Cosmic Circus Podcasts
We discuss movies, TV shows and streaming series, comics, and comic book movies (such as DC or Marvel Studios). Video versions of many of these episodes are on YouTube @TheCosmicCircus . If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting us on patreon.com/cosmiccircus . Benefits include a private Discord where you can talk about movies, shows, books, games and comics with other fans! For more from The Cosmic Circus, including links to articles, film, TV series, comics, books, and game reviews, visit thecosmiccircus.com Questions? Concerns? Suggestions? Please contact: podcasts@thecosmiccircus.com
Episodes

Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
John and Vin talk about the new M. Night Shyamalan film Trap starring Josh Hartnett.
For the full video review go to YouTube @TheCosmicCircus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jgz4cRUJndA
Timestamps 00:10 - Intro 00:49 - Initial thoughts on and expectations about Trap before seeing the film 03:00 - Expectations vs reality seeing Trap 05:15 - absurd moments in the movie 05:55 - John Hartnett and his character in Trap 08:00 - Rashomon effect, multiple stories could have been told from several different character perspectives. 10:13 - Compared to our recently reviewed movie Twisters 11:16 - Saleka Shyamalan as Lady Raven in the film 12:00 - Compaints 14:56 - SPOILER discussion about Trap 27:20 - Comparing Trap to the rest of M. Night Shyamalan's filmography. 30:00 - Concert portion of the film, comparing the film to some of Ryan Johnson's work such as the Knives Out films, and Looper. 31:49 - Why he can't seem to recapture what he had in Sixth Sense 34:36 - Outros
For more nerdy pop culture coverage, including movie and TV news, reviews, and interviews by The Cosmic Circus contributors, visit https://www.thecosmiccircus.com

Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
John and Vin talk about the Twisters movie 4DX experience! Find out if this is a must see or if it's too much of a good thing!
Timestamps 00:15 - Intro 00:40 - Did Vin survive the Twisters 4DX experience? 03:50 - Talking about older and shorter 4DX experiences. 06:30 - How is the immersive experience with 4DX Twisters? 07:57 - Would Vin do it again? 08:15 - Outro
Find the video review on YouTube @theCosmicCircus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWMx448WIbk
Vin and John's review of Twisters: https://youtu.be/bMvSpoQ8tEU?si=yrPw-NzUpzWzn_z9
Brian's ScreenX experience for Twisters: https://thecosmiccircus.com/review-twisters-screenx-experience/
John's written review of Twisters: https://thecosmiccircus.com/twisters-review-universal/

Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
John and Vin talk about the newest Marvel Studios film, Deadpool & Wolverine, starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.
Timestamps 00:12 - Intros 00:54 - General thoughts on Deadpool & Wolverine, comparisons to Toy Story 3 06:55 - Discussing the gratuitous use of cameos, and what was the purpose of these characters appearing or the movie itself 09:05 - SPOILER WARNING and more talk about the various cameos in Deadpool & Wolverine. 14:25 - Comparing this film to Spider-Man: No Way Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 16:27 - What worked in Deadpool 3 19:00 - This film and how it compared to the Fox Universe of Marvel films. X-Men Fox movies talk. 22:15 - Vin's Deadpool comics reading guides are mentioned and he says, "the best Deadpool stories are the ones where he suffers the most." They discuss how the stakes should have felt higher than they did in Deadpool & Wolverine 24:00 - The confusing elements of the plot with the Multiverse, the TVA and Cassandra Nova. 25:50 - Strong feelings about Wolverine's yellow suit 27:25 - The end of Toy Story 3 being compared to Deadpool & Wolverine 28:54 - How we feel about Marvel's Multiverse Saga so far 30:15 - James Gunn's DC universe... does Marvel's issues help DC Studios? 32:20 - Deadpool 1 & 2 had real emotions and a good story, whereas Deadpool & Wolverine lacks. 33:55 - Outros
For the full video of this review go to YouTube @thecosmiccircus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZJUMYwucuM
Links referred to in this video...
Uday's movie review of Deadpool & Wolverine: https://thecosmiccircus.com/deadpool-wolverine-review-marvel-studios/
Vin's Deadpool Comics Guide: https://thecosmiccircus.com/deadpool-reading-guide/
Vin's Wolverine Comics Guide: https://thecosmiccircus.com/wolverine-reading-guide/
The Cosmic Circle Podcast Discussion of Deadpool & Wolverine with Brian Kitson, Anthony Flagg & Alex Perez: https://thecosmiccircus.com/deadpool-wolverine-discussion-cosmic-circle-ep-60/

Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
San Diego Comic-Con is one of the most significant pop culture events of the year, and this year's celebration was especially hot if you are a Marvel fan! It feels like forever since the last Hall H presentation from the studio back in 2022, so it was electric to have Marvel front and center once again. Marvel's Hall H panel this year focused mainly on three of their upcoming projects: Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, and Fantastic Four: First Steps and also had some big reveals for Avengers 5 and 6. In episode 61 of The Cosmic Circle, podcast host Brian Kitson with fellow writers Anthony Flagg and Alex Perez discuss reveals from the panel. Insider Alex Perez also shares some of what he knows about the future of the MCU and how the Multiverse Saga will come to a close, so beware of spoilers in this podcast!
Podcast credits and show notes
Contributors/Writers
Brian Kitson
Anthony Flagg
Alex Perez
Executive Producer/Editor
Lizzie Hill
Find the companion article to this podcast at https://thecosmiccircus.com

Monday Jul 29, 2024
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Deadpool and Wolverine has finally arrived, and we're beyond excited about this film. Not only does it have the responsibility of furthering the story of the MCU, but it also serves as a closing chapter of the 20th Century Fox universe of Marvel characters. So naturally, we had to have a podcast about it! (Spoiler warning!)
Join host and head writer Brian Kitson and fellow writers Anthony Flagg and Alex Perez as they discuss every exciting detail of this newest Marvel Studios offering. Did they think Deadpool and Wolverine was a good movie? What were some of their favorite parts? And just where do they think we'll see these two mutants again in the MCU? This is definitely not a podcast you want to miss, as Alex Perez shares some juicy details about what's next for our favorite merch with the mouth and his newfound family. Enjoy!
Podcast credits and show notes
Contributors/Writers
Brian Kitson
Anthony Flagg
Alex Perez
Executive Producer/Editor
Lizzie Hill
Recorded on 7/28/2024
Find the companion article to this podcast at https://thecosmiccircus.com

Monday Jul 22, 2024
Monday Jul 22, 2024
Twisters starring Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones and directed by Lee Isaac Chung! Check out Vin and John's thoughts on the sequel film, what worked and what didn't, and comparisons to the original Twister film (1996).
Timestamps 00:10 - Intros 01:00 - Talking about John's history with the first Twisters movie from 1996 06:00 - Thoughts from a first-time viewer (Vin) of Twister & and Twisters. Comparing the films and general thoughts with no spoilers. 09:45 - Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones in Twisters 11:40 - John's written review on TheCosmicCircus.com and more on comparing the new film with the original 14:30 - SPOILERS for Twisters discussed from this point on 23:30 - Talking about the soundtrack 24:40 - The legacy of Twister and connections (or lack thereof) between the films. 29:00 - On creating a sequel vs a remake 32:08 - Rodeo scene discussed 34:45 - Outros
Find the video review on YouTube @theCosmicCircus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMvSpoQ8tEU
For John's review of Twisters: https://thecosmiccircus.com/twisters-review-universal/
Brian's review of Twisters and his ScreenX experience: https://thecosmiccircus.com/review-twisters-screenx-experience/
Vin's review of the Twisters 4DX experience https://youtu.be/ZWMx448WIbk?si=hE2nI4THQ1lJ6B_I

Monday Jul 22, 2024
Monday Jul 22, 2024
After seven weeks of mystery, The Acolyte has wrapped up its first season on Disney+. Set during the end of the High Republic era, this Star Wars series was the first live-action show to break out of the Skywalker-dominated time period viewers often find themselves in. Between secret twins, sexy Sith, and the Jedi Order’s shockingly poor decision-making, The Acolyte was never a dull time!
Join host Uday Kataria (X: @GoldenNinja3000) and his guests Vic (X: @Eridrexalkee) and Cam (X: @camandfilm) as they dive into the secrets uncovered in The Acolyte and what they mean for the past and future of Star Wars. This episode discusses everyone’s favorite parts of the show, what we could see in a potential Acolyte season 2, and what we all thought of Osha, Mae, Sol, and Qimir by the end of this breakneck series.
Podcast credits and show notes
Contributors/Writers
Uday Kataria
Wiktor Reinfuss
Cameron Brook
Executive Producer/Editor
Lizzie Hill
Recorded on 7/21/2024
Find the companion article to this podcast at https://thecosmiccircus.com

