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Film Stories with Simon Brew

Film Stories with Simon Brew is a podcast that looks to dig into the stories behind popular movies.From troubled productions, to rights issues, to difficulties with release to films nearly falling apart, the podcast will be looking at the stories that don't always seem apparent when watching a movie!The podcast is hosted by Simon Brew, the founder of Den Of Geek. Support the podcast at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Thank you!

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  1. 485

    James Cameron's Titanic (1997), the two battling studios, and drugs in the chowder

    James Cameron knew as he pitched Titanic to 20th Century Fox that it wasn't likely to be as commercial a film as the one he'd just done, True Lies. The budget was set to be lower, the release date was initially set for just a year after the start of filming, and there was to be no song. What happened changed his career and many others. From the unhappy crew member drugging the food table, to press reports of a production out of control, Simon Brew digs into the extraordinary story behind one of the biggest movies of all time... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 484

    Interview special with Oscar winner Susanne Bier (Practical Magic 2) and producer Ken Petrie (Sunny Dancer and more)

    Two different creatives share their film stories in this special episode of the podcast! First up, Oscar-winner Susanne Bier talked to Simon the day after the Practical Magic 2 premiere in London. The pair natter about the the film, about the set build, and what Susanne is up to next. And then producer Ken Petrie joins, a man who's had an unusual journey to film producing. Just how do you get from doing the pytotechnics at a Katherine Jenkins Christmas show, to producing the acclaimed indie comedy Sunny Dancer? You'll hear both conversations in this episode... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. 483

    Parenthood, the plane trip that led to the film, plus a lovely chat with Robert Carlyle

    1989's Parenthood started life on a long haul flight. Director Ron Howard would tell of how 'testing' it was to do such a journey with kids in tow, and soon, he realised there was a film in it. But it'd be a movie where he, producer Brian Grazer, and writers Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel, would end up mining their personal lives. Plus, it was going to need one hell of an ensemble cast. For the second part of this episode, Simon is joined by Robert Carlyle, who has just directed for the third time. Fittingly, it's a short film called three, and Robert talks about why he made it, how it differered from his other directing film, plus the importance of putting the bins out... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. 482

    In conversation with Michael Sarnoski - The Death Of Robin Hood, Death Stranding, Pig, and videogames

    In UK cinemas now is the third film from writer/director Michael Sarnoski, The Death Of Robin Hood. Headlined by Hugh Jackman and Jodie Comer, it's a hugely ambitious independent movie, with a very different spin on a well-known character. Sarnoski joined Simon Brew for a Film Stories special, chatting about the movie, about filming in Northern Ireland, about the weather, and about shooting on film. Plus, the pair talking about working with Nicolas Cage on Pig, an assortment of videogames, Sarnoski's upcoming Death Stranding movie, and the deadly nature of Split Fiction... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. 481

    Bill And Ted's Bogus Journey, the title that had to change, plus a chat with William Sadler and Alex Winter too

    With Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure already playing in cinemas, plans moved quickly for a sequel. Originally entitled Bill & Ted Go To Hell, the movie that became Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey survived the financial problems of the studio behind it, and brought in a first-time director, with a really tight schedule to turn the film around. In the first part of this episode, Simon tells the story of the film. In the second, he's joined by two of its stars, Alex Winter and William Sadler, to put their side of things. Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey has just made its 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray debut in the UK, courtesy of Arrow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. 480

    Speed (1994), the lack of Speed 3, plus director Dave Green on the Coyote Vs Acme saga

    1994's Speed may now be regarded as an action classic, but the original idea was a bus that didn't go above 20mph, in a film called Minimum Speed. Sat for a late summer release in 1994, things changed after a really successful test screening - and Keanu Reeves' haircut! - but it'd gone over a lot of hurdles to get to that point. Plus: where's Speed 3?! In the second half of this episode, director Dave Green joins Simon to chat about the terrific Coyote Vs Acme, a film that very, very nearly didn't exist... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. 479

    In conversation with Adam Shankman - Stop That Train, the Oscars, Hairspray and more

