Get ready, film fans: summer is coming, and it’s ready to bust your blocks to smithereens. There are all kinds of explosive treats heading our way in the coming months, from big-screen bangers to small-screen must-sees – bringing pulse-pounding action, fresh adventures from a galaxy far, far away, cosmic new Marvel adventures, big-hearted horrors, legendary rock’n’roll tales, scaly scares, a return to Middle-earth, and much, much more. It’s going to be a total blast, and the Summer Preview issue of Empire is here to get you all hyped up for what’s to come – including a world-exclusive delve into the Russo Brothers’ new star-studded thriller The Gray Man.
You can find a copy on shelves from Thursday 12 May – or order it online here – but for now, here’s a sneak peek inside the pages.
Summer Blockbuster Preview
Strap in for a summer packed with movies and series you won’t want to miss. Your all-access pass starts here…
The Gray Man
Ryan Gosling! Chris Evans! The Russo Brothers! The directors of Infinity War and Endgame are back (along with regular writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely) for a relentless new action-thriller, which finds Gosling’s CIA hitman on the run from Evans’ sadistic sociopathic baddie. Empire gets the full world-exclusive story on the Russos’ return to blockbuster territory, forging a slick, stylish new spy saga that could run and run.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
The original Jedi Master is back. Empire sits down for an epic interview with Ewan McGregor, talking his return to Obi-Wan Kenobi in the long-awaited Disney+ series, the changing reception to the Prequel Trilogy, his reunion with Hayden Christensen, and much more.
Thor: Love And Thunder
Here’s your ticket to the gun show – a Thor fourquel with not one but two worthy lightning-powered heroes. Empire catches up with Taika Waititi to discuss his colourful, love-struck Marvel sequel – and the glorious return of Natalie Portman as Jane ‘The Mighty Thor’ Foster.
The Black Phone
Ring ring! After exiting the Doctor Strange sequel, Scott Derrickson is delving back into his horror roots with an adaptation of Joe Hill’s short story – and despite its bleak-sounding premise (a teen has to escape the lair of a sadistic murderer), the result is a scary thriller with a big, beating heart. Empire talks to the filmmaker about the creation of his most personal movie yet.
Ms. Marvel
Make way for Kamala Khan. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is about to embiggen with the arrival of the ultimate Captain Marvel fangirl, who finds herself imbued with cosmic powers of her own. Empire speaks to Ms. Marvel herself, Iman Vellani, plus Marvel boss Kevin Feige, head writer Bisha K. Ali, directors Adil & Bilall, and more about the revolutionary new MCU adventure.
We Own This City
The makers of The Wire – David Simon and George Pelecanos – are back with a new Baltimore cop-corruption drama that’s a spiritual sequel of sorts to the widely-considered Greatest TV Show Of All Time™. Empire gets to the heart of the show with Simon, Pelecanos, director Reinaldo Marcus Green, and stars Jon Bernthal and Wunmi Mosaku.
Plus…
Also inside: Austin Butler on becoming Elvis Presley for Baz Luhrmann’s biopic! The secrets of Zurg in Lightyear! Discovering a different Middle-earth in Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power! The surprise foe of Jurassic World Dominion! The final frontiers of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds! And much more!
Gods Among Us: Viola Davis
Empire celebrates the career of the iconic Oscar-winning star putting in astonishing performances in character dramas and blockbusters alike, and changing the face of Hollywood in the process.
Review
In this month’s home entertainment section, we delve deep into Belfast with Kenneth Branagh, talk 2002 Toronto with Turning Red director Domee Shi, break down the biggest moments from stomach-churning thriller Fresh with Mimi Cave and Lauryn Kahn, rank the Friday The 13th movies, celebrate Robert Zemeckis’ macabre masterpiece Death Becomes Her, and much more.
Take 20
In this month’s news section, we take a brand new look at Gina Prince-Bythewood’s historical epic The Woman King, break down the most exciting films from Cannes 2022, talk Pistol with Danny Boyle, get the lowdown on Adam Wingard’s The Guest II soundtrack, catch up with Jennifer Coolidge, put a magnifying glass on Hollywood’s whodunnit obsession, and delve into David Cronenberg’s Crimes Of The Future trailer.
On Screen
Reviewed this issue is Daniels’ multiverse odyssey Everything Everywhere All At Once, Gaspar Noé’s return with Vortex, Rob Savage’s latest screenlife horror freakout DASHCAM, Mia Hansen-Løve’s Bergman Island, Danny Boyle’s Sex Pistols drama Pistol, and much more.
Pick up Empire's Summer Preview issue from Thursday 12 May. Order a copy online here.