Cosmic Circus Podcasts

Jacob Elordi’s Monster Steals the Show in Netflix’s Frankenstein | Cosmic Circus Reviews

Hosts Vin and John break down Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 Frankenstein, assessing its faithfulness to Mary Shelley’s novel, standout performances (especially Jacob Elordi), and striking production design.
They praise the costumes, music, and Elordi’s soulful turn, but criticize the film’s slow first hour, digital look, uneven pacing, and an ending that doesn’t fully land.
Timestamps
00:00 - Intro01:15 - Intro to Frankenstein, talking about Mary Shelley's novel and what the story is about, as well as other film versions of this classic tale.06:00 - Frankenstein (2025) film discussion with mild spoilers08:40 - Jacob Elordi's performance09:30 - Comparing the book to the 2025 film11:35 - Positives and negatives about the film, and "the Netflix effect"16:20 - The Monster's design, costumes and production design20:30 - The ending and other overall thoughts25:00 - Outro
 

Exclusive Interview: RJ Christian and Cassidy Sledge of 'Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern'

Host Brian Kitson speaks with cast members from the North American touring production of Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern, RJ Christian and Cassidy Sledge! In this exclusive interview, these two discuss what drew them to the show and how it blends the elements we know and love of the tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) into a stage show!
Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern arrives in Detroit at the Fisher Theatre for one day only! So get your tickets for the Saturday, November 1st performances (2 pm and 7:30 pm) from Broadway in Detroit!
Timestamps for Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern Interview:
00:00 - Intro, Cassidy Sledge and RJ Christian on their introduction to Dungeons & Dragons 02:45 - How they are bringing Dungeons & Dragons to the stage with The Twenty-Sided Tavern 06:30 - Playing with the audience as "the 4th player." 09:10 - How they have prepared for a show that requires a lot of improv 11:50 - Talking about guest stars they've had doing the show and making exciting things happen on stage 16:00 - Keeping on your toes during a performance and other skills needed 18:41 - All audiences can enjoy this show, not just D&D fans. 22:50 - Is it more fun to have a successful mission or one that fails during this show? 28:24 - Outro
 

Season reviews of Alien: Earth and Marvel Zombies, with bonus Peacemaker season 2! | Cosmic Circus Reviews

Vin and Cam return to talk about season 1 of Alien: Earth and its finale as well as the new Marvel Zombies series, weighing bold ideas against messy execution. They discuss hybrid androids, underused xenomorphs, standout creature concepts, and pacing issues that left both shows leaning on potential rather than payoff.
They also break down Marvel Zombies' highlights along with the lowlights and debate the need for Marvel Studios to go to tighter, more emotional storytelling and better season finales for their shows. They finish up with a quick chat about Peacemaker season 2, which they have already reviews in a previous episode of the podcast.
 
Alien: Earth (2025)- Created by Noah Hawley- Starring Sydney Chandler, Samuel Blenkin, Timothy Olyphant, Babou Ceesay
Marvel Zombies (2025)- Created by Bryan Andrews & Zeb Wells- Starring Iman Vellani, Elizabeth Olsen, Todd Williams, Simu Liu, Awkwafina
Peacemaker Season 2 (2025)- Created by James Gunn- Starring John Cena, Jennifer Holland, Danielle Brooks
Timestamps00:00 - Intro00:40 - Alien: Earth season 1 discussion with spoilers13:54 - Ranking Alien: Earth with the films16:10 - Do we want a second season? The state of the Alien franchise right now.21:10 - Marvel Zombies discussion with spoilers34:20 - How will Marvel Studios wind up The Multiverse Saga?39:55 - Should there be a Marvel Zombies season 2?41:14 - Peacemaker season 2 quick discussion (reviewed in a prior episode)43:11 - Outro
For more content and to support The Cosmic Circus and this channel please join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/cosmiccircus
Find the video version of this discussion on YouTube @TheCosmicCircus
 
 

Marvel Zombies: From Comics to the New TVMA Series | Cosmic Circus Comics

Vin and Vic break down the Marvel Zombies franchise, covering the core comics (Marvel Zombies 2005, Dead Days, Marvel Zombies 2, Return) and detailing the infection storyline, and creator Robert Kirkman’s influence.
They share personal reactions, comparing zombies to vampires, discuss the What If... adaptation and MCU tie‑in potential (Secret Wars), assess the TV‑MA animated series, and offer bonus reading and crossover recommendations, including the new Marvel Zombies Red Band miniseries.
A video version of this podcast is available on our YouTube channel @TheCosmicCircusTimestamps00:00:0 - Intros00:01:00 - Exploring Jonathan Hickman’s Fantastic Four00:04:27 - The Council of Reeds00:07:34 - Modern Meets Classic Villains00:10:16 - Marvel’s Creative Choices00:10:47 - Stan Lee & Jack Kirby, and The Coming of Galactus00:15:20- 60 Years of Fantastic 4 Comics00:16:18 - The Fantastic 4 in Multimedia00:27:40- Outros