    Director Adam Shankman shot the joyously entertaining Stop! That! Train! in under three weeks, and it arrives in cinemas this very weekend in the UK. In this special Film Stories interview, he talks to Simon Brew about getting the film made, as well as his time producing the Oscars, the short film that got him started, Hairspray, and an upcoming Christmas movie with Arnold Schwarzenegger too... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. 478

    Licence To Kill (1989), plus Toby Kebbell on Dead Man's Shoes and more

    James Bond 007 took a grittier turn with 1989's Licence To Kill, an adventure that was the first and only Bond film very specifically written for Timothy Dalton. It was an attempt to turn Bond grittier, and would mark the end of an era for many involved in the saga. Plus, it would end up doing box office battles with some tougher than expected competition. For the second half of this episode, Simon is talking Dead Man's Shoes with actor Toby Kebbell, for whom it marked his first film apperance. The movie is finally available on Blu-ray for the first time, and Toby is not short of stories about it... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  9. 477

    Film Stories Live: with Mark Kermode in Cornwall

    Up front, you can find Simon's tour dates at www.filmstories.co.uk/live. Simon Brew has been touring the UK with Film Stories in 2026, and in June 2026, he landed at the lovely Plaza Cinema in Truro. There, for an hour and half, he and Mark Kermode talked movies. And lots of them. In this special recording, you can hear the pair talk about dentistry, John Travola, Event Horizon, The Devils, The Exorcist II, Howard The Duck, Masters Of The Universe and a whole lot more... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  10. 476

    Carlito's Way, a film it took ten attempts to make

    Brian De Palma's 1993 movie Carlito's Way was not a box office success. De Palma managed to predict the critical reaction to the film, reacted to studio notes saying it was too long by making it longer, and had to retool the finale action sequence very late in the day. Even getting it to filming was a challenge - and the option to the source books would be taken out ten different times before Carlito's Way finally made it to production....! The story is told in this episode. Please subscribe, leave nice reviews, and don't annoy Benny Blanco from the Bronx... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  11. 475

    Dances With Wolves (1990), plus its three different cuts...

    Kevin Costner gambled hard on making a three hour western, a third of which wasn't in the English language. He turned down roles in The Hunt For Red October and Presumed Innocent to take the risk of making Dances With Wolves. And while history tells it as a masterstroke, in the months leading up to the release, it looked anything but. In this episode, Simon digs into the story of the film, the fact that it was millions short of its modest budget when shooting began... and now, the tale of three different cuts of Dances With Wolves too. If you like this independent podcast, made in a small room in the West Midlands here in the UK, please leave a nice review and subscribe. If you really like it, head over to www.patreon.com/simonbrew too. Thank you so much for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  12. 474

    Howard The Duck (1986) and the first Marvel movie, plus Terri White

    I hear you, folks! Do more Marvel films? Gotcha! Let's go back to 1986, and Howard The Duck, the stunning-ish George Lucas-produced film of the subversive comic book character. Howard The Duck would become notable on its release, but its production alone would have been worth the stories. Malfunctioning ducks, cigars, tonal conversations, George Lucas' chosen director passing on the film, and a fallout in the Universal boardroom afterwards? The making of is just as odd as the film. Then! For the second part of this episode, live from Simon's recent show in Manchester, former Empire editor Terri White in conversation about Armageddon, regional cinema, and the Rocky franchise. For more live shows - and print magazines! - head to www.filmstories.co.uk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  13. 473

    Gladiator (2000) and its journey to the screen, plus director Morgan Matthews

    2000's Gladiator might be regarded as a classic now, but heck, did it have some bumps on its way to the screen. A script that was a long way from finished. A leading man, er, 'not too thrilled' with the fact said screenplay was constantly in flux. The death of Oliver Reed before the end of filming. And the worries of a studio that happened to be making its biggest-ever film. The story is told in this episode. Plus, the second half is spent in the company of BAFTA-winning director Morgan Matthews, chatting about films such as 500 Miles (now in UK cinemas), The Railway Children Return, X+Y, and a £1 bet. Please leave a nice review and subscribe. Thank you for supporting this independent podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  14. 472

