Reel Insights

David Cross joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk about his fearless new stand-up special, The End of the Beginning of the End. Filmed at the legendary 40 Watt Club in Athens, Georgia, the special showcases Cross at his sharpest, blending biting satire, absurd storytelling, and bold commentary on modern culture. In this candid conversation, Cross breaks down the meaning behind the special’s layered title, why he chose to film later in his tour, and how the rapidly shifting political and social climate helped shape the material audiences will see in this latest performance.Cross also dives into the craft of stand-up after more than 40 years on stage, revealing that his writing process has remained remarkably consistent. He explains how he develops material through live sets, revisits jokes that may not immediately land, and why silence can be one of the most powerful tools in comedy. The conversation also explores how stand-up has evolved over the decades, from the early days of traditional setups and punchlines to the rise of alternative comedy, streaming platforms, and social media helping comedians reach audiences faster than ever before.On top of that, Cross reflects on the benefits of releasing his specials through YouTube, giving him creative control and long-term ownership of his work. He also shares thoughts on beloved projects like Arrested Development, Small Soldiers, and his voice acting career, while discussing how audiences continue discovering his work through new platforms and algorithms. With humor, honesty, and insight, this Reel Insights conversation highlights why David Cross remains one of the most fearless and influential voices in comedy today.Visit Nerdtropolis.comFacebook.com/nerdtropolisInstagram.com/nerdtropolisTwitter.com/nerdtropolis

John Rhys-Davies joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk about lending his legendary voice to The Christ , the immersive new audio drama that brings the life, death and resurrection of Jesus to life across four cinematic episodes. In this thoughtful conversation, the Lord of the Rings and Indiana Jones icon reflects on the weight of narrating such a powerful story, why the message still resonates today, and how audio can draw listeners into a deeply personal experience unlike anything on screen.Rhys-Davies also opens up about the unique power of voice in storytelling, explaining how tone, pacing and emotion can shape the way audiences feel every moment of a story. He shares how his background in stage performance helped him understand the importance of being heard and understood, while also revealing what makes voice work such a different and rewarding challenge compared to on-camera acting. From the beauty of spoken language to the spiritual depth of oral tradition, his insights make this conversation especially memorable.On top of that, Rhys-Davies discusses how The Christ taps into a long tradition of hearing stories through the spoken word, connecting modern podcast storytelling to the timeless impact of faith, scripture and performance. With Easter at the heart of this release, this interview offers a meaningful look at how The Christ uses voice, music and cinematic sound to tell one of history’s most enduring stories in a bold new way.Visit Nerdtropolis.comFacebook.com/nerdtropolisInstagram.com/nerdtropolisTwitter.com/nerdtropolis

Luis Guzmán joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk about stepping into the Nintendo universe as Wart in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, one of the film’s most unexpected and exciting deep-cut villains. In this fun conversation, Guzmán opens up about bringing his unmistakable voice to the iconic character, the joy of joining such a massive franchise, and why seeing kids react to Wart on the big screen meant so much to him. Luis also talks about the legacy of Super Mario, his own memories of classic games like Tetris, and what it takes to build a larger-than-life animated villain using only voice. He shares how he found Wart’s menacing energy, why the character feels like more than a one-and-done addition, and which Nintendo stars he would love to see Wart face off with next. That includes a wild idea involving Glen Powell’s Fox McCloud that opens the door to even bigger crossover possibilities in the future.On top of that, Guzmán also teases what fans can expect from Wednesday Season 3, promising another major leap for the hit series with even bigger surprises ahead. From Nintendo nostalgia to franchise expansion and streaming excitement, this interview is packed with fun reveals and big fan energy for both The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Wednesday.Visit Nerdtropolis.comFacebook.com/nerdtropolisInstagram.com/nerdtropolisTwitter.com/nerdtropolis