'The Old Woman With a Knife' Movie Review: Stylish Korean Assassin Thriller | Cosmic Circus Reviews

Vin and John discuss The Old Woman With The Knife, a 2025 South Korean action film about an aging female assassin. They praise the film's visuals, score, performances, and action choreography but note the story's confusing timelines, a late emotional payoff, and an underdeveloped resolution. Overall, they find it stylish and promising, with room for improvement and franchise potential.
John and Vin also discuss their love of action movies like Shaw Bros, Jackie Chan, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and the John Wick franchise.
THE OLD WOMAN WITH THE KNIFE (2025) - Directed by Min Kyu-dong - Screenplay by Kim Dong-wan & Min Kyu-dong - Based on the novel by Gu Byeong-mo - Starring Lee Hye-young and Kim Sung-cheol
Timestamps 00:00 - Intro
00:52 - Details about The Old Woman with the Knife
03:00 - General thoughts on this movie, comparisons to Ballerina and the John Wick films, as well as other influential films discussed
17:00 - More on the comparisons with the John Wick films
21:34 - Spoilers for The Old Woman with the Knife review discussion
26:00 - Final thoughts on the film. Ideas for stars who might be able to be the American version of the "Old Woman" assassin/killer role, like a female John Wick.
28:21 - Outro and some action movie recommendations
For more content and to support The Cosmic Circus and this channel please join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/cosmiccircus
Find the video version of this discussion on youtube @TheCosmicCircus
 

'Alien: Earth' is an Exciting Expansion of the Alien Universe | Cosmic Circus Reviews

Cam & Vin share their reactions to the first two episodes of Alien: Earth, focusing on highlights and surprises in the new FX/Hulu series. The two talk about whether or not they'd like to see more than one season of this series, challenges to the series, parallels with Blade Runner, and how Star Wars handles film and show connections vs. how the Alien franchise handles it. Listen in to find out what they think of the series so far and see if it lines up with what you think or not!
Find the video version of this podcast on YouTube @TheCosmicCircus
Alien: Earth (2025) S1 E1-2 - Created for television by Noah Hawley- Starring Sydney Chandler, Alex Lawther, Timothy Olyphant
Timestamps 
00:00 - Intro01:25 History with the Alien franchise03:57 - Intro to Alien: Earth premiere episodes recap08:55 - Are feelings positive or negative on the new series so far?10:00 - Blade Runner parallels and similarities10:45 - Companies in Alien: Earth competing12:09 - Pacing and other challenges for the series13:08 - Expanding Ridley Scott's Alien franchise lore in this new FX/Hulu series14:00 - Questioning the ethics of having children in adult bodies15:33 - Vin's thirst for blood in the series16:32 - What new things do you like in the show?19:50 - Do we want multiple seasons of Alien: Earth?21:20- Building consistency with films and other media. Star Wars vs. Alien handling of films and shows. 24:25 - Is this a good start to the series?27:30 - Final thoughts on the premiere episodes of Alien: Earth, and Timothy Olyphant's weird blonde hair. 28:55 - Outro
For more content and to support TheCosmicCircus.com and this channel please join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/cosmiccircus
 

'Peacemaker' Season 2 First Impressions: Does the Sequel Stick the Landing? | Cosmic Circus Reviews