    American Made (2017), and the Tom Cruise film that's fallen through the cracks

    Just as Tom Cruise embarked on his run of Mission: Impossible and Top Gun sequels, he slipped in one of bolder choices too: an R-rated crime caper, based on a true story. Originally called Mena before being retitled American Made, the shoot saw the writer, director and star of the film living in the same house. It also saw wildly ambitious flying sequences, a tragic accident, a challenge when selling the film and a whole lot more.... Please subscribe to this show if you like it and leave a nice review. Support us at www.patreon.com/simonbrew Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  15. 471

    In conversation with Sam Campbell - Make That Movie, bananas, VHS tapes, cinema and more

    Sam Campbell - he of Taskmaster and Last One Laughing - has made a comedy series about films. In Make That Movie, he and his crew face a filmmaking challenge each episode. All six episodes are streaming now on 4. Sam joins Simon Brew for a conversation about the show, but it doesn't take long for it to go off track. Banana, VHS tapes, old films,a samurai sword? It's quite the chat... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  16. 470

    Fight Club (1999), plus the dig against Rupert Murdoch at the end

    Outside of the very well known rules, there's a whole load of other stuff about 1999's Fight Club. There's the director who turned the book down, freely admitting they didn't get it. There's the moment when the budget was suddenly going to soar. There's the bit where the studio boss knew he was going to hit trouble for greenlighting the film (and boy, did he). And then there was a studio left with a film it didn't know how to market. The story is told in this episode. Please subscribe, leave nice reviews, and try not to punch us hard in an after hours fighting establishment... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  17. 469

    In conversation with Paul Mercurio - Strictly Ballroom, Exit To Eden, and, er, homebrew beer

    Over 30 years since its original release, Strictly Ballroom - the debut feature from Baz Luhrmann - is back in cinemas with a 4K remaster. In a Film Stories special, Simon chats to its star - Paul Mercurio - about the making of the film, and looking back on it now. Plus! Paul talks homebrew, cooking, and making Garry Marshall's S&M comedy, Exit To Eden... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  18. 468

    Jurassic Park (1993), and the struggle to bring dinosaurs to the screen

    The original Jurassic Park movie was set to land a few years earlier than it did. Announce in 1990, director Steven Spielberg would move on to making Hook while some of the art team were moved to Death Becomes Her. The reason for the delays? How on earth do you bring dinosaurs to life. Even when that was cracked, though, there was a moment during the shoot when real life peril outweighed dino danger. Even when the film was done, there was the looming threat of Arnold Schwarzenegger's return to cinema with Last Action Hero. It wouldn't turn out to be much of a blockbuster battle... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  19. 467

    The New Mutants (2020), and a big missed opportunity

    The idea wasn't a bad one. With the cost of X-Men movies spiralling, 20th Century Fox was interested in a lower cost, slightly more niche film in the saga. One that could perhaps appeal to a teen audience, that wouldn't put quite the strain on the old finances. Josh Boone - off the back of The Fault In Our Stars - was brought in to write and direct, a dream project for him. But the dream would soon turn sour, with two big, unexpected obstacles, and a whole lot of to and fro over potential reshoots... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  20. 466

    In conversation with director Alicia MacDonald - Finding Emily, Mike Leigh, short films, romantic comedies, Kickstarter

    Alicia MacDonald first feature film as director, Finding Emily, turns out to be a Working Title-backed romantic comedy, the kind that used to fill British cinema charts. Albeit with a twist! In this Film Stories special, she talks to Simon Brew about launching her first feature, the years on her way up when she found herself alongside Mike Leigh, and in a room while Alan Rickman watched her type. Plus a whole lot more... Finding Emily is now in UK cinemas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  21. 465

    In conversation with Thea Sharrock - Ladies First, Wicked Little Letters, The Beautiful Game, posh chairs

    Director Thea Sharrock is the guest for this special edition of the Film Stories podcast. She joins Simon to chat about her new film, Ladies First, which stars Rosamund Pike and Sacha Baron Cohen. Plus! There's time too for conversation about Wicked Little Letters, The One And Only Ivan, directing Equus on Broadway, and the state of the chairs in the posh London hotel she happens to be sitting in. If you like this podcast, you can support it at www.patreon.com/simonbrew Please subscribe, like and that sort of thing too. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  22. 464