Thursday Jul 18, 2024
Thursday Jul 18, 2024
Audible has been one of the leaders in the industry for audiobooks, with a one-stop shop for any title you can imagine. They've also branched out into original programming, such as Impact Winter from Travis Beacham (Pacific Rim) and executive producers of The Walking Dead. I sat down with actress Christina Chong (La'an Noonien-Singh in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) about her role in Impact Winter's third season.
In this interview, Christina Chong discusses what drew her to this series and how her mysterious new character factors into the larger mythos of this Audible original. Chong discusses how recording an audio drama differs from acting on screen, how she gets into character, and the challenges and rewards she experienced with recording her first audio drama. Also, find out just how she would fare if she lived in the world of Impact Winter! Check out the interview below!
Host/Interviewer: Brian Kitson
Theme: "Coffee and You" via Pixabay.
Find the companion article to this podcast on thecosmiccircus.com

Saturday Jul 13, 2024
Saturday Jul 13, 2024
New Neon thriller/horror film Longlegs staring Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage and was written and directed by Osgood Perkins. Find out what John had to say about this new film here.
Timestamps
00:00 - Intro 00:55 - Story and characters in Longlegs 02:50 - Going in without prior knowledge about this movie is the best way to approach it. 04:20 - Maika Monroe is a strong lead 06:12 - Dynamics between the lead characters, and opinion on Nicolas Cage's performace in Longlegs 10:30 - Cinematography in this film 13:20 - About Lee Harker's character 15:50 - Final thoughts on the film. 18:00 - Outro
For Max's review of Longlegs visit https://thecosmiccircus.com/longlegs-review-neon/
Find the full video review on YouTube @thecosmiccircus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFMu4Yaws6U
For more nerdy pop culture coverage, including movie and TV news, reviews, and interviews by The Cosmic Circus contributors visit https://www.thecosmiccircus.com

Monday Jul 01, 2024
Monday Jul 01, 2024
It's hard to believe that the newest season of Doctor Who is over when it feels like it's just started. Ncuti Gatwa's first season as the 15th Doctor is over, but that doesn't stop the excitement that we're feeling about it. From the moment that Gatwa appeared on our screens in the third special to him meeting his companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson), so many moments have taken our breath away and left us speechless. We were not speechless, though, as we needed to get together and break it all down in our latest Doctor Who discussion!
Join host Brian Kitson and writers Wiktor Reinfuss and Cameron Brook as they discuss their highs and lows from the most recent batch of episodes, such as the barriers that showrunner Russell T. Davies is breaking down in the long-running sci-fi series, their favorite episodes, and why, and where they think the next season of Doctor Who is headed. Do you think they enjoyed the re-introduction of the Pantheon of Gods? You'll have to listen to the podcast to find out!
Podcast credits and show notes
Contributors/Writers
Brian Kitson
Wiktor Reinfuss
Cameron Brook
Executive Producer/Editor
Lizzie Hill
Recorded on 6/29/2024
Find the companion article to this podcast at https://thecosmiccircus.com

Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
I recently spoke with Executive Producer, Director, Writer Liz W. Garcia about her new film Space Cadet, a comedy about second chances, chasing your dreams, and what it takes to become NASA astronaut! The hilarious new comedy releases on Prime Video next month July 4, 2024 and stars Emma Roberts, Gabrielle Union, and Tom Hopper.
Host/Interviewer: Lizzie Hill
Timestamps 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Talking about the themes of chasing your dreams, and second chances, as well as what it takes for women who are NASA candidates to get there. Inspirations for writing the film. 03:20 - On the diversity of the cast and how it benefitted the film 04:45 - On the differences between writing dramas vs comedy 06:00 - Did she have any actors in mind for the parts? 06:45 - Outro
Theme: "Coffee and You" via Pixabay.
Find the companion article to this podcast on thecosmiccircus.com
You can find the video to this interview on The Cosmic Circus YouTube channel https://youtu.be/B_Ghz288oMI?si=lPFuw27llGq2pMN7