Vin and Cam revisit Peacemaker's first season with its off-the-wall humor, surprising heart, Vigilante highlights, and a finale that clicks, before sharing early, spoiler-light impressions of the first 5 episodes of Peacemaker season 2. They discuss what effect James Gunn's busy schedule and the new DCU may have had on the hit DC/HBO series, who was a highlight in season 2 and more. Season 2 discussion starts at about the 10-minute mark.
Find the video version of this discussion on YouTube @TheCosmicCircus and you can find and follow our podcast most places you listen, such as Apple, Spotify, Podbean and many more!You can discuss this series and more on our private Discord. To find out how to join, visit The Cosmic Circus' Patreon page here: patreon.com/cosmiccircus
Visit TheCosmicCircus.com for more reviews, interviews, editorials, and opinions on Peacemaker, Superman, DC, Marvel, and much, much more!
Timestamps
00:00 - Intro01:12 - Peacemaker season 1 recap and commentary05:25 - Highlights of season 107:21 - Comparing it to other superhero TV/streaming series such as the Arrowverse10:00 - Begin Peacemaker season 2 reaction/review from Vin12:20 - The DCU Multiverse and its effect on Peacemaker season 213:58 - Highlights of Peacemaker season 214:55 - Is James Gunn too busy with DC right now?17:25 - Season 1 vs. season 218:55 - Outro
 

'The Naked Gun' (2025): A Hilarious Return to Spoof Comedies | Cosmic Circus Reviews

In this episode, Vin and Cam review the long-awaited sequel to The Naked Gun. The new film, directed by Akiva Schaffer and starring Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, Danny Huston and Paul Walter Hauser is currently in theaters. 
Join Vin and Cam as they discuss their personal experiences with the franchise, laugh at their favorite gags in the movie, and compare the performances of Liam Neeson and Leslie Nielsen. 
Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
01:00 - History with the franchise
03:08 - The story... Wait? Is there a story?!
05:58 - A welcome return to the slapstick spoof comedy genre. The Pink Panther comparisons/inspiration.
07:05 - That hilarious opening that had Vin cackling in his seat. Making fun of more recent movies made since the original films. Best jokes.
09:00 - The original vs. the 2025 movies. Leslie Nielsen vs. Liam Neeson. 
11:10 - Hoping for more The Naked Gun sequels, more fun satire and spoof comedies, and less poorly written superhero movies.
16:45 - Anything we didn't like about the new movie?
22:38 - Other old franchises we'd like to see make a comeback. Airplane and the disaster spoof movies. 
24:55 - Final thoughts
26:02 - Outro
26:55 - Bonus
 

'Fantastic Four: First Steps' (Spoiler) Review & 'Avengers: Doomsday' | The Cosmic Circle Podcast

In this new episode of The Cosmic Circle, Uday and Wiktor have a spoilery chat about the latest Marvel Studios film The Fantastic Four: First Steps, along with some discussion of what it might mean for Avengers: Doomsday. They compare this new Fantastic Four to previous live-action incarnations, including the comics, who their favorite character was in the film, and where they had issues with the story. They compare First Steps to DC's Superman (2025) and discuss how each film hit them this summer. In addition, they talk about cuts and changes to the movie, the implications of Franklin Richards powers for Avengers: Doomsday, along with *that* post-credit scene. 
The Fantastic Four: First Steps was directed by Matt Shakman, and stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Julia Garner, and Ralph Ineson. Now in theaters. Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
01:00 - Is this the best live-action Fantastic Four movie to date?
02:00 - Feelings about the 60s aesthetic of the film
05:30 - Favorite characters in The Fantastic Four: First Steps
08:33 - Superman (2025) and First Steps comparisons
11:30 - The POV of a CBM lover who is not a comics fan. 
13:00 - Cuts and changes to the movie, reasons being possibly linked to Avengers: Doomsday 
14:40 - Is Franklin the most powerful being in the multiverse now? Discussing his place in the story and going forward
18:20 - MCU movies under 2 hours
19:30 - Shalla-Bal aka The Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) 
25:49 - Galactus
28:35 - New F4 suits vs. MCU suits
29:39 - Doctor Doom and Doomsday
35:00 - Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) in the movie
39:00 - Ben Grimm, aka The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach)
40:15 - Was that post-credit scene a last-minute add-on?
42:40 - Discussing leaked images from Avengers: Doomsday, and do Franklin's powers erase the stakes for dangers in Doomsday? Is he too powerful?
46:50 - Johnny Storm's powers (Joseph Quinn), Reed's powers (Pedro Pascal). Differences from the comics.
49:00 - The balance of a more serious story that is still fairly comic-booky.
49:50 - The need for more Galactus to be featured
53:53 - Reed's plan to defeat Galactus/save Earth
55:45 - More on Ralph Ineson as Galactus
59:35 - Final thoughts and how we're feeling about Avengers: Doomsday now
01:05:49 - Why Uday says Michael Waldron needs to stay away from Wanda/Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen)
01:06:00 - Outros
 
For more content and to support The Cosmic Circus and this channel please join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/cosmiccircus
 