Jaeden Martell and Asa Butterfield join Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk about their powerful new film Our Hero, Balthazar, a dark and timely story about loneliness, identity, and the dangerous search for connection. In this thoughtful conversation, the two stars open up about building characters who appear very different on the surface, yet share the same emotional emptiness underneath.Jaeden and Asa discuss how their characters reflect each other despite coming from completely different worlds, and why that shared loneliness becomes the heart of the film’s emotional tension. They also break down the challenge of playing messy, complicated young men who are not always easy to understand, while still finding the humanity buried inside them. Asa also talks about leaning into the rough Texas grit of his character, while Jaeden reflects on the deeper empathy and pain driving both performances.From emotional isolation to the pressure of online identity, this conversation explores what makes Our Hero, Balthazar such a haunting and relevant watch. It is a great look at two talented actors disappearing into some of their boldest and most layered work yet.Visit Nerdtropolis.comFacebook.com/nerdtropolisInstagram.com/nerdtropolisTwitter.com/nerdtropolis

Rick Gomez and Mackenzie Ziegler join Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk about She Dances, the emotional new drama now in theaters that explores friendship, family, grief, and the road toward healing. In this candid conversation, Gomez discusses making his feature directorial debut and how the film became a deeply personal and cathartic creative experience as the story evolved through the writing process. Gomez also shares how he and Steve Zahn quickly knew Ziegler was the right choice to play Kat, explaining how the character continued to grow through rehearsals, collaboration, and the natural chemistry that developed on set. Ziegler opens up about stepping into the role and how the friendship at the center of the film became even more meaningful while filming, allowing her to bring her own perspective and emotional truth to the performance. The pair also dive into one of the film’s most distinctive visual elements, the split-screen sequences, with Gomez explaining how the technique helps represent emotional connection, distance, and intimacy throughout the story. Together, they reflect on the bond between Kat and Claire and why She Dances resonates as a heartfelt and human story about relationships that shape who we become. Visit Nerdtropolis.com Facebook.com/nerdtropolis Instagram.com/nerdtropolis X.com/nerdtropolis

Steve Zahn and Audrey Zahn join Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk about She Dances, the heartfelt new drama from director Rick Gomez that explores family, grief, and the emotional journey of reconnecting when it matters most. The real-life father and daughter open up about bringing authenticity to the screen and how their shared experiences helped shape the film’s powerful story. Audrey shares how her background as a dancer helped her understand Claire’s disciplined mindset and emotional restraint, explaining how the character carries so much internally while navigating the pressures of competition and personal loss. She discusses how building natural chemistry on set helped the relationships feel genuine and why the emotional honesty of the story resonated deeply with her as both an actor and performer. Steve also reflects on portraying Jason as a flawed father trying to find his way through grief while supporting his daughter’s dreams. He talks about balancing humor with emotional weight, why the film embraces imperfect parenting, and how the story captures the quiet moments that often define real family relationships. Steve also shares why collaborating with Audrey made the experience especially meaningful and why working with people you trust can elevate storytelling in powerful ways. Together, Steve and Audrey highlight the authenticity at the heart of She Dances, from the film’s road-trip structure to the small character moments that bring warmth, humor, and relatability to the story. Their conversation offers insight into how personal connection, trust, and shared creativity helped shape a film that feels both intimate and universal. Visit Nerdtropolis.com Facebook.com/nerdtropolis Instagram.com/nerdtropolis Twitter.com/nerdtropolis

In this Reel Insights interview, Sean Tajipour, the Mayor of Nerdtropolis, chats with Young Sherlock stars Zine Tseng and Max Irons about stepping into a bold new take on the legendary world of Sherlock Holmes.From director Guy Ritchie, Young Sherlock is an irreverent, fast-moving origin story that explores the early days of the iconic detective in a vibrant Victorian world. During the conversation, Tseng opens up about bringing Princess Gulun Shou’an into Sherlock’s life as a powerful force he has never truly encountered before. She talks about the character’s strong presence, her confidence, and how she uses her own intelligence to challenge and reshape Sherlock’s world in ways he does not expect.Irons also shares what Mycroft sees in Sherlock long before Sherlock fully understands it himself. He reflects on Sherlock’s unusual brilliance, the ways that intelligence clashes with the world around him, and why Mycroft feels such a deep need to protect and guide his younger brother through these chaotic early years. He also teases that audiences will get to experience a side of Sherlock they have not really seen before, one shaped by youth, energy, humor, and a more kinetic reimagining of the Holmes universe.Together, Tseng and Irons highlight the show’s strong character dynamics, including the emotional pull of Sherlock’s relationships and the fresh perspective this version brings to one of fiction’s most iconic worlds. Visit Nerdtropolis.comFacebook.com/nerdtropolisInstagram.com/nerdtropolisX.com/nerdtropolis

