Jordan King

Gawain the green knight opening a letter sealed with wax

Little Alex Horne in his studio chair with the caption "so a simple task: land a fair blow anywhere on the green knight. One year later meet him at the green chapel, receive the same blow yourself."

A cut to a wider shot showing Greg Davies in his throne turning to Little Alex Horne subtitled "Well surely no one just ran up and whanged his head clean off."

Cut back to Little Alex Horne subtitled "Let's see Gawain first."

Looks like the original has been swept away by the sands of time.

That's a great suggestion — shall do!

I can say that it was a typo to refer to it as Takahata’s first film — it was very much meant to read as his first Ghibli film. I’ve actually still yet to see the Yanagawa’s Canals doc (I’m not sure if it’s readily available over here now, but I remember struggling to find it when I was at uni.)

As you and your Ghibliotheque partner in crime well know, making lists is a nightmare challenge haha — appreciate the kudos!

There were nearly 30 the last time the list was updated a few years back. I wish we had time/resources to expand the list to a Top 100 as there are so many brilliant films that didn’t make it on. (I feel v similarly about our anime movies list, which has expanded to 30 but could easily warrant 50!)

From Snow White to Spider-Verse via Latvian cats, Japanese forest spirits, and Wigan-based Wensleydale lovers, here are Empire's 50 greatest animated movies of all time.

Read the full list: www.empireonline.com/movies...

*in US and Canada

it’s cruel & humiliating for all parties involved that a video of john davidson’s tic is in the public sphere. the lack of basic accommodation (incl an action plan for when tics occur for *everyone* affected) is a brutal reminder that disabilities are palatable only when they’re not disabling

This is shocking. Imagine airing a segment concerning the decision to censor free expression against the genocide in Gaza while... censoring free expression against the genocide in Gaza. Free Palestine is not and should not be treated as a controversial statement. What is happening to this world?

Some words on the passing of an absolute titan. How do you put into a couple of thousand words even a sliver of the immensity of an actor like Robert Duvall? Writing this was hard, but remembering his indelible contributions to cinema was easy, a pleasure. Rest easy, consigliere.

My first five-star film review for @empiremagazine.bsky.social, and I couldn’t think of a more deserving film. I’ve been thinking about Little Amélie ever since @mcranimation.bsky.social last year, and after three watches it remains a singular delight. Don’t miss it!

UK release date is 6 February.

On this week's #PilotTVPodcast we're talking philosophical prison drama Waiting For The Out, twisty thriller His & Hers, and the enduring appeal of the Beeb's Silent Witness. Plus! News! Listener Qs! And more! Enjoy!

Watch — or listen — here: www.empireonline.com/tv/news/pilo...

I spoke to Catherine for Empire last year and it was one of the great privileges of my career. She was lovely, warm, witty, and she insisted the PR team let me ask my last question, which she gave a really lovely response to. Writing this was really difficult. Feels like losing family ♥️

Fantasy author Brandon Sanderson's wildly popular Cosmere universe — including Mistborn and The Stormlight Archives — has been picked up for movie and TV adaptations at Apple.

Read more: www.empireonline.com/movies/news/...

Apple TV's Shrinking has officially scored a Season 4 renewal ahead of Season 3's first episode airing.

Bill Lawrence, Brett Goldstein, and Jason Segel's therapist comedy-drama returns to our screens tomorrow with an hour-long premiere.

Read more: www.empireonline.com/tv/new...

New Arctic Monkeys track, ‘Opening Night’, is already out early on Apple Music and it’s a fucking treat. Sonically evoking AM, Tranquility Base, *and* The Car?! I used to dream of times like these. Welcome back lads: whether this is a one-off or the starting point for AM8, it’s a banger. 👏🏻

A few words on the passing of a key figure in Disney's Renaissance era, the man behind underrated animated gem The Prophet, and — most importantly — a very good, kind, warm soul by all accounts.

Rest easy, Roger Allers. (And watch Rock & Rule, folks — it'll blow your mind!)

Not a sentence I’d have imagined posting on socials a year ago, but it must be said now: The Bone Temple goes real fucking hard. No notes!

Michael Giacchino pun track titles

Selling a bunch of vinyl scores/soundtracks if anyone’s keen? Comment/DM me if you want pics and/or prices of any of the records listed below:

Wrote 1600 words on #StrangerThings' final episode — and a few other things, besides. It all came together pretty fast, but I'm proud of how what I wanted to write and the things I was driving at came out. Lemme know what you think.

"Stranger Things' finale could never have given every fan what they wanted, so instead The Duffers focused on giving its heroes what they deserved."

Hawkins' heroes got the ending they deserved in #StrangerThings' final episode, writes @jordanmbking.bsky.social.

Read more: www.empireonline.co...

Not sure how to spend the final hours of 2025? My recommendation is chilling out, relaxing, and reading *checks notes* 6500 words on the last twelve months in the world of film and television. Enjoy! 🎉

I'm in the latest issue of Empire Magazine with a lil news feature on blockbuster anime and the box office success of DEMON SLAYER: INFINITY CASTLE and CHAINSAW MAN - THE MOVIE: REZE ARC.

What a treat to make sense of this moment and dig beyond the headlines for the Empire readers.

Just in case we haven’t said it enough times yet, it is certifiably fucking INSANE that the so-called ‘leader of the free world’ is out here just saying despicable, horrific, classless, undignified shit like this with no cause or consequence on a daily basis. Unconscionable.

Thought of you straight away when I saw the news, and of that incredible, INCREDIBLE interview you got to do. I mention it in our obit, but I really do feel like quite literally getting the band back together is one of the best things Empire has done in years. What a special experience to have had.

I can’t quite express how horrified and devastated I am by the news coming through this morning of Rob Reiner and his wife Michele’s deaths. I feel absolutely shattered.

In a just world, Robert Aramayo would be front runner for an Oscar, BAFTA, Nobel Peace Prize, all of it… his turn as John Davidson in I Swear is one of the most extraordinary performances I’ve seen in years. Such a vulnerable, charismatic, honest portrayal of a truly singular man. Absolutely in awe.

As Friday mail calls go, one of the greatest anime films of all time and a true modern classic ain’t a bad haul!