Sci-fi Talk

In this , we head to San Diego Comic‑Con for conversations with the artists breathing new life into the iconic horror anthology. From resurrecting the tone of the original film to crafting new stories that drip with pulp, humor, and dread, this is Creepshow as only these creators could tell it. Tricia Helfer Giancarlo Esposito Showrunner Greg Nicotero—a lifelong fan of the original film And More SAVE 17% ON PLUS TODAY

In this episode, Tony zoomed with legendary filmmaker Brian Yuzna—the mind behind Re‑Animator, Society, and some of the wildest practical‑effects nightmares ever put on screen. Now he’s turning his attention to a new project: Tales of Blood Island, a tropical fever dream blending zombies, voodoo, and the vibrant, uncanny world of Tiki Horror. From pulp comics to Polynesian mythology to mid‑century Tiki culture, Yuzna breaks down how this new anthology taps into a corner of horror that’s rarely explored but instantly evocative. Brian Yuzna’s Vision — Building a New Island of Horror Yuzna shares how Tales of Blood Island draws from: Classic zombie cinema and Caribbean voodoo folklore Tiki‑bar aesthetics, from carved idols to neon‑lit escapism 1960s tropical horror films, including The Brides of Blood Island The pulpy, transgressive tone of EC Comics and drive‑in creature features He talks about why the Tiki aesthetic—bright, playful, and nostalgic—becomes even more unsettling when corrupted by ritu

In this NYCC virtual roundtable edition , Tony zoomed  with the cast and creative mind behind Batman: Death in the Family Part 1, the bold interactive film that revisits — and radically reshapes — the infamous 1988 storyline A Death in the Family. Writer‑director Brandon Vietti, alongside actors Bruce Greenwood, Vincent Martella, and Zehra Fazal, explore how this project reopens one of the darkest chapters in Batman history and invites fans to consider the alternate paths Jason Todd’s life could have taken. A Death in the Family was a watershed moment in comic history — a storyline that asked fans to decide a Robin’s fate. Batman: Death in the Family Part 1 reopens that wound, reframes the question, and challenges viewers to confront the consequences of choice. SAVE 17% On Plus  

Courtesy of Disney Pictures In this star‑packed Hollywood red carpet edition of Byte, Tony brings listeners into the heart of the Toy Story 5 world premiere — a celebration of legacy, reinvention, and the enduring emotional power of Pixar’s most beloved franchise. From legendary voices returning to the booth to new cast members stepping into the Toy Story universe for the first time, this episode captures the full spectrum of excitement, nostalgia, and creative insight. Featuring conversations with actors, filmmakers, Pixar leadership, and surprise guests, this is the definitive audio time capsule of the night. Featured Are:  Anna Vocino Bonnie Hunt  Conan O’Brien  Craig Robinson  Greta Lee  Jay Hernandez  Jeff Bergman  Jim Morris — President of Pixar on the studio’s evolving creative mission. Pete Docter — Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer on crafting stories that endure. Joan Cusack  John Ratzenberger  Kenna Harris  Lindsey Collins  Andrew Stanton  Kristen Schaal  Krys Marshall 

Conversations with Kenna Harris, Lindsey Collins, Joan Cusack, Greta Lee & Tony Hale In this special Pixar‑focused episode of Byte, sits down interviews with the creative minds and beloved cast behind Toy Story 5 — a film that arrives at a moment when audiences need its message more than ever courtesy of Disney Pictures. Co‑Director Kenna Harris, Producer Lindsey Collins, and actors Joan Cusack, Greta Lee, and Tony Hale open up about crafting a story that honors the franchise’s legacy while pushing its characters into bold new emotional territory. The conversations explore the film’s timely themes, Jessie’s powerful new arc, and the enduring magic that makes Toy Story one of the most cherished series in animation history. SAVE 17% ON PLUS