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Movie Review: Marvel's First Family Finally Returns! | Cosmic Circus Reviews

Vin and Cam discuss The Fantastic Four: First Steps! What did the boys think of the new F4 movie? Is it worth checking out in 3D IMAX? How does it compare to their expectations, and what could come next for the MCU? Tune in to find out!
Find the video version of this podcast on YouTube @TheCosmicCircus
The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)- Directed by Matt Shakman- Screenplay/Story by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, Ian Springer, Kat Wood- Starring Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman) , Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm/The Thing), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm/The Human Torch), Ralph Ineson (Galactus), and Julia Garner (Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer)- Music by Michael Giacchino
Timestamps:
oo:oo - Intro00:56 - Matt Shakman01:50 - Our history with The Fantastic Four03:24 - Overall reaction to First Steps04:26 - General story and plot of The Fantastic Four: First Steps (Spoiler warning)09:14 - Seeing the movie in 2D vs 3D IMAX11:30 - Mr. Fantastic Reed Richards in the movie13:45 - What could have been better in the movie16:10 - Superman vs Fantastic Four: First Steps, what we liked better18:26 - Hopes and theories for the future of the characters 20:57 - Feige quote about recasting some original Avengers after Secret Wars22:30 - Fantastic Four: First Steps Post Credit scene (spoiler)26:26 - Final thoughts on the film27:33 - Outros
For more content and to support The Cosmic Circus and this channel please join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/cosmiccircus
 
 

Superman Movie Review and the Future of James Gunn's DC Universe | The Cosmic Circle

Host Uday discusses with Brian, Vic, and John the new SUPERMAN film starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult (with spoilers!)... The four also talk about James Gunn's handling of the DC univese so far, and hopes and concerns for the future of the DCU. 
If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider supporting us by joining our Patreon and Discord here: https://patreon.com/cosmiccircus
 
Timestamps 00:00 - Intro
01:00 - Was Superman (2025) a successful start to the DCU?
07:19 - Is this movie "messy"?
15:00 - The lack of an origin story at the beginning of the film and its  effect on viewers being mixed
20:20 - James Gunn on origin stories
21:50 - Is the film easier to follow after seeing it a second time?
23:07 - Is this Superman film strong enough to build a franchise off of? Comparing to other depictions of Superman
24:45 - Debate about James Gunn being writer/director and in charge of everything there. Should he have more of a check and balance?
26:30 - Discussing the box office and deciding what constitutes a success
29:30 - More on James Gunn and the possible need for more checks and balances
36:25 - Batman v Superman comparisons. Snyder vs Gunn 
40:45 - Is it good or bad for James Gunn to be trying to build a competitor to the MCU with the DCU while also wrapped up in his own projects? Could he wind up spread too thin here?
53:00 - Marvel vs DC and further thoughts on the future of the DCU
01:01:55 - Romance in the MCU vs Superman
01:04:10 - Favorite characters and performances in Superman
01:10:20 - Krypto and the intro of Supergirl at the end
01:14:04 - Outros

Fantastic Four's Iconic Comic Runs and Movie Inspirations | Cosmic Circus Comics

Join Vin and Vic as they delve into the world of The Fantastic Four in the lead-up to the release of the new Marvel Studios film The Fantastic Four: First Steps. In this podcast, they discuss some of the iconic comic runs for Marvel's First Family and their influence on the upcoming MCU film.
 
Featured recommendations:
- Fantastic Four by Jonathan Hickman
- Fantastic Four by #48-50 Jack Kirby & Stan Lee
Other recommendations:
- Fantastic Four by Jack Kirby & Stan Lee
- Fantastic Four by John Byrne
- Fantastic Four by Walt Simonson
- Fantastic Four by Mark Waid & Mike Wieringo
- Fantastic Four by Ryan North
Timestamps
00:00:0 - Intros
00:01:00 - Exploring Hickman’s Fantastic Four
00:04:27 - The Council of Reeds
00:07:34 - Modern Meets Classic Villains
00:10:16 - Marvel’s Creative Choices
00:10:47 - Stan Lee & Jack Kirby, and The Coming of Galactus
00:15:20- 60 Years of Fantastic Four Comics
00:16:18 - Fantastic Four in Multimedia
00:27:40- Outros
Find the video version of this podcast on YouTube @TheCosmicCircus. For more content and to support The Cosmic Circus and this channel please join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/cosmiccircus
 

Superman (2025): James Gunn's Bold Reimagining and Hopes for the Future of the DCU | Cosmic Circus Reviews

