Wrote 1600 words on #StrangerThings' final episode — and a few other things, besides. It all came together pretty fast, but I'm proud of how what I wanted to write and the things I was driving at came out. Lemme know what you think.

"Stranger Things' finale could never have given every fan what they wanted, so instead The Duffers focused on giving its heroes what they deserved." Hawkins' heroes got the ending they deserved in #StrangerThings' final episode, writes @jordanmbking.bsky.social. Read more: www.empireonline.co...

Not sure how to spend the final hours of 2025? My recommendation is chilling out, relaxing, and reading *checks notes* 6500 words on the last twelve months in the world of film and television. Enjoy! 🎉

I'm in the latest issue of Empire Magazine with a lil news feature on blockbuster anime and the box office success of DEMON SLAYER: INFINITY CASTLE and CHAINSAW MAN - THE MOVIE: REZE ARC. What a treat to make sense of this moment and dig beyond the headlines for the Empire readers.

Just in case we haven’t said it enough times yet, it is certifiably fucking INSANE that the so-called ‘leader of the free world’ is out here just saying despicable, horrific, classless, undignified shit like this with no cause or consequence on a daily basis. Unconscionable.

I can’t quite express how horrified and devastated I am by the news coming through this morning of Rob Reiner and his wife Michele’s deaths. I feel absolutely shattered.

In a just world, Robert Aramayo would be front runner for an Oscar, BAFTA, Nobel Peace Prize, all of it… his turn as John Davidson in I Swear is one of the most extraordinary performances I’ve seen in years. Such a vulnerable, charismatic, honest portrayal of a truly singular man. Absolutely in awe.

As Friday mail calls go, one of the greatest anime films of all time and a true modern classic ain’t a bad haul!

Some preciousss news! The Lord Of The Rings trilogy is heading back to cinemas in January 2026 to mark the 25th anniversary of The Fellowship Of The Ring. (And yes, they *are* the extended editions.) Read more: www.empireonline.com/movies...

Having now watched Sentimental Value, I’m struck by the realisation that there’s a legitimate argument to be made for Stellan Skarsgård having starred in both the best film and the best TV show of 2025 (and been a major factor in the exceptional quality of both). What a year!

There should be a Tinder/Hinge but for finding people to play D&D with. It’s been two years since my last campaign ended and boy do I miss playing!

Another Homer-un for @empiremagazine.bsky.social with this glorious 2026 preview! Very proud to be in among the great pieces in here chatting to the one and only Andrew Stanton about #ToyStory5. This was his first time talking about the film, and I honestly think something very special's on its way.

57 minutes to go… you are not ready! 👀

Having written about film and TV for such a long time, I’ve been thinking of pivoting to food journalism. Specifically, I’ve been planning a book on best practice when it comes to cutting meat from the bone. The only problem is, while the idea for the book is good, I simply don’t know how to fillet.

My sister text yesterday saying she’d seen an amazing film called The Crow, and I was so excited to see her taking an interest in a cult classic that I sent a whole essay back asking her thoughts on the soundtrack, Brandon Lee, all sorts. Heart sank when she said she meant “the new one”.

🚨 Calling all film lovers! 🚨 We’re asking the ultimate question: What are the greatest movies of all time? Empire is putting together a brand-new list of the greatest films ever made, and we want your voice to be part of it. Submit your picks here: www.empireonline.com/movies/featu...

The final short of Star Wars: Visions’ third volume, Black, is one of the most visually striking, boldly experimental, and unexpectedly affecting things to happen to that galaxy far, far away. A stunning jazz-infused presentation of the death spiral of a doomed stormtrooper from David Production.

"When it finally gets going, it really does feel like Nebraska." Jeremy Allen White is Bruce Springsteen in Scott Cooper's new biopic #DeliverMeFromNowhere — out in UK cinemas on 24 October. Read our review: www.empireonline.com/movies/revie...

A short time ago, in a galaxy not so far away, @benstravis.bsky.social and I teamed up to write the latest edition of Empire’s 50 Greatest Star Wars Characters, a list that now spans every era of the Skywalker Saga (and beyond.) Here is that list — punch it! www.empireonline.com/movies/featu...

If any of my mutuals may be keen on a PS4 with Kojima’s P.T. installed then feel free to drop me a message 🫡

Michael Mann's #Heat2 is officially happening at United Artists — and Leonardo DiCaprio is eyeing a key role. Other names circling the crime thriller prequel/sequel include Adam Driver, Austin Butler, and Bradley Cooper. Read more: www.empireonline.com/movies/news/...

Not a bad vantage point for tonight’s gig. Been waiting what feels like a lifetime to see Picture Parlour live again. (Also, if you don’t already know them, then get to — they’re fucking great!)

I can pay no higher compliment to Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest than this: I will thoroughly enjoy standing in front of the screen with my hands on my hips every time One Battle After Another is on TV for the rest of my natural life. Gen Z Dads — we have our Heat.