Tony revisits Ji, a visually striking sci‑fi romance short that imagines a future where humanity has fractured across worlds. After centuries of pollution, war, and collapse, Earth is left in ruins. The East escapes to build a pristine off‑world colony called Nilo, while the West seals itself behind fortified walls. From this divide emerges Ji, a disciplined Nilo general played by Lewis Tan. Rumors swirl on Nilo that life still exists on Earth — a claim their government denies. Ji risks everything to descend to the planet of his ancestors, only to discover Tiffany, a resilient Earth survivor portrayed by Eva De Dominici. Their connection forces Ji into a choice that could reshape both worlds. Tony chatted with Ben Griffin to explore the film’s emotional core, its world‑building, and the timeless tension between duty and love. SAVE 17% ON PLUS  

A Conversation with Aleks Paunovic, Bobby Bala, and the Creative Team In this Tribeca Memories installment, we revisit a standout sci‑fi short that left a lasting impression on festival audiences: The Shipment. Set in a gritty future where survival often comes at the cost of morality, the film follows a former slave trader who has abandoned that life to become a cargo hauler, ferrying goods between distant planets. But when one job becomes his only chance to secure a future for himself and his daughter, he’s forced to confront a devastating price — one that threatens to pull him back into the darkness he thought he’d escaped. Recorded live at the iconic Roxy Hotel in New York City, Tony sat down with fan‑favorite actor Aleks Paunovic, director Bobby Bala, and members of the creative team to explore the film’s emotional core, its world‑building, and the personal stories behind its creation. The Shipment is a reminder that sci‑fi isn’t just about ships and planets — it’s about the choices that define us. This e

Recorded Live at the Tribeca Film Festival In this special retrospective episode, we revisit two standout conversations recorded live at the Tribeca Film Festival — moments that capture the raw creative pulse of independent filmmaking. First, actor and producer Elijah Wood joins us to discuss his darkly comedic thriller Come To Daddy, reflecting on the film’s twisted emotional core, its genre‑bending tone, and the joy of championing bold, off‑kilter storytelling. Then, acclaimed director Mary Harron sits down to explore Charley Says, her haunting and humanistic portrait of the women once under Charles Manson’s influence.  Together, these conversations form a living archive of Tribeca’s spirit — fearless, curious, and deeply committed to the power of character‑driven stories. SAVE 17% ON PLUS  

Shirley, Knox, Martha, Carla, and the evolving machinery of rebellion In this episode of Rewind, Tony returns to the claustrophobic, pressure‑cooker world of Silo as Season Two pushes deeper into the political fractures, emotional loyalties, and mechanical realities of life 244 levels underground. With Juliette’s actions reverberating through every floor, the people who keep the Silo running — literally and spiritually — step into the spotlight. Tony speaks with Remmie Milner, Shane McRae, Harriet Walter, Claire Perkins, and Overall VFX Supervisor Daniel Rauchberger to explore how Season Two expands the world, sharpens the stakes, and reveals the human cost of truth in a society built on lies. Production Designer Nicole Northridge’s work also takes center stage as the Silo’s environments evolve in scale, texture, and tension.

Rebecca Ferguson, Common & Graham Yost on identity, control, and Juliet’s rise In this episode of Rewind, Tony revisits the world of Silo, the Apple TV+ adaptation of Hugh Howey’s bestselling trilogy about a future where humanity survives in a massive underground structure — 244 levels deep — built on rules, fear, and a carefully curated version of the truth. After years of development attempts and false starts, Silo finally found its home on Apple TV+, becoming one of the platform’s most acclaimed sci‑fi dramas. Tony sits down with Rebecca Ferguson, Common, and creator Graham Yost to explore the show’s central themes and the emotional and moral weight carried by its characters. What Is Truth? The question that haunts every level of the Silo. Rebecca Ferguson reflects on Juliet’s relentless pursuit of truth — not as an abstract ideal, but as a survival instinct. Common on Robert Sims: A Rough First Season Graham Yost on Juliet’s Arc SAVE 17% ON PLUS   