Berto Colón joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk about his commanding role in Undercard, working opposite Wanda Sykes in her dramatic turn, and what fans can look forward to from *The Night Agent* Season 3 alongside Gabriel Basso.In this conversation, Berto breaks down what drew him to Hector, a character with power, confidence, and real presence, and why Undercard stood out to him as more than just a boxing movie. He also reflects on the emotional core of the story, the layered mother-son dynamic at the center of the film, and how the world of boxing gives the drama even more weight.Berto also opens up about sharing the screen with Wanda Sykes and why comedians often bring something extra when they step into dramatic roles. Plus, he praises director Tamika Miller’s work behind the camera, talks about the energy on set in Puerto Rico, and shares his excitement for audiences to finally see what the team created.On top of that, Berto talks about The Night Agent, his bond with Gabriel Basso, and the scale and intensity that made the series such a breakout hit. From grounded drama to high-stakes thriller energy, this is a great look at an actor bringing strength, charisma, and versatility to every project he takes on.Visit Nerdtropolis.comFacebook.com/nerdtropolisInstagram.com/nerdtropolisTwitter.com/nerdtropolis

Oscar-nominated Elle Fanning joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk about some of her most exciting upcoming projects, including The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, Sentimental Value, and Predator: Badlands. In this fun conversation, Elle reflects on the momentum of her career, the kinds of stories that keep pulling her in, and what has her most excited about this new chapter.Elle teases The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping and shares her thoughts on stepping into another major franchise world that already has fans buzzing. She also talks about Sentimental Value and the attention surrounding the film, while touching on the similarities it shares with Predator: Badlands in ways that make both projects exciting for very different reasons.From prestige awards chatter to big franchise energy, Elle opens up about balancing intimate storytelling with large-scale spectacle and why this stretch of projects feels so special. It is a great look at an actress continuing to take bold, smart, and exciting swings across every corner of Hollywood.Watch the full interview for more with Elle Fanning on Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, Sentimental Value and Predator: Badlands.Visit Nerdtropolis.comFacebook.com/nerdtropolisInstagram.com/nerdtropolisTwitter.com/nerdtropolis

Juno Temple joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk about Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, the wild new sci-fi adventure from director Gore Verbinski that throws a chaotic crew into a mission to stop an AI apocalypse. She also reflects on Ted Lasso and The Offer, giving fans a fun look at the standout projects that continue to define her incredible career.Juno shares why she could not stop reading the script for Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, how the story kept surprising her at every turn, and why its mix of chaos, humor, and hope made it impossible to resist. She also talks about working with Gore Verbinski, why Sam Rockwell is the kind of actor the whole cast would follow anywhere, and how the film’s big ideas about technology still leave room for real human connection.Juno also opens up about Ted Lasso and why Keeley Jones will always mean so much to her, calling the series a life-changing experience that still feels like home. Plus, she looks back on The Offer as a project she deeply loved and says it gave her a powerful new appreciation for the fight behind making great art.Visit Nerdtropolis.comFacebook.com/nerdtropolisInstagram.com/nerdtropolisTwitter.com/nerdtropolis

In this Reel Insights interview, Sean Tajipour, the Mayor of Nerdtropolis, chats with Young Sherlock showrunner Matthew Parkhill and star Dónal Finn about the bold new mystery series that reimagines the early days of Sherlock Holmes and James Moriarty.From director Guy Ritchie, Young Sherlock is an irreverent, action-packed origin story that follows a youthfully defiant Sherlock Holmes as he is pulled into his first murder investigation, one that threatens his freedom and uncovers a globe-trotting conspiracy. Set in a vibrant Victorian world, the series explores the early adventures that help shape the legendary detective long before Baker Street.During the conversation, Parkhill opens up about honoring the Sherlock Holmes canon while still finding room to reinvent the mythology in fresh and exciting ways. He also discusses the series’ biggest swing by exploring a young Sherlock who is rough around the edges and a Moriarty who enters his life far earlier than fans may expect.Finn shares what drew him to playing Moriarty at such an early stage in the character’s life, along with the challenge of portraying a man who has not yet become the infamous “Napoleon of Crime.” He talks about tracing Moriarty’s emotional journey and the choices that could eventually shape him into one of literature’s most legendary villains.Starring Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Dónal Finn, Zine Tseng, Max Irons, Natascha McElhone, Joseph Fiennes, and Colin Firth, Young Sherlock brings a fresh new energy to one of fiction’s most iconic worlds.Visit Nerdtropolis.comFacebook.com/nerdtropolisInstagram.com/nerdtropolisTwitter.com/nerdtropolis

