Ben Travis
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Deputy Online Editor at @empiremagazine. One half of the @Disniversity Podcast. Clean and rad and powerful.
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Articles by Ben Travis
The 2026 Horror Films You Missed (And Should Watch This Halloween Weekend)
Trick or treat! How about both? It’s Halloween weekend, and if you’re looking for something new, terrifying, and under-the-radar to stream for maximum spooky fun, look no further. Sure, Halloween and Scream are seasonal classics – but 2026 has delivered some great horror movies that, frankly, not enough people have seen. And you can watch them all now on subscriptions, directly from your sofa.
The 2026 Horror Films You Missed (And Should Watch This Halloween Weekend)
Ben Travis, Jordan King Fri, 30 October 2026 at 7:03 pm UTC 4 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Trick or treat! How about both? It's Halloween weekend, and if you're looking for something new, terrifying, and under-the-radar to stream for maximum spooky fun, look no further. Sure, Halloween and Scream are seasonal classics – but 2026 has delivered some great horror movies that, frankly, not enough people have seen.
Sir Patrick Stewart, Beloved For Star Trek, X-Men And More, Dies Aged 86
Legendary actor Sir Patrick Stewart, a stalwart of stage and screen for several decades, has died at the age of 86, it has been confirmed. He passed away on Wednesday November 28, after what his spokesperson described as a “brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia”. Stewart had a rich and illustrious career, going back to his early days in the Royal Shakespeare Company in the mid-1960s.
How The Devils Became The Must-See Movie Of Halloween In 2026
“No, I didn’t think I’d ever see Sister Jeanne on a t-shirt,” Mark Kermode admits. Vanessa Redgrave’s sacrilegiously horny nun in Ken Russell’s 1971 film The Devils – whose cloistered lust brings hell to a 17th Century French town – is not obvious t-shirt material. In part because The Devils has never been widely available, banned in several UK cities, hacked at by censors and studios. Until now. In 2026, The Devils is finally among us once more, in its full uncut glory – and with t-shirts to boot.
Cunk On Cinema Trailer Pits Philomena Cunk Against The Greatest Minds In Movies
Ever since she appeared on Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe, Philomena Cunk – aka the baffled comedy counterpart of Diane Morgan – has been one of Britain’s most inquiring minds. In that, she knows literally nothing, and has to inquire about anything and everything, in hilarious mock-docs like Cunk On Shakespeare, Cunk On Christmas, and Cunk On Earth. Now she’s back, tackling the ultimate topic in Cunk On Cinema.
Dune: Part Three Popcorn Bucket Has Double The Holes Of Last Time
In the last few years, Hollywood has been gripped by popcorn bucket mania. Collectible receptacles have been all the rage – this year alone has brought a giant snack-storing AT-AT for The Mandalorian And Grogu, a big plastic whale for Whalefall, and we’re eagerly awaiting the colossal Godzilla statue launching soon for Godzilla Minus Zero.
How to make a monster success even bigger
THE FLOOD Jennifer Lawrence will lead Zach Cregger's Resident Evil follow-up.
Dune: Part three's final trailer teases an almighty showdown for Paul Atreides and Chani
Dune: Part Three really is hurtling towards us at sandworm-speed now. The final chapter of Denis Villeneuve's epic trilogy is less than two months away, with massive ticket sales already – and if you're still yet to get yours booked for December, the final trailer is here to ensure you hand over your hard-earned cash.
Part three’s final trailer teases an almighty showdown for Paul Atreides and Chani
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Carrie Season 2 Confirmed At Prime Video – Set To Go ‘Beyond The Prom’
Have you heard the Carrie news? No, not the fact that Chris Hargensen is ‘carrie red’. Nor that Carrie White, er, burned down the school prom and destroyed most of her town in the process. No, the Carrie news is much brighter than that – Mike Flanagan’s series adaptation of Stephen King’s novel has officially been picked up for a Season 2. Yes, a Season 2.
‘I have to credit James Cameron’
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Godzilla Minus Zero Is Influenced By Aliens And Terminator 2: ‘I Have To Credit James Cameron’
When Godzilla Minus One stomped into cinemas in 2023, it was instantly hailed as one of the greatest Godzilla films ever made – and rightly so. Director (and writer, and VFX supervisor) Takashi Yamazaki not only made the nuclear lizard scary again, but paired his arrival in post-World War II Japan with a touching human story. As well as critical acclaim and $113 million box office haul, the film even won an Oscar for its visual effects. So, how do you possibly hope to live up to it in a sequel?