    Hook, and how it became the Steven Spielberg film that Steven Spielberg doesn't like

    Steven Spielberg's 1991 movie Hook was supposed to be his perfect project. The director compared to Peter Pan, making the story of Peter Pan never growing up? What could go wrong? Well, plenty. In this episode of Film Stories, Simon Brew charts the tale of how Spielberg lost control of Hook's production, how it became tied up with a major Hollywood acquistion, and why unexpected competition in the winter of 1991 didn't help its cause either. Plus: why was Spielberg himself not keen? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  23. 463

    Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines (2003), and one hell of a challenge to secure the Terminator rights

    After 1991's Terminator 2: Judgment Day, James Cameron's interest in making a third Terminator movie seemed to wane. However, that didn't stop others trying to take things forward. And whilst Arnold Schwarzenegger would, for many years, insist that he'd only make T3 with Cameron, a string of underwhelming box office performers started to have an impact for Arnie. That said, just securing the rights to Terminator caused no end of challenges, and would drive a wedge between James Cameron and two of his friends. And that's just part of the story... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  24. 462

    Contact (1997) and how it nearly fell apart, plus David Frankel on The Devil Wears Prada 2

    Robert Zemeckis' 1997 film of Carl Sagan's Contact is a remarkably grown-up science fiction movie for a summer blockbuster. Starring Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughey, it took nearly 20 years to bring the story to the screen - and along the way, Mad Max director George Miller was hired and fired too. It's quite a story, told by Simon Brew in this latest episode. Plus! Oscar-winning filmmaker David Frankel chats to James about The Devil Wears Prada 2, and the short film that earned him an Academy Award... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  25. 461

    Cape Fear (1991), and when Martin Scorsese read it three times and hated it

    It's pretty well known that originally, Steven Spielberg was interested in directing a remake of Cape Fear, and that Martin Scorsese held the rights to what became Schindler's List. That the two then swapped projects. Yet that's just part of the story. In this episode of Film Stories, Simon Brew digs into Scorsese's dislike of the project when he first came to it. Of Robert De Niro's tattoos. Of Nick Nolte not being recognised at the premiere of Goodfellas. And he uncovers a useful lesson in booking your location right near an airport... Patreon: www.patreon.com/simonbrew www.filmstories.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  26. 460

    Dick Tracy (1990), along with the strange trick to hold onto its rights

    June 1990 saw Disney spend big on a summer movie, at a point when that was the last thing it was inclined to do. But 1990's Dick Tracy - specifically the way it was promoted - was hugely influenced by Warner Bros' success with Batman the year before. Dick Tracy though by that time had already taken around 15 years to come to the screen - and the aftermath of it would lead, bizarrely, to the creation of the film Jerry Maguire. If you like this podcast, please do like and subscribe. Simon Brew is on tour with Film Stories too. Go to www.filmstories.co.uk/live-events for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  27. 459

    Wild Wild West (1999), plus how it affected The Matrix and The Iron Giant

    The summer of 1999 brought with it some huge successes, and also the combination of Will Smith, Salma Hayek and Kevin Kline in Wild Wild West. Based on the TV show from the 1960s, this became a hugely expensive Warner Bros blockbuster, one that George Clooney saw the problem with and duly dropped out of fairly late in the day. In this episode of Film Stories, Simon digs into the story of the movie, and how Will Smith faced a choice: does it take the lead role in this, or does he make The Matrix instead...?! Please subscribe and leave nice reviews! Thank you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  28. 458

    In conversation with Paul Feig - The Housemaid, Bridesmaids at the Oscars, Ghostbusters and more

    Paul Feig returns to the Film Stories podcast, to chat with Simon about a whole bunch of stuff. There's The Housemaid - with a clearly marked spoiler! - and The Housemaid 2. There's also Bridesmaids at the Oscars, an attempt get Spy 2 moving, the long-lost idea of a Play-doh movie, and a whole lot more. Bit sweary this one. Please like and subscribe and stuff! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  29. 457

    In conversation with David Mackenzie | Fuze, Relay, Hell Or High Water, Starred Up, AI and more