Sunday Jun 23, 2024
Sunday Jun 23, 2024
I've had the immense privilege of knowing Monique Asher for over a decade, having met her through some friends, one of whom was her younger sister. Throughout the years, she has worn many hats, such as mother, wife, and therapist. However, one hobby and passion that she kept coming back to was writing, which began at such a young age (as you learn in the interview!). Not one to give up on her dreams easily, she's pushed through and her debut novel, Don't Eat the Pie, comes out September 24, 2024, with more novels already on the way! I was able to sit down with Asher to discuss this novel as well as various other topics.
In the interview, listen to when Asher got her start with writing and how it developed into her budding career as a published author, what her developmental process has been for Don't Eat the Pie, and what else she has in the pipeline writing-wise over the next few years. She also discusses how her time as a therapist has helped to foster her writing, and talks about her spooky podcast Stay the Night (@Staythenightpod), which she hosts with her sister. And like the true horror fanatic that she is, Asher shares some of her current favorite scary novels. Check out the interview!
Monique Asher's novel, Don't Eat the Pie, is available for preorder most places books are avaiilable! Let us know on social media @mycomsiccircus if you plan on checking out this upcoming novel!
Find this book on Amazon or most places books are sold.
Host/Interviewer: Brian Kitson
Theme: "Coffee and You" via Pixabay.
You can find out more about the author and upcoming books at her official website, www.moniqueasher.com/
Find the companion article to this podcast on thecosmiccircus.com

Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Bruce Willis is a name synonymous with Hollywood blockbusters and almost every genre of projects you can think of. Yet, for many, accessing the full spectrum of his cinematic achievements can be as challenging. Thankfully, Sean O’Connell’s new biography focused on Bruce Willis and his acting past, offers a comprehensive and engaging journey through the star’s illustrious career. From his early days and successes to more recent projects.
In his insightful biography titled Bruce Willis: Celebrating the Cinematic Legacy of an Unbreakable Hollywood Icon, Sean O’Connell delves into Willis’ rise from humble beginnings to his status as a global icon, providing fans with a rich and detailed story about his acting life. Through exclusive interviews and meticulous research, O’Connell explored Willis’ most iconic roles, his personal life, and the impact he had on the film industry. This book is a must-read for anyone eager to fully appreciate the legacy of Bruce Willis.
Find this book on Amazon or most places books are sold.
Host/Interviewer: Wiktor Reinfuss
Theme: "Coffee and You" via Pixabay.
Find the companion article to this podcast on thecosmiccircus.com

Monday Jun 10, 2024
Monday Jun 10, 2024
Happy Pride Month dear readers! It's that time of year to celebrate everything Queer! Over here at The Cosmic Circus, we're excited to share in the celebration with a very special podcast featuring some of our Queer contributors to the site, highlighting some of the LGBTQ+ media they've consumed since last Pride!
Join host Brian Kitson and fellow writers Cameron Brook and Izzy Friedman as they discuss some of their favorite Queer media. The trio discusses Challengers, Interview With the Vampire, Heartstopper, Dead Boy Detectives, Our Flag Means Death, All of Us Strangers, Saltburn, Doctor Who, Star Wars, and more!
Podcast credits and show notes
Contributors/Writers
Brian Kitson
Izzy Friedman
Cameron Brook
Executive Producer/Editor
Lizzie Hill
Recorded on 6/9/24
Find the companion article to this podcast at https://thecosmiccircus.com

Sunday Jun 02, 2024
Sunday Jun 02, 2024
Sydney Freeland is an impressive director with an eye for detail. Not only did she direct an episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, but she also lent her talents to Marvel's Echo, helming four of the series' five episodes along with executive producing it.
The series helped introduce viewers to the world of Maya Lopez, played by Alaqua Cox, who made her first on-screen appearance in Hawkeye. Echo broke barriers when it was released by featuring Marvel's first deaf and Indigenous character. Unlike the usual Marvel fare, the series was grittier and had a TV-MA rating. (And ahem, an appearance by little-known Marvel character Daredevil, too.) The show pretty much immediately shot to the top of the Disney+ charts and is a massive success for the streamer.
Several weeks ago, we had the chance to sit down with Freeland over Zoom and discuss everything Maya Lopez and more. The director shared that it was the hardest and most rewarding thing she's ever done. Freeland discussed the vision for the project, including how the heart of the series was the relationship between Maya and Kingpin, along with bringing the character home to Oklahoma. She talked about how she got on board with Echo, and it started with an e-mail from fellow directors Bert and Bertie. Read ahead for the full interview. But if you haven't seen Echo yet, beware, there are some spoilers ahead. (And what are you waiting for, anyway?)
Host: Ayla Ruby
Theme: "Coffee and You" via Pixabay.
Find the companion article to this podcast on thecosmiccircus.com








