Sci-fi Talk

I beam aboard Mike McMahan—creator and showrunner of Star Trek: Lower Decks. From his early days writing for South Park to co-creating Rick and Morty, McMahan has carved out a unique space in genre storytelling, blending irreverent humor with deep reverence for sci-fi lore.

On this week’s edition of Explore Weekly, I  venture into the multiverse of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and comics with some fresh headlines.

On this Trek Tuesday episode, Alan Ruck to explores his return to the Star Trek universe in Star Trek: Of Gods and Men. We talked about how the 2008 fan film allowed him to revisit and expand the character of Captain John Harriman, originally introduced in Star Trek: Generations. Alan shared his excitement about giving Harriman more depth and agency, noting how fans and professionals came together to create a meaningful tribute to the franchise. ✨ Highlights from our conversation: Ruck reflected on Harriman's early depiction as inexperienced and unsure in Generations, and how Of Gods and Men offered a chance to redeem that image. The unique atmosphere on set: a true labor of love fueled by fan dedication and professional passion. Start A Free One Year Trial With Sci-Fi Talk Plus, Today Take A Test Drive With Free Episodes And Videos

Star People, a hauntingly powerful sci-fi film that blurs the line between survival and obsession. Director Adam Finberg walks us through the mysterious allure of extraterrestrial discovery, while actors Eddie Martinez and Adriana Aluna Martinez bring raw insight into portraying immigrants chasing hope across the blistering Arizona desert. Together, we unpack themes of addiction recovery, isolation, and the desperate human drive toward meaning—whether through chasing distant stars or simply seeking shelter. The conversation dives deep into the metaphors layered within the film, and how sci-fi serves as a mirror for our most visceral human experiences. Start Your Free One Year Trial With Sci-Fi Talk Plus Take A Free Test Drive With Sample Episodes And Videos  

In this episode of Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi, host Tony sits down with journalist-turned-author Janet Stilson to dive into the captivating world of The Juice. The novel explores a near-future society where influence isn’t just earned — it’s chemically enhanced. At the heart of the story is a drug called "the Juice," which grants users extraordinary charisma, turning them into “Charismites.” But what happens when charm becomes currency? Janet shares the inspiration behind her dystopian vision, blending her experience in media and politics with a sci-fi lens. We unpack how charisma, power, and identity intertwine — and what this speculative tale reveals about the way humans seek connection and control. Is artificial charm the future of leadership? And how far are we willing to go for influence? Start Your Free One Year Trial At Sci-Fi Talk Plus, Today Take A Test Drive on Plus Today

Welcome to this week’s episode of Sci-Fi Talk Weekly, where we dive into the latest buzz from the worlds of sci-fi, fantasy, and superhero cinema. Here's what’s lighting up the genre universe: Fantastic Four: First Steps – Critics React Marvel’s “First Family” returns in Fantastic Four: First Steps. Set in a retro-futuristic 1960s Earth, the film blends cosmic spectacle with heartfelt family dynamics. Wonder Woman Reboot Gets a New Voice DC Studios has tapped Supergirl screenwriter Ana Nogueira to pen the upcoming Wonder Woman reboot. Clayface Eyes Female Lead The upcoming Clayface film, a horror-tinged DCU entry, is close to casting its female lead. Naomi Ackie (Mickey 17, Sorry, Baby) is reportedly in talks to join Tom Rhys Harries in this twisted tale of transformation and identity. Freakier Friday – First Reactions Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis are back in Freakier Friday, and critics are loving it. Screen Crush Lists  10 Superhero Movies That Saved a Franchise Every Marvel Multiverse Saga Mov

In this inspiring and wildly unexpected episode, a conversation with the indomitable Dr. Mireya Mayor—a woman who has leapt from the sidelines of the NFL straight into the heart of the jungle. She's a real-life Lara Croft, armed not with fiction, but with degrees, determination, and a deep curiosity about our planet’s wildest mysteries. As a former Miami Dolphins cheerleader turned National Geographic explorer, Dr. Mayor's journey is anything but conventional. The daughter of Cuban immigrants and a mother of six, she defies every box society tries to put her in. And yes—you’ve seen her on TV chasing legends and searching for Bigfoot, blending skepticism with science in her signature fearless style. Start Your Free One Year Trial For Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today Take A Test Drive With Free Samples

 In this episode, we sink our teeth into the gritty, post-apocalyptic world of Stakeland, the cult horror hit that reimagined vampire survival with raw intensity and emotional depth.  Recorded live in the heart of Manhattan, where cast and crew gathered. Sean Nelson – Shares how his character brought a human core to the chaos. Michael Cerveris (Fringe) – Discusses stepping into villainous shoes and balancing theatrical nuance with brutal realism. Jim Mickle – The visionary director on how Stakeland helped redefine indie horror. Start Your Free One Year Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus   