    Director David Mackenzie stops by to chat about his new film, Fuze, in the latest episode of the Film Stories podcast. Ryan Lambie steps in to to chat to David about his work, and films such as Young Adam, Starred Up, the mighty Hell Or High Water (which Mackenzie chats about revisiting recently) and Relay. Plus a whole lot on Fuze, in cinemas now, and his plans for future projects... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  30. 456

    Judge Dredd (1995), and the long battle to get it made

    In 1980, an option was taken out on Judge Dredd with a view of getting a movie of Mega City One's legendary law enforcer to the big screen. In the years that followed, it looked like Tony Scott might direct a film based on 2000AD comics' most famous character, with Arnold Schwarzenegger sniffing around. In the end, 1995 saw a seasoned movie star in Sylvester Stallone and a twentysomething British film director called Danny Cannon realising the film. Turned out to be quite a story... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  31. 455

    In conversation with Radio Silence - Ready Or Not 2, Sega Dreamcast, Samara Weaving and more

    Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett work as filmmakers under the collective name of Radio Silence, and they've been out and about promoting their new film, Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come. The poor pair had to suffer a conversation with Simon for their sins, that touched on the new movie, on films such as Abigail and Devil's Due, plus tips of the hat to very expensive chairs and the Sega Dreamcast console... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  32. 454

    X-Men (2000), and how it changed superhero cinema

    No two ways about it, 2000's X-Men movie was a massive gamble. At a time when studios needed movie star vehicles, 20th Century Fox found itself without a summer blockbuster due to a delay on a Tom Cruise film. It'd already greenlit and backtracked on X-Men once. When the film finally got going? Well, there'd be well-reported behind the scenes problems. A star who wasn't cast until shooting began. And a story that requires a fair amount of use of the word 'allegedly'... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  33. 453

    In conversation with Christopher Miller and Phil Lord | Project Hail Mary, Rocky IV, Geostorm 2 and more

    In person, Simon got to meet - after years of interviewing them remotely - writers/producers/directors Christopher Miller and Phil Lord. Chaos absolutely ensued. In this Film Stories special, they talk about Project Hail Mary, the second best Rocky film, choosing to do a project because it's a good idea for a change, and a whole lot more... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  34. 452

    The Postman (1997) and Wag The Dog (1997) | Two films. The same weekend. Very different reputations

    At the end of 1997, Kevin Costner's second film as director - The Postman - made its way into cinemas, at the end of a difficult year for Warner Bros. The $80m, three hour movie would be savaged by critics, and fail to find an audience - but there was quite the story behind the film, before and after. There's quite a story too to Wag The Dog, a movie that could fit into the schedules when a far more expensive project was hit by a delay. And the political satire that followed made headlines for unexpected reasons within months of its release. Stories of both are told in this episode... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  35. 451

    In conversation with Drew Goddard | A very nerdy film chat

    Here's a special episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, where Simon is joined by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Drew Goddard. Drew was in town to talk about his script for Project Hail Mary. But as you're about to hear, the conversation goes off in a lot of different directions: from directing Bad Times At The El Royale and Cabin In The Woods, to writing The Martian, to, er, Police Academy... Project Hail Mary is in UK cinemas from 20th March. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  36. 450

    Joker (2019) and Cat's Eye (1985) | Two lower budget films, only one grossed a billion

    Jared Leto was the reigning Joker. Todd Phillips couldn't get the films he wanted to do off the ground. The DC range of movies was having a whole range of challenges for Warner Bros. And constant changes at the studio were leading to regular challenges of direction. In the midst of this, a relatively slim production, Joker, would have notable ramifications. Similarly slim, Cat's Eye marks the first credited screenplay for a man called Stephen King. But this too had challenges, when the original financing plan fell apart. And then, another film - Firestarter - had a bit of a knock-on effect... Stories of both are told in this episode. Please like/subscribe/leave nice reviews. Thank you! Find more at www.filmstories.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  37. 449

