, creative freedom, James Bond, World War Z and what comes next.

We spoke with Sandra Lipski, founder and director of the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, for a conversation about the festival's origins, its remarkable growth over the past 15 years and its impact on the local filmmaking community in Mallorca.Sandra explains what inspired her to create the festival, how it has evolved into an international platform for cinema and why supporting local filmmakers and creative talent remains such an important part of its mission.We also explore what it means to welcome internationally acclaimed filmmakers and stars such as Edward Berger and Diane Kruger to Mallorca, and how their involvement helps shine an international spotlight on the festival and the island's film community.Looking ahead, Sandra shares her hopes and ambitions for the next chapter of Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival.A conversation about independent cinema, building creative communities, international recognition and the future of filmmaking in Mallorca.

Oscar-winning filmmaker Edward Berger joins us at the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, where he receives the prestigious Evolution VISION Award, for an insightful conversation about his career, creative philosophy and the future of filmmaking.Known for directing All Quiet on the Western Front, which won four Academy Awards, and the critically acclaimed Conclave, Berger reflects on his journey as a filmmaker, the importance of film festivals and the creative process behind his work.He also discusses Fatherland, directed by Paweł Pawlikowski, which he produced and which is screening at this year's festival. Berger shares his experience stepping into the producer's role and supporting another filmmaker's creative vision.One of the highlights of the conversation comes when Berger discusses his ambitions to make big-budget commercial films while maintaining the independent filmmaking mentality that has shaped his career. He references Denis Villeneuve and Christopher Nolan as examples of filmmakers who have successfully brought their distinctive creative personalities to blockbuster cinema.A fascinating discussion about independent cinema, blockbuster filmmaking, creative freedom and what comes next for one of Europe's most acclaimed directors.

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of WILDWOOD, LAIKA’s spectacular new stop-motion animated fantasy, with four of the filmmakers responsible for creating its extraordinary world.We’re joined by Brad Schiff (Head of Animation), Nelson Lowry (Production Design), Deb Cook (Costume Design), and Oliver Jones (Head of Character & Practical Effects) to discuss the incredible craftsmanship and artistry behind the film.The group takes us inside the painstaking process of bringing WILDWOOD to life, from its intricate stop-motion animation and character design to its elaborate costumes, practical effects and production design.Directed by Travis Knight and based on the novel by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis, WILDWOOD follows Prue and her classmate Curtis as they enter an enchanted forest in search of Prue’s kidnapped infant brother.With a voice cast featuring Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Awkwafina, Angela Bassett, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Tom Waits and Richard E. Grant, WILDWOOD represents another huge leap forward for LAIKA and the art of stop-motion animation.This interview was recorded as part of the WILDWOOD global press junket in London.

Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, the Oscar-winning director of Free Solo, joins Screen Off Script to discuss her new documentary Everest: The Other Side.Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, Everest: The Other Side follows climbers Jim Morrison and Hilaree Nelson as they pursue their extraordinary dream of climbing and skiing down the North Face of Mount Everest.In this interview, Vasarhelyi discusses the emotional heart of the film, Jim and Hilaree's relationship, the risks involved in telling their story, and how Everest: The Other Side became as much a love story as it is an adventure and mountaineering documentary.We also discuss Vasarhelyi's filmmaking career, from Meru and Free Solo to The Rescue and Nyad, and what continues to draw her to stories about people pursuing seemingly impossible dreams.Everest: The Other Side Opens Exclusively in Cinemas and IMAX® Worldwide October 30🎙️ Interview by Screen Off Script🎬 Everest: The Other Side🎥 Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi & Jimmy Chin⛰️ Featuring Jim Morrison & Hilaree Nelson

Emily Hampshire joins Gurveer Brah to talk about VISIONQUEST.We talk to Emily about being an MCU fan, what it was like to step into the Marvel universe, playing E.D.I.T.H., and how the character helped her ponder on the importance of being present and in the moment.Hampshire also shares what E.D.I.T.H. brings out of Vision and why James Spader and Paul Bettany deserve all the awards.VISIONQUEST follows Vision as he searches for a new purpose after being rebooted, confronting the AI personas within his programming, including E.D.I.T.H., F.R.I.D.A.Y., J.A.R.V.I.S. and Ultron, while uncovering the mystery surrounding a young boy who may be his son.VISIONQUEST premieres October 14 on Disney+.Hosted by Gurveer Brah from Screen Off Script 🎥

Marvel’s VisionQuest showrunner Terry Matalas joins Screen Off Script’s Chamatkar Sandhu to discuss the latest chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.Terry discusses bringing James Spader back as Ultron, the brilliance of Spader’s performance, and the creative decision to bring the various AI personalities inside Vision’s mind to life in human form. We also talk about exploring Vision’s identity, bringing the story that began with WandaVision to a conclusion, and where VisionQuest fits into the wider MCU ahead of Avengers: Doomsday.Starring Paul Bettany and James Spader, VisionQuest premieres on Disney+ on October 14, 2026.Follow Screen Off Script:Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and more: https://linktr.ee/ScreenOffScriptBusiness enquiries: [email protected]