The Interviews (ft. Bob Odenkirk and Aline Brosh McKenna)

This episode of The Empire Film Podcast's spin-off 'The Interviews' features two in-depth conversations with prominent figures in cinema. First, host Chris Hewitt speaks with Bob Odenkirk about his surprising transformation from comedy icon and 'Saul Goodman' to a leading action hero in Ben Wheatley's 'Normal', a film that blends action, horror, and dark humor. Odenkirk reflects on the unexpected pivot, his rigorous training, the creative synergy with director Ben Wheatley and writer Derek Kolstad, and the emotional depth he brings to his action roles, drawing parallels between his character Ulysses and the emotional core of Saul Goodman. He also discusses his evolving relationship with horror films, expressing disappointment with 'Weapons' while showing curiosity about the genre. The second segment features Aline Brosh McKenna, screenwriter of 'The Devil Wears Prada 2', discussing the sequel's return to the world of high fashion and journalism. McKenna reflects on the film's relevance in the digital age, the changing nature of media, and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a world dominated by algorithms and clicks. She highlights the emotional resonance of the original film and the unique dynamics of working with a long-standing creative team, including Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt. Both interviews underscore themes of reinvention, authenticity, and the enduring power of character-driven storytelling in modern cinema.