    Kevin Costner's Horizon project and where it's up to, plus Andrew Stanton

    In the late 1980s, Kevin Costner - pre-Dances With Wolves - first had the idea for what became the Horizon movie saga. A hugely-ambitious series of westerns, that he'd ultimately star in, co-write, and direct. By 2026, two films had been made, only one released, and around ten minutes shot of a third. So what's happened? For the second half of this episode, Simon is joined by director Andrew Stanton, chatting about his new film In The Blink Of An Eye. The pair chat science fiction, semi-colons, a fruity toy, John Carter, and a whole lot more... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  38. 448

    Eyes Wide Shut (1999) and Maybe Baby (2000) | The never-ending shoot, and Ben Elton's directorial debut

    The plan was for Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman to spend around six months in the UK for the filming of Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut. Kubrick had been mulling the film for decades, and considering a couple of other projects, too. But the shoot of Eyes Wide Shut would ultimately be his final film - and it's end up in the Guinness Book of Records. For Ben Elton, he was keen to pursue making the film Maybe Baby, having enjoyed success with the same story in his novel Inconceivable. But his insistence on a particular piece of casting nearly derailed the whole project. Stories of both are told in this episode. Please do like and subscribe and leave nice reviews! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  39. 447

    What on earth is film 'testing'? | A podcast special, with Kevin Goetz

    The art of movie testing isn't just about researching finished films. It's also testing the very concept of a movie, that can determine both whether it gets made, and what it gets made for. In a special episode of the podcast, a man who you may not have heard of joins Simon. Yet Kevin Goetz has certainly had some impact on the films you watch. His new book - How To Score In Hollywood, written with Bob Levin - digs into this. And in this special chat, we uncover some of his work... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  40. 446

    Hulk (2003), plus the ongoing sequel problem

    It was very different times for Marvel when, in the 1990s, it struck an assortment of deals over screen rights for its characters. For the purposes of this tale, the Incredible Hulk, for whom Universal snapped up the rights. The deal done then continues to have some ramifications now, but the first fruits of it? Ang Lee's 2003 movie Hulk, starring Eric Bana. Arriving the year after Sam Raimi's Spider-man, it turns out there was an early alarm bell that they might have got the tone a little wrong... More on the film, and the ongoing sequel issues, in this episode... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  41. 445

    The Untouchables (1987), plus the prequel movie that never was

    Brian De Palma's soaring 1987 crime drama The Untouchables nearly went in some very different directions. Jack Nicholson as Eliot Ness? Bob Hoskins as Al Capone? And what's more, the film's legendary sequence on the steps of Chicago's Union Station was pretty much made up on the fly. The story is told in this episode, as well as the brief attempt to get a prequel movie - Capone Rising - off the ground as well. If you enjoy this, please like and subscribe. Doesn't half help independent podcasts when you do that... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  42. 444

    In conversation with director Angel Manuel Soto | The Wrecking Crew, Blue Beetle, toilet roll

    Director Angel Manuel Soto has just brought Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista together on the big screen, in the Prime Video hit THE WRECKING CREW. Growing in Puerto Rico, he was some way away from the man who'd direct BLUE BEETLE for Warner Bros and DC. And in this special interview, he tells his incredible film story. And it involves loo roll! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  43. 443

    Fatal Attraction (1987), plus a very nerdy chat with Sam Raimi

    Quite the double dose in this episode of Film Stories. Firstly, the story of how Fatal Attraction came from the roots of a short film at the start of the 1980s. How directors such as John Carpenter turned it down. And how the infamous battle over its ending led to one of the iconic movie thrillers of the 1980s. Then! It's only Sam Raimi! Chatting about Send Help, movie frame rates, For Love Of The Game and futuristic prison movies... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  44. 442

    In conversation with Ric Roman Waugh | Shelter, Statham, the freezing cold and more

    Ric Roman Waugh has directed films such as the newly-released Shelter, along with Greenland, Greenland: Migration, Kandahar and more. And in this far-reaching conversation with Simon Brew, he takes us through his latest film and body of work. Not least the unusual connection between Simon and Ric's fathers, thanks to Paint Your Wagon. A tenuous link, surely, but one the pair get into! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  45. 441

    Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) and Educating Rita (1983) | A mighty messy Star Wars production