Ariana Grande ‘Went Toe-To-Toe’ With Robert De Niro And Ben Stiller For Focker-In-Law
Ever since Meet The Parents, the central tension of the Focker-verse (as nobody is calling it) has been between two greats: all-timer Robert De Niro, and comedy legend Ben Stiller. Now, 16 years after trilogy-closer Little Fockers, the series is back with Focker-In-Law, which adds an unexpected new ingredient into the heavyweight mix: Ariana Grande. This time, Ben Stiller’s Greg (aka Gaylord) Focker is the mistrustful parent unsure of his son’s new beau, Grande’s CIA hostage negotiator Olivia.
Empire Issue Preview: Dune Part Three, Quentin Tarantino & David Fincher, Blade Runner 2099
Can you hear the space bagpipes a-piping? That can mean only one thing: Dune: Part Three is nearly here. Even better news? Empire’s Dune: Part Three issue is even closer, set to hit newsstands this Thursday, October 22 (or you can order your copy online here). Before it arrives on shelves, here’s a sneak peek inside. Dune: Part Three Time to say goodbye to Arrakis.
Blade Runner 2099 turns the original film's world on its head: 'We're doing sunshine noir'
The world painted in Ridley Scott's original classic Blade Runner is impossible to forget – dank and rain-drenched, vast and awe-inspiring, futuristic but recognisable. And it served for the backdrop to an existential odyssey for Harrison Ford's Rick Deckard, a ‘Blade Runner' who's assigned to hunt down a rogue group of ‘replicants', artificial humans who are running loose in the film's then-future 2019 Los Angeles.
The Further Mis-Adventures Of Cliff Booth Has ‘Elmore Leonard Paperback’ Flavour Says Tarantino
Buckle up, people: Cliff Booth is back. In Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, Brad Pitt stepped into the role of a rough-and-ready stuntman who – literally – changed the course of history (and earned Pitt an Oscar to boot). Now, the character returns in The Further Mis-Adventures Of Cliff Booth, a sequel-of-sorts that marks a remarkable talent team-up.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping Is About ‘The Choice To Keep Fighting’
If you’ve seen the original Hunger Games saga, you’ll know it takes until the arrival of Katniss Everdeen for the Capitol of Panem to be toppled, with plenty of casualties along the way.
Children Of Blood And Bone Is ‘Something Brand New’, Says Damson Idris: ‘It Felt Really Fresh’
The cast list for Gina Prince-Bythewood's Children Of Blood And Bone is, frankly, ludicrous. There’s a whole stack of legends: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, Idris Elba, Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch. And then there’s a crop of some of the best young talent around too: Amandla Stenberg, Rocks’ Bukky Bakery, Tosin Cole, Thuso Mbedu, and Damson Idris. It’s the kind of ensemble that makes the film’s intention clear: this is an event movie.
Ray Gunn Took Over 30 Years To Make Because ‘People Were Kinda Frightened By It’, Says Brad Bird
It indisputable: Brad Bird is one of the GOATs, particularly in the animation game. This, after all, is the director of The Iron Giant, The Incredibles (and its sequel), and Ratatouille. But even so, his latest animated movie, Ray Gunn, is a long, long time in the making. Bird first had the idea for it – a sci-fi noir movie, mashing up something like Chinatown with a retro-futurist world packed with aliens and oddities – way back in 1989.
'We’re doing sunshine noir'
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Blade Runner 2099 Turns The Original Film’s World On Its Head: ‘We’re Doing Sunshine Noir’
The world painted in Ridley Scott’s original classic Blade Runner is impossible to forget – dank and rain-drenched, vast and awe-inspiring, futuristic but recognisable. And it served for the backdrop to an existential odyssey for Harrison Ford’s Rick Deckard, a ‘Blade Runner’ who’s assigned to hunt down a rogue group of ‘replicants’, artificial humans who are running loose in the film’s then-future 2019 Los Angeles.
Part three sees Jason Momoa return to unleash hell after Duncan Idaho’s death
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Dune: Part Three Sees Jason Momoa Return To ‘Unleash Hell’ After Duncan Idaho’s Death
Poor old Duncan Idaho. In Dune, Paul Atreides’ warrior mentor was the closest thing he had to a friend: a slick, suave, swaggering asset of House Atreides, who helped the young heir of the dynasty build his combat skills back on Caladan, before leading the takeover of the Spice operation on Arrakis.
The Best Of The London Film Festival 2026: Wildwood, Club Kid, Artificial, And Behemoth!
For British cinephiles, the arrival of the BFI London Film Festival is a significant date in the calendar – bringing some of the most exciting movies from across the world to the UK capital (and across the nation too) for an early peek. Packed with gala screenings, premieres, and first looks, it’s a monumental celebration of movies – and having seen some of the best there is to offer, Empire has a handful of must-see titles that you need to place at the top of your watchlist.