In this Reel Insights interview, Sean Tajipour, the Mayor of Nerdtropolis, chats with Milla Jovovich and Isabel Myers to talk about their new action thriller Protector, now playing in theaters.Jovovich plays Nikki, a decorated war hero who thought she left her violent past behind. When her daughter is kidnapped by a dangerous human trafficking ring, Nikki is forced back into the fight, tearing through the criminal underworld to save her child.During the conversation, Jovovich reflects on her legacy as one of Hollywood’s most iconic action stars and shares how she helped support and mentor rising talent Isabel Myers during the intense production. Myers also talks about stepping onto set with a legendary action star and what she learned from working alongside Jovovich.Directed by Adrian Grünberg, Protector blends emotional storytelling with high-stakes action as a mother fights against impossible odds to rescue her daughter.Visit Nerdtropolis.comFacebook.com/nerdtropolisInstagram.com/nerdtropolisTwitter.com/nerdtropolis

John Tenney and Nell Verlaque join Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk about American Classic, the new series that blends Broadway drama, messy family dynamics, and small-town politics into one compelling story.During the conversation, John reflects on the emotional balance of the series, explaining how the cast approached both the heartfelt drama and the lighter comedic moments while building a genuine sense of community on set. He also shares why the story celebrates the power of art, family, and collaboration, and how the show explores the way creativity can help people understand themselves and the world around them.Nell discusses the unique thrill of performing and why stepping onto a stage or set can feel like “being on a cloud,” describing the emotional high that actors chase when they get to do the work they love. She also talks about how her on-screen father-daughter relationship with John Tenney developed naturally, creating an authentic dynamic that carries through the show.Plus, Nell gives a quick update on Thanksgiving 2.Visit Nerdtropolis.comhttps://www.Facebook.com/nerdtropolishttps://Instagram.com/nerdtropolishttps://Twitter.com/nerdtropolis

Doug Jones joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk about Operation Taco Gary’s, a wild road-trip comedy that swerves into full-on conspiracy chaos when two brothers cross the country and get pulled into a global takeover. Doug breaks down what made him say “yes” to the script right away, including how it reminded him of those big, zany ‘80s comedies that just go for it. He also talks about playing an alien who’s trying to pass as human, why that “middle ground” role felt like the perfect pivot in his career, and how committing to the weirdness is what makes comedy land.We also get into Doug’s approach to playing unforgettable creatures with real humanity, from Pan’s Labyrinth to fan-favorite roles across film and TV like Hellboy, Hocus Pocus, and the Silver Surfer, plus why convention interactions hit different when people share the stories tied to his work.Visit Nerdtropolis.com[https://www.Facebook.com/nerdtropolis][https://Instagram.com/nerdtropolis][https://Twitter.com/nerdtropolis]

Wanda Sykes and director Tamika Miller join Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk all things UNDERCARD, the emotional boxing drama in theaters now that puts motherhood, addiction, and redemption at the center of the fight.Wanda opens up about stepping into a dramatic role for the first time, why she wasn’t chasing it, and how Tamika’s crystal-clear vision and real trust convinced her to say yes. She also breaks down what it took to play Cheryl “No Mercy” Stewart as a woman who’s fearless in the ring, but fragile everywhere else.Plus, Tamika explains why Undercard was never meant to be a “sports movie,” how boxing becomes the backdrop for a deeply personal mother-son story, and why the film keeps the fight sequences tight and purposeful. We also get into building the cast, including William Stanford Davis, Bentley Green, Xavier Mills, Berto Colón, and a very different Roselyn Sánchez.Visit Nerdtropolis.comhttps://www.Facebook.com/nerdtropolishttps://Instagram.com/nerdtropolishttps://Twitter.com/nerdtropolis