Join Vin and Cam as they dive into the dynamic world of Superman (2025), written and directed by James Gunn. With a fresh perspective, this episode explores the film's engaging storyline featuring a modern-day battle between Superman and Lex Luthor, enriched by Gunn's unique perspective.
Delve into the charm of this new Superman, played by David Corenswet and the fascinating parallels with the 1978 classic film starring Christopher Reeve. Vin and Cam also share their thoughts on their favorite Superman adaptations and discuss the movie's standout moments and characters, like Nicholas Hoult's portrayal of Lex Luthor.
Lastly, they discuss their hopes for the characters and how they might be explored in future DCU projects.  
Find the video of this podcast on YouTube @TheCosmicCircus. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider supporting us by joining our Patreon and Discord here: https://patreon.com/cosmiccircus
 
Timestamps
00:00 - Intros
02:10 - Favorite Superman adaptations prior to Superman (2025)
04:20 - General thoughts on James Gunn's Superman (SPOILERS)
07:57 - Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult)
09:07 - Does this movie have "too much" going on?
11:15 - Clark's parents
11:55 - Is this movie "too cheesy?"
14:00 - Favorite side character in this movie
16:04 - What do you want to see next from the characters in Superman?
17:40 - Not enough focus on Superman as the main character?
18:45 - A week in the life of Superman structure, deleted scenes and extras
20:22 - If James Gunn ever does Batman and Superman...
21:44 - Seeing bits of James Gunn in the characters
23:45 - Outros
 
 
 
 

Marvel's Ironheart Review and Future of the Story Discussion | The Cosmic Circle

Podcast host and writer Brian Kitson is joined by writers Ayla Ruby and Uday Kataria to discuss Marvel Studios' newest series Ironheart starring Dominique Thorne, Lyric Ross, Anthony Ramos, Alden Ehrenreich, and Sacha Baron Cohen. The three discuss Riri's motivations and character journey in the series, as well as how magic and technology are blended. Characters like The Hood, Mephisto, Natalie, Zelma, Zeke and more are discussed, as well as how the series might fit in the wider MCU narrative.
If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider supporting us by joining our Patreon and Discord here: https://patreon.com/cosmiccircus
Timestamps
00:00 - Intros
00:55 - General thoughts on Ironheart. Parallels with Marvel/Disney's handling of the Echo series. 
06:55 - Continuing Riri's story from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
12:20 - Riri's motivations, grief, and questionable decisions in Ironheart
18:20 - Ironheart's place in the MCU timeline and larger narrative.
20:00 - Mephisto and Riri messing with Death. Shouldn't Aubrey Plaza's Death be angry? Will this be followed up on later?
25:20 - The Hood and Strange Academy
29:00 - Blending technology with magic in the show
34:00 - The Hood's motivations vs Riri's. 
37:00 - Riri's attitude towards Tony Stark/Iron Man
39:25 - Where was the rest of the MCU?
40:45 - Zelma, Zeke and other characters
47:25 - Where will the Ironheart storyline go from here?
56:50 - The color of magic in Ironheart, chaos magic?
58:00 - Need for Jac Schaeffer to return to write again
01:00:15 - Outros
 

Jurassic World Rebirth: A Missed Opportunity for the Franchise | The Cosmic Circle

In this episode of The Cosmic Circle, hosts Uday Kataria and Cameron Brook delve into the controversial reception of 'Jurassic World Rebirth.' While tackling the question of whether the film truly revitalizes the franchise, they discuss its plot inconsistencies, character development issues, and missed opportunities.
Despite high expectations, could 'Rebirth' deliver the thrilling dinosaur action and engaging narrative fans crave, or does it fall short? Join the discussion as Uday and Cam share their insights and personal anecdotes about the film and ponder the future of the Jurassic Park/Jurassic World saga.
Jurassic World: Rebirth was directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story),  and stars Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali. 
If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider supporting by joining our Patreon and Discord here: https://patreon.com/cosmiccircus
Timestamps
00:00:00Intro
00:00:25Jurassic World: Rebirth Movie Reception and Initial Thoughts
00:03:34Pacing and Character Engagement
00:08:42Mutants and Plot Direction
00:12:39Dinosaur Favorites and Sequences in Jurassic World: Rebirth
00:16:54Character Analysis and Development
00:27:34Jurassic World Franchise Future and Character Connections
00:35:03Conclusion and Hopes for the Future of the Jurassic World franchise