Robert Pattinson had one request for Denis Villeneuve on Dune: Part Three: 'I want to look like an alien'
It's well known that Robert Pattinson likes to walk on the weird side . So when the opportunity arrived to become a part of the Dune saga, it simply had to happen, despite his packed schedule – this year has seen him star in The Drama The Odyssey , and Primetime already, while he's currently shooting The Batman: Part II . Entering the world of Spice, sandworms, psychic visions and more, Pattinson was ready to embrace both his blockbuster instincts and his penchant for cinematic oddity.
Robert Pattinson Had One Request For Denis Villeneuve On Dune: Part Three: ‘I Want To Look Like An Alien’
It’s well known that Robert Pattinson likes to walk on the weird side. So when the opportunity arrived to become a part of the Dune saga, it simply had to happen, despite his packed schedule – this year has seen him star in The Drama, The Odyssey, and Primetime already, while he’s currently shooting The Batman: Part II. Entering the world of Spice, sandworms, psychic visions and more, Pattinson was ready to embrace both his blockbuster instincts and his penchant for cinematic oddity.
Dune: Part three is ‘a very different movie' to the first two: ‘The world has totally changed'
The moment Paul Atreides stepped onto the planet Arrakis in Dune , he was destined to change. Arriving as an idealistic teenager to the Spice-rich desert, he soon faced the harsh realities of life: the death of his father, in a coup from the Harkonnens that drove the surviving Atreides from their home, before taking a transformative trip into the vast dunes, where he forged an uneasy alliance with the Fremen, and a romantic attachment to Zendaya's Chani.
Biddy Blas Speaks! How Star Wars: Galactic Racer’s Breakout Character Became An Instant Fan-Favourite
That wild Biddy Blas energy was apparent in the recording sessions. “I do think we laughed more in Richard's sessions than maybe any other,” admits Daw, who was there through it all. He would help direct Summers-Calvert’s performance, modulating between Blas’ in-race put-downs (“Remember, you’re a high-pitched menace”), paddock interactions (“For this, we can bring it down”), and pure high-speed terror. “I have a fond memory of intense screams during the racing,” the actor laughs.
Part Three covers revealed
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‘The world has totally changed’
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Zendaya’s Chani Is In ‘Deep Pain’ Over Paul’s Betrayal In Dune: Part Three
In the world of Dune, there are intergalactic stakes. Power, political hierarchies, piles of Spice – it all comes into play in the sprawling tapestry of Frank Herbert’s story. But Denis Villeneuve’s trilogy adaptation, set to conclude with Dune: Part Three this December, also hones in on the personal, emotional stakes at play. Much of Part Two was a love story between Timothée Chalamet’s idealistic young nobleman Paul Atreides, and Zendaya’s Fremen warrior Chani.
Dune: Part Three Is ‘A Very Different Movie’ To The First Two: ‘The World Has Totally Changed’
The moment Paul Atreides stepped onto the planet Arrakis in Dune, he was destined to change. Arriving as an idealistic teenager to the Spice-rich desert, he soon faced the harsh realities of life: the death of his father, in a coup from the Harkonnens that drove the surviving Atreides from their home, before taking a transformative trip into the vast dunes, where he forged an uneasy alliance with the Fremen, and a romantic attachment to Zendaya’s Chani.
Empire’s World-Exclusive Dune: Part Three Covers Revealed
Sci-fi sagas don’t come more sandworm-sized in ambition than Denis Villeneuve’s blockbuster adaptation of Dune. First came the operatic world-building of Part One, bringing Timothée Chalamet’s young Paul Atreides to the barren, Spice-rich planet Arrakis; then came Part Two, a romantic war epic which saw Paul meet his literal dream-girl, Zendaya’s Fremen warrior Chani, as the sands of power shifted.
Miami Vice '85 shares first image of Michael B Jordan and Austin Butler as filming starts
Grab your sunnies and stick your floral shirts on, people: Miami Vice '85 is officially a-go. For a good while now, a fresh take on the hit ‘80s TV show has been circulating in Hollywood – and it's finally rolling cameras, with considerable talent both in front of and behind the lens. Notably, the stars leading this latest hit on the cops-vs-crime formula are Michael B.
Miami Vice ’85 Shares First Image Of Michael B. Jordan And Austin Butler As Filming Starts
Grab your sunnies and stick your floral shirts on, people: Miami Vice ’85 is officially a-go. For a good while now, a fresh take on the hit ‘80s TV show has been circulating in Hollywood – and it’s finally rolling cameras, with considerable talent both in front of and behind the lens. Notably, the stars leading this latest hit on the cops-vs-crime formula are Michael B.