    Two very different films in this latest episode of film history podcast Film Stories. Firstly, it's Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, an infamously difficult production that saw director Gareth Edwards fashion a war tale in the Star Wars universe - and then reshoots become Hollywood trade press fodder. Coming off the back of two James Bond films meanwhile, director Lewis Gilbert reckoned he might be able to get interest in a film take on hit play Educating Rita back in the early 1980s. He got a short, sharp shock - but a dinner party offered him a very welcome stroke a luck. Stories of both films are told in this episode. Please do the like and subscribe and leaving a nice review thing. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  46. 440

    Paint Your Wagon (1969), and Dexter Fletcher on The Elephant Man and more

    One of the more bizarre projects to come out of a Hollywood studio in the late 1960s, Paint Your Wagon felt like a turning point movie. Lee Marvin and Clint Eastwood - and they're both singing? How did that happen? Turns out it's quite a story. Then, ahead of an appearance at the BFI to talk about his work in David Lynch's The Elephant Man, Dexter Fletcher joins Simon for a chat about it. That, and a bit of Alan Rickman, and inviting Christopher Walken over for dinner... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  47. 439

    In conversation with Tiff Stevenson | Movies, and featuring in a film that shouldn't be any good

    She's a comedian, writer, actor and film nerd, and Tiff Stevenson also is a go-to for hosting things on boats, it turns out! In this Film Stories special, she talks about her role in a film called Slotherhouse. A horror slasher movie, with a sloth in it. As the pair discuss, it sounds like both an intriguing and terrible idea, yet it somehow works! It's one of the many movie discussions that come up in this chat... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  48. 438

    Almost Famous (2000) and Cellular (2004) | A box office stumble, and an underappreciated action thriller

    Regular episodes of Film Stories with Simon Brew resume for 2026, with two very different films in the spotlight. First up there's Cameron Crowe's superb Almost Famous, a film he got the greenlight to make in the aftermath of Jerry Maguire's success. A hugely personal story, here's how it stumbled at the box office, but found new life. Then, from the same brain that gave us Phone Booth comes Collateral. There aren't many film you could bill Chris Evans, Oscar-winner Kim Basinger and Jason Statham in, all from the director of Snakes On A Plane. How, then, did this one end up a treat? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  49. 437

    In conversation with writer/director Craig Brewer

    In this long chat about Song Sung Blue and his other film work too, writer/director Craig Brewer joins Simon Brew to chat about his film story. The pair chat about what led to the Neil Diamond-inspired Song Sung Blue coming to life, as well as the influence of films such as The Commitments and Shadowlands. Plus how his late father had a dramatic impact on his career, a bit of Hustle & Flow, and - just before we're cut off - Rocky IV too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  50. 436

    The Romesh Ranganathan episode (Film Stories 500 celebration live from London)

    To celebrate Film Stories turning 500 episodes old (and then some!), a very special live recording took place in London in November 2025. Long-time Film Stories supporter Romesh Ranganathan joined Simon Brew on stage to go through his, er, 'storied' cinema career and talk movies. This show is rated 15 for language. You probably could have guessed that. A video version of this show is available on YouTube: www.youtube.com/filmstories Please subscribe. Please leave a nice review. And thank you for all your help and support in getting us to episode 500! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Film Stories with Simon Brew is a podcast that looks to dig into the stories behind popular movies.From troubled productions, to rights issues, to difficulties with release to films nearly falling apart, the podcast will be looking at the stories that don't always seem apparent when watching a movie!The podcast is hosted by Simon Brew, the founder of Den Of Geek. Support the podcast at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Thank you!

HOSTED BY

Simon Brew

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Film Stories with Simon Brew have?

Film Stories with Simon Brew currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Film Stories with Simon Brew about?

Film Stories with Simon Brew is a podcast that looks to dig into the stories behind popular movies.From troubled productions, to rights issues, to difficulties with release to films nearly falling apart, the podcast will be looking at the stories that don't always seem apparent when watching a...

How often does Film Stories with Simon Brew release new episodes?

Film Stories with Simon Brew has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Film Stories with Simon Brew?

You can listen to Film Stories with Simon Brew on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Film Stories with Simon Brew?

Film Stories with Simon Brew is created and hosted by Simon Brew.
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