Colman Domingo, Steven Spielberg, Wyatt Russell, Emily Blunt & David Koepp on character, craft, and the film’s core themes For the New York City premiere of Disclosure Day, a buzzing red carpet to talk with the cast and creative team behind one of the year’s most anticipated films. From character dynamics to thematic undercurrents to the collaborative spark between actors and filmmakers, this episode captures the premiere’s energy and the artistry behind the movie. Featuring interviews with: Steven Spielberg — Director Colman Domingo — “Hugo Wakefield” Colin Firth (discussed in context) — “Noah Scanlan” Wyatt Russell — “Jackson” Emily Blunt — “Margaret Fairchild” David Koepp — Writer Colman Domingo — on the emotional and psychological layers of playing Hugo, and how his dynamic with Colin Firth’s Noah becomes one of the film’s most charged relationships. Steven Spielberg — reflecting on shaping the film’s tone, balancing suspense with humanity, and why New York premieres always feel like

Steven Spielberg, Eve Hewson, Colin Firth, Colman Domingo & Josh O’Connor on music, dual roles, confrontations, and the train sequence In this special UK‑premiere edition of Byte, Tony takes listeners straight onto the red carpet for Disclosure Day, gathering exclusive conversations with the film’s powerhouse creative team and cast. From the emotional architecture of John Williams’ score to the film’s most explosive character moments, this episode captures the artistry and ambition behind one of the year’s most talked‑about releases. Featuring interviews with: Steven Spielberg — Director Eve Hewson — in a striking dual role as Jane Blankenship Colin Firth — “Noah Scanlon” Colman Domingo — “Hugo Wakefield” Josh O’Connor — “Dr. Daniel Kellner Steven Spielberg — on shaping the film’s emotional spine, collaborating once again with John Williams, and why the score had to feel both intimate and operatic. Eve Hewson — breaking down the challenge and thrill of playing two characters whose identiti

Inside the writing, world‑building, and production design of Apple TV+’s alternate‑history epic In this behind‑the‑scenes deep dive, Tony sits down with the creative minds who shape the emotional, political, and scientific backbone of For All Mankind. From the writer’s room to the surface of Mars, this episode explores how the series continues to reinvent itself each decade — narratively, visually, and thematically. Executive Producers Ben Nedivi and Matt Wolpert break down the evolving creative process behind the show’s long‑arc storytelling, while Ronald D. Moore returns to discuss the sociopolitical architecture of the Mars colony. Production Designer Seth Reed, Esther Marquis Costume Designer for Season Four’s Margo arc, and NASA Tech Advisor Garrett Wiesman round out a conversation that reveals how every detail — from a jumpsuit seam to a habitat layout — supports the show’s realism and emotional truth. SAVE 17% ON PLUS  

A modern reinvention of fear, faith, and the price of peace In this episode of Rewind, Tony revisits ABC’s reboot of V — the ambitious, effects‑driven reimagining of Kenneth Johnson’s iconic 1983 miniseries. The modern series once again chronicles the arrival of an alien species who promise peace, healing, and technological miracles… while secretly plotting humanity’s downfall. Through conversations with stars Elizabeth Mitchell and Morena Baccarin, along with executive producers Scott Rosenbaum and Steve Pearlman, this episode explores how the creative team rebuilt V for a new era of political anxiety, media manipulation, and global distrust. The cast — including Morris Chestnut and Charles Mesure — brought emotional depth to a story where every alliance is fragile and every promise from the Visitors hides a darker truth. SAVE 17% ON PLUS    

In this episode, Tony sits down with the cast and creative team behind the first season of Apple TV+’s Mythic Quest — the acclaimed workplace comedy set inside a fictional video‑game studio building one of the world’s biggest MMORPGs. Through conversations with F. Murray Abraham, Ashly Burch, David Hornsby, Charlotte Nicdao, Rob McElhenney, and Megan Ganz, the episode explores how the series blends absurdity, ego, artistry, and the real‑world pressures of game development. The team reflects on crafting the world of Mythic Quest, the dynamics inside the studio, and the creative tensions that fuel both the comedy and the characters’ growth. SAVE 17% ON PLUS TODAY  