I sure hope @helenlohara.bsky.social made a bet on Brainiac being in Man Of Tomorrow 🧠

Kogonada goes 3 for 3 with #ABigBoldBeautifulJourney. Another gorgeous rumination on memory, (dis)connection, and the work and commitment it takes every day to be here, to be alive, and to stay open when experience pleads caution. As for Joe Hisaishi’s score… utterly magical.

We've finally arrived in the Blue place! 💫 Follow us for podcast updates...

As production ramps up on #TheRingsOfPower Season 3, Prime Video have dropped a new video teasing the return of Elendil — and a certain legendary sword — in the Lord Of The Rings prequel's next chapter. Watch it here: www.empireonline.com/tv/news/the-...

Honestly might be the best photo I’ll ever take

Maybe the real weapons were the kids who went missing along the way

Just realised the screening of Weapons I’m about to head into is 4DX… I have no fucking clue how that’s going to work, and I’m not entirely sure I’m massively happy to find out. Wish me luck! 😬

Rocked up to the IMAX in my Mononoke jumper earlier like it was a rock concert. And honestly, it felt like one. The film may be 28 years old, but my God has it still got it — and it’s only more poignant after The Boy & The Heron. Despite everything, Miyazaki’s never stopped asking “How do you live?”

This year’s will be the first LFF I won’t be attending since 2019. Not sure how I feel about that, but I’m sure I’ll keep myself busy and only let the FOMO creep in sparingly. Going to be relying on my mutuals to keep me in the loop with all the kino to catch up on!

It’s been a long time coming but so worth the wait. @schillingc.bsky.social and the @lostincult.co.uk team’s IMMORTALITY: Design Works tome and soundtrack vinyl are now in my hands. Still blows my mind that the entire 424-page script for the game is here, alongside SO MUCH MORE! What a beauty. ❤️‍🔥

Mad bit of Ghibli memorabilia to find in a charity shop of all places. Easily the most morbid bit of merch I’ll ever own. IFYKYK.

Hayao Miyazaki’s explanation of The Boy & The Heron to his staff is all I needed today to remind me why AI will never prevail over true artists. AI can describe and explain, but it can’t think or feel. It can’t wrestle with what it means to be human, because it will never know.

Precious cargo from @deafcrocodile.bsky.social — two animated classics that I’ve never been able to get hold of, now both available in 4K. Can’t wait to get stuck in!

Pretty cool that we get a free screening of #TheFantasticFour with our tickets for the Avatar: Fire & Ash trailer. Nice one, Disney!

Just rolled credits after 100% completing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This is right up there with The Last Of Us, Breath Of The Wild, and Final Fantasy X (my favourite, don’t judge) as one of the best gaming experiences of my life. A bona fide masterpiece; what an achievement. 🤍

Perfect arrival just in time for my week off from work. Excited to get stuck in to some lesser known Polish animation classics thanks to this shiny new @filmsradiance.bsky.social release! 🇵🇱📀

IYKYK

If anyone has/knows anyone with an Oasis ticket for any of the upcoming Heaton Park/Wembley shows (inc. today!) that for some mad reason they won’t be using, please put me in touch! Had to sell my ticket for Cardiff N1 and the FOMO is excruciating. Unashamed madferit and proud #Oasis #OasisLive25

Here to see a (Super)man about a (Super)dog — perfectly timed for me finishing my latest re-read of Grant Morrison’s run on the comics 👌🏻

5 years ago today, my first child’s heart beat for the last time. I’m not a spiritual man, but I take some comfort in the knowledge that for all the missing, yearning, and grieving, at the end of my days I’ll be heading — mind and heart open — to wherever my darling Robin went. Dad loves you, kid 🤍

Pretty hyped for The Social NeTWOrk. (Also, why didn’t I think of that when I was writing the socials for this announcement? DAMMIT!)

Just out of #28YearsLater and I have thoughts. So. Many. Thoughts. Mostly how fucking exhilarating it is to see two 55 and 68 year old men make such a fucking excoriating rejection of traditionalists, anti-intellectuals, Brexiteers, the far right, of THE GOOD OLD DAYS.

Jon Bernthal's Punisher will make his big-screen MCU debut in #SpiderManBrandNewDay, Destin Daniel Cretton's upcoming Spidey fourquel. Production on the movie, slated for release next July, is due to get underway in the UK imminently. Read more: www.empireonline.com/movies/news/...

Currently stuck in Nuneaton on a train that hasn’t moved for over an hour, and it looks like Matilda’s birthday present — going to see Totoro — won’t be happening now. Does anyone have any suggestions for something we can do with a heartbroken 4-year-old Totoro fan when we finally do get to London?

I’m not doing this for every milestone I reach (promise!), but hitting 1000 pieces for @empiremagazine.bsky.social’s website is a biggie for me. I’ve probably said it before, but when I started high school I wrote that my dream was to write one thing — anything — for Empire. And here we are now.

As ever, Amon is correct, and correct, and ABSOLUTELY CORRECT!

Selling one standing 🎟️ to Oasis at Cardiff Principality Stadium on 4th July (the first gig of the reunion tour) as I can’t justify the travel — or ticket — cost at the moment. Send me a DM if you or anyone you know might be interested. Cheers! 😊