Frank E. Flowers joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk all things THE BLUFF, a hard-R pirate thriller that flips the genre into a raw, intense home-invasion survival story set in the Caribbean.Frank breaks down why pirate movies don’t hit like they used to — and why this one had to feel grounded, dangerous, and real. He also dives into casting Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Ercell “Bloody Mary” Bodden, and why she was the one person he could see carrying a brutal, physical fight for family and survival.Plus, Frank talks Karl Urban’s “Captain Connor” swagger and how Karl’s deep research and nuance keep the charisma dangerous instead of cartoonish. We also get into filming on real Cayman locations, building authentic sets, shooting 360 for organic action, and the freedom Amazon and AGBO gave the team to keep turning it up.Visit Nerdtropolis.comhttps://www.Facebook.com/nerdtropolishttps://Instagram.com/nerdtropolishttps://Twitter.com/nerdtropolis

Anders Holm and Mari Yamamoto join Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk all things MONARCH: LEGACY OF MONSTERS Season 2, the bigger, wilder chapter that cranks the scope up and brings the past crashing into the present.Mari opens up about what Keiko was truly searching for in Bill Randa and Lee Shaw — that rare “soulmate” connection when someone matches your obsession, plus the steadiness Keiko finds when everything else feels uncertain.Anders breaks down the challenge of playing Bill when fans already know where his story is headed, and why Bill’s all-in mindset makes every choice feel urgent anyway. Plus, Mari and Anders share what it’s like watching Wyatt Russell and Kurt Russell bring two sides of the same character to life.Visit Nerdtropolis.comhttps://www.Facebook.com/nerdtropolishttps://Instagram.com/nerdtropolishttps://Twitter.com/nerdtropolis

In this Reel Insights episode, Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour chats with Herman Tømmeraas (Netflix’s Ragnarok, Skam) and writer-director Emma Higgins to talk all things SWEETNESS, the twisted new thriller from Saban Films.Herman breaks down how he built a believable rock star persona from the ground up, why performing onstage tapped into his “childhood dream,” and the hilarious behind-the-scenes choices that shaped his character’s look.Emma shares how she discovered Herman, why she wanted the movie to live in that uncomfortable space between empathy and horror, and how real-world celebrity obsession and fandom culture helped shape the story’s emotional spine.Plus, Herman talks about navigating fame after Ragnarok and reacts to the idea of playing Harry Osborn in the MCU.Visit Nerdtropolis.comhttps://www.Facebook.com/nerdtropolishttps://Instagram.com/nerdtropolishttps://Twitter.com/nerdtropolis

Jacob Makabi, Derrick Kwak, Avianna Mynhier, and producer Kevin Yi join Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk all things ARMORSAURS, the all-new Disney+ series that mixes teen pilots, armored dinosaurs, and an alien threat that’s coming back for round two.The cast breaks down how secretive the auditions were at first, what it was like finally seeing the finished “armor up” sequences on a big screen, and why the show’s family and friendship themes hit just as hard as the action.Kevin Yi also discusses honoring the original Korean series while elevating the realism and scale of this new version and why they want Armorsaurs to be the kind of show families can watch together.Visit Nerdtropolis.comhttps://www.Facebook.com/nerdtropolishttps://Instagram.com/nerdtropolishttps://Twitter.com/nerdtropolis

Gore Verbinski joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk all things GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE, his scrappy, darkly funny, genre-bending ride that takes big swings at AI, social media brain-rot, and the absurdity of modern life.Gore breaks down why Sam Rockwell is the movie’s secret weapon, from the “honest energy” he brings to the chaos to the work it took to nail that massive opening monologue. He also shares how the team built the momentum of that first sequence so it feels like everything is happening in real time.Plus, Gore explains why the title was always GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE, why making original movies has gotten harder than ever, and what he’s (maybe) doing next after this one.Visit Nerdtropolis.comhttps://www.Facebook.com/nerdtropolishttps://Instagram.com/nerdtropolishttps://Twitter.com/nerdtropolis