The scale, the controversy, the characters, and the heart behind the chaos In this special retrospective, Tony revisits the groundbreaking, controversial, and culturally seismic series The Boys. Through archival conversations with creator Eric Kripke, cast members Giancarlo Esposito, Antony Starr, Aya Cash, Karl Urban, Laz Alonso, Jack Quaid, and Erin Moriarty, this episode explores how the show pushed boundaries, redefined the superhero genre, and carved out a legacy that still sparks debate. Eric Kripke on Scale, Chaos & Creative Courage Giancarlo Esposito on Joining The Boys Antony Starr, Aya Cash & Karl Urban — The Faces of Chaos Laz Alonso on Mother’s Milk — The Backstory & The Burden Romantic Relationships in The Boys Watch all seasons on Amazon Prime SAVE 17% ON PLUS TODAY

In this vintage conversation from the 1990s, Lois McMaster Bujold joins Tony Tellado and Ernest Lilley at a moment when her acclaimed Vorkosigan Saga is evolving in bold, emotionally resonant ways. Speaking from the era of her then‑latest novel, Memory (1996), Bujold offers a candid, thoughtful look at the craft behind one of science fiction’s most beloved universes. Now 76 and living in Minneapolis, Bujold remains a towering figure in speculative fiction — but here, listeners get to hear her voice from the period when Miles Vorkosigan’s journey was taking its most introspective and transformative turn. BONUS: Vintage Radio Texture: Patrick Stewart & Ernest Lilley In this archival clip, Patrick Stewart reflects on what made Star Trek: First Contact such a defining moment for both Jean‑Luc Picard. Ernest Lilley Reviews Barbara Hambly Ernest offers a sharp, insightful review of Barbara Hambly   SAVE 17% ON PLUS    

Building a Story About Secrets, Consequences, and the Human Cost of Truth In this companion episode, Steven Spielberg and Colman Domingo take us deeper into the creative and philosophical spine of Disclosure Day. Where the first conversation explored character, this one unpacks the why — why this story, why now, and why these characters carry the emotional weight of a world on the brink of revelation.Special Thanks To Universal Pictures for the Audio.  The Evolution of the Story Colman Domingo on Working With Steven Spielberg Could a “Disclosure Day” Really Happen On Margaret Fairchild & Daniel Kellner SAVE 17% ON PLUS

In this episode of Byte, we sit down with Emily Blunt (Margaret Fairchild) and Josh O’Connor (Daniel Kellner) to explore the emotional and creative engine behind Disclosure Day, Steven Spielberg’s latest character‑driven thriller. The conversation moves from the craft of performance to the moral questions at the heart of the film — and why this story feels so urgent right now. Special Thanks To Universal Pictures for the Audio.  Working on a Spielberg Film Emily Blunt And Josh O'Connor on the characters The Driving Force Of The Story Are there lessons to be learned SAVE 17% ON PLUS  

Sci‑Fi • Fantasy • Horror • Comics June arrives with a surge of cross‑genre developments — from DC’s cosmic ambitions to reboots of cult classics, evolving timelines in prestige sci‑fi, and fresh movement across film and television. This month’s roundup captures the stories shaping the speculative landscape. Supergirl Takes Flight Toward the Big Screen Spider‑Noir Spotlight: Li Jun Li’s Dream Role Stargate Revival Rejected by Amazon Silo Splits Its Timeline Zack Snyder to Write & Direct Escape From New York Reboot Sydney Sweeney Saddles Up for Sleepy Hollow Jeffrey Combs Reflects on Weyoun Greg Mottola to Direct Bane & Deathstroke Film Shawn Levy’s Next Project: Somewhere Out There Harry Potter TV Series Renewed for Season Two The List: Ranking the Superman Actors SAVE 17% ON PLUS