Welcome to Explore Weekly for June 17th! In this episode of Explore Weekly, host Tony Tellado dives deep into the latest headlines from the worlds of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and comics. Headlines & Highlights Emmy Nominations: Severance leads with 27 nods, Harrison Ford gets recognized for Shrinking, and Black Mirror returns with 10 nominations. Handmaid’s Tale earns a single nomination for Cherry Jones. San Diego Comic Con Preview: Marvel and Warner Bros. skip major panels, but George Lucas makes his first appearance to promote the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Joined by Guillermo del Toro, Doug Chiang, and moderated by Queen Latifah. New Horror from Robert Eggers: Werwulf stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, with Lilly-Rose Depp in talks. A period piece following the tradition of Nosferatu. Legend of Zelda Casting News: Bo Bragason as Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link. Live-action film expected in 2027. Bonus Content on Sci-Fi Talk Plus Exclusive video trailers and behind-the-scenes foot

Actress Mary Wiseman—best known for her role as Sylvia Tilley on Star Trek: Discovery—takes us on a journey through her character's evolution, quirks, and connection to the Star Trek universe. From Tilley's early days as a cadet to becoming a key player aboard the U.S.S. Discovery, Mary reflects on portraying one of the franchise’s most relatable and complex characters. She also shares her thoughts of First Officer Raynor and her teaching duties.   Start Your Free One Year Trial Today on Sci-Fi Talk Plus Enroll in Free Account for a test drive on Plus

Today on Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi, we venture into the thick, haunting greenery of Panama’s notorious Darien Gap to unpack Indigenous—a chilling survival horror film that premiered at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival. The movie follows five adventurous friends who set out to explore the remote jungle, despite chilling whispers of murdered teenagers and a deadly cryptid lurking in the shadows. Spoiler alert: it might just be the legendary Chupacabra. Start Your Free One Year Free Trial at Sci-Fi Talk Plus

He plays John Henry Irons in the series who is of course Steel. We chat about the complexity of the character, his suit, the effects and more. Subscribe To Sci-Fi Talk Plus for a free one year trial and a low locked in price

Recorded Live At The Paley Center in New York are Voice Director Andrea Romano, Screenwriter the late great Dwayne McDuffie and in a mini-press conference is actor Christina Hendricks who voices Lois Lane. Special thanks to Gary Mierneau. A Very Special Thanks to The Paley Center. Sign Up for Sci-Fi Talk Plus during supersale with locked in forever price.  

This episode dives deep into the bold and thought-provoking animated feature Superman vs. The Elite with exclusive interviews from two fan-favorite voices: George Newbern (Superman) and Pauley Perrette (Lois Lane). Together, they bring insight and energy to a film that asks one of the most provocative questions in superhero storytelling: Is truth and justice still enough in a world that embraces might over morals? Start Your Free One Year Trial For Sci-Fi Talk Plus, Now Check Out Free episodes on Plus with free sampler

 Tim Daly as he reflects on his iconic journey voicing the Man of Steel—culminating in his final performance as Superman in the animated feature Justice League: Doom. From Superman: The Animated Series to the Justice League films, Daly’s voice became synonymous with truth, justice, and quiet strength.  Start Your Free One Year Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus  Sample free episodes of Sci-Fi Talk Plus

In this special 2006 interview, we catch up with John Ottman, fresh off completing his remarkable dual role as both composer and editor for Superman Returns. In a rare behind-the-scenes conversation, Ottman reflects on the intense creative challenge of honoring John Williams’ legendary Superman themes while composing a fresh musical identity for Bryan Singer’s vision of the Man of Steel.

Straight from the heart of New York City, join us for a special edition of the podcast recorded live at the Directors Guild Theater, where we celebrate the epic conclusion to The Death of Superman saga—Reign of the Supermen. We take you behind the velvet rope with exclusive red carpet interviews featuring the voices and visionaries who brought this bold chapter of DC animation to life.

Join me in a roundtable at San Diego Comic Con with the powerful voices behind The Death of Superman. I sat down with stars Jerry O'Connell (Superman), Rebecca Romijn (Lois Lane), Jason O'Mara (Batman), and Christopher Gorham (The Flash) to dive into what it means to bring this legendary DC storyline to animated life.

In this episode, we sit down with actor Gaius Charles, known to fans as the charismatic Brian “Smash” Williams from Friday Night Lights, and now the voice behind Batwing in Batman: Bad Blood. Gaius opens up about stepping into the world of DC Comics, embracing an unfamiliar superhero, and what it took to bring Luke Fox to life through voice alone.

This week, we descend into the heart of cinematic horror with an exclusive look at the mind-bending thriller The Sound. Set in the unforgiving high altitudes of a remote mountain range, The Sound follows a group of elite climbers whose expedition takes a horrifying turn when they encounter something far beyond the natural world—an ancient, malevolent force that defies comprehension.