The Exorcist: Martyrs trailer explained by Mike Flanagan: 'It's the scariest thing I've ever made'
Mike Flanagan is well acquainted with the intersection of horror and Catholicism. Just look at Midnight Mass , or the religious fervour he retained in his just-released adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie . Next, he's approaching the final boss of that topic: a new film in The Exorcist franchise. Written and directed by Flanagan – one of the great voices in contemporary horror – The Exorcist: Martyrs promises a new, original take on the saga. The filmmaker has much experience to bring to it.
The Odyssey returning to IMAX – and IMAX 70mm – screens after Digger underperforms
If you're still yet to see The Odyssey in IMAX, we have good news. And if you were planning on catching Digger in IMAX and haven't yet (I mean, it's been out for less than a week), we have slightly less good news. Christopher Nolan's summer blockbuster has been a complete box office smash, currently at $1.76 billion and counting. That has, sadly, not been the fortune of Alejandro G.
The Odyssey Returning To IMAX – And IMAX 70mm – Screens After Digger Underperforms
If you’re still yet to see The Odyssey in IMAX, we have good news. And if you were planning on catching Digger in IMAX and haven’t yet (I mean, it’s been out for less than a week), we have slightly less good news. Christopher Nolan’s summer blockbuster has been a complete box office smash, currently at $1.76 billion and counting. That has, sadly, not been the fortune of Alejandro G.
Three Great Traitorous Richard E. Grant Roles – And Where To Stream Them
It’s a match made in heaven: Richard E. Grant, one of our greatest screen talents, and the Celebrity Traitors. And since the man himself has – light spoiler warning – been instantly picked as a Traitor (and blurted out to his fellow players that he was selected as a baddie), it seems he’ll be living up to his reputation as a livewire screen presence even on a reality celeb gameshow.
Star Wars: Jon Watts reported to direct next movie – and it could be Episode X
Punch it, Chewie: it sounds like Jon Watts is coming back to Star Wars . For a while now, the future of Star Wars movies – beyond next year's in-the-can Starfighter , directed by Shawn Levy – has been subject to several writers (from Damon Lindelof , to Steven Knight ) and several directors.
Star Wars: Jon Watts Reported To Direct Next Movie – And It Could Be Episode X
Punch it, Chewie: it sounds like Jon Watts is coming back to Star Wars. For a while now, the future of Star Wars movies – beyond next year’s in-the-can Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy – has been subject to several writers (from Damon Lindelof, to Steven Knight) and several directors.
3 Na Hong-Jin movies you need to watch next as Hope hits cinemas
While the much-anticipated release of Avengers: Endgame Encore may be hogging the headlines this week, there is another wildly entertaining, kind of unwieldy, ridiculously ambitious near-three-hour-long sci-fi blockbuster that's got us really excited right now: Na Hong-jin's gonzo creature feature Hope Heavily reported on as the most expensive South Korean movie ever made, Director Na's latest — which sees two police officers in a small town near the demilitarised zone between North and South...
3 Na Hong-Jin movies you need to watch next as Hope hits cinemas
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Three Wild Robert Pattinson Movies You Probably Haven’t Seen — And Where To Watch Them
The moment his Twilight years ended, Robert Pattinson decided to get weird. Once he hung up the Edward fangs, the actor teamed up with auteur directors, plunged himself into arthouse fare, and put his A-list profile aside to make all kinds of weird and wonderful movies.
Doctor Who: Standout David Tennant Episode The Satan Pit Edited Into Extended Feature Film
It’s a weird time to be a Doctor Who fan. While the beloved British sci-fi instruction is currently in a regeneration period – with the latest iteration of the show coming to a somewhat unceremonious end, and the property put out to tender for a fresh take – there are still 60-plus years of TARDIS adventures for Whovians to revisit in the meantime.
Gremlins 3 unveils first look at Gizmo's return, and confirms new release date
It's finally real: Gremlins 3 is officially happening . After years of development hell (if only there was a name for creatures who could be blamed for such problems in the system) the Mogwai – and presumably, their Gremlin counterparts – will be returning to cinema screens for the first time since 1990's unhinged Gremlins 2: The New Batch .
Gremlins 3 Unveils First Look At Gizmo’s Return, And Confirms New Release Date
It’s finally real: Gremlins 3 is officially happening. After years of development hell (if only there was a name for creatures who could be blamed for such problems in the system) the Mogwai – and presumably, their Gremlin counterparts – will be returning to cinema screens for the first time since 1990’s unhinged Gremlins 2: The New Batch.
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