The trailers for Disney Plus’s upcoming thriller “Andor” made one thing immediately clear: this is not your son’s Star Wars. The series creator has been unapologetic about Andor’s complexity and the ambitious scope of its storytelling. So today we want to take a look at the adults-only buzz surrounding the Andor premier, and question whether or not Star Wars has always contained mature elements and sophisticated themes. Also on this episode: a requiem for—and a reckoning with—James Bond. It’s be...
Sep 20, 2022•1 hr 13 min
The wait is over. After years of wanting, wishing, and hoping for the return of Obi-Wan Kenobi—last week, Disney Plus gave fans the series that they’ve been looking for. Or did they? On this episode of Mad Unreal we explore the first two parts of the six-part Kenobi series and give Mad Thoughts on everything from a Jawa’s next level shadiness to a Jedi’s realization that his greatest failure is not only haunting him—it’s hunting him as well. But first, we’re going to spend a little time in the M...
Jun 03, 2022•1 hr 24 min
Moon Knight hits Disney Plus just after Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist add a hard “R” to the streaming service’s MCU… Obi-Wan Kenobi is—as Axel Foley would say—deep, deep, DEEP uncover as we enter the final stretch in the lead-up to the most anticipated Star Wars moment in decades… Mad Unreal’s own Arturius Maximus is primed for his next fateful battle with the enemy he can’t seem to escape: the dreaded, and oh so popular, MULTI-VERSE… And last but not least: what could be th...
Apr 22, 2022•1 hr 53 min
In this world, only three things are certain: death, taxes, and… another Batman movie. Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” has finally arrived in theaters, and with it comes a bevy of expectations and curiosity about the film’s potential to launch yet another lucrative franchise. But the question is: do we need one? In a post Christopher Nolan Bat-verse, how does this new incarnation of the Dark Knight and his cast of iconic criminals, corrupt cops, and amoral allies measure up? How will it feel for milli...
Mar 08, 2022•1 hr 23 min
No Time to Die dropped on Friday—and we saw it. So get ready for an extended bonus episode of '007 And Counting', where we give our initial reactions, raw thoughts, likes, dislikes, questions, and answers about a movie we’ve been waiting nearly two years to see. We’re "live" both immediately before seeing NTTD and immediately after. So, whether you’re a causal James Bond fan or a die hard, this is an episode of Mad Unreal you don’t want to miss. MadUnreal focuses on the films and characters we f...
Oct 12, 2021•1 hr 57 min
We’ve spent the past five weeks having a fantastic time diving into the oeuvre of James Bond, following him from the streets of Harlem all the way to the snowy slopes of Switzerland. And it’s all led to this: a close look at the film many regard as the best in the Bond canon. Join us as we conclude Mad Unreal’s special ‘007 And Counting’ countdown by exploring the Cold War intrigue of 1963’s From Russia with Love . And that’s not all! After enjoying this special ep, come back next week for an ex...
Oct 01, 2021•1 hr 28 min
The Mad Unreal countdown to No Time to Die is in its final two weeks! This week on ‘007 And Counting’ we’re taking a close look at Pierce Brosnan’s penultimate turn as James Bond in a film named after the Bond family motto: 1999’s The World Is Not Enough . In a movie that deftly highlights some of Brosnan’s most notable contributions to the Bond persona, TWINE also gives us one of the series’s most intriguing and under-appreciated villains, along with what may be Bond’s most thrilling pre-titles...
Sep 24, 2021•1 hr 19 min
No Time To Die is inching ever closer, which means we’re nearing the end of Mad Unreal’s countdown to the 25th James Bond film. What better way to keep things interesting than to take a look at what could be the most unique Bond film of them all: 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service ? In George Lazenby’s one and only outing as 007, we’re introduced to a similar yet drastically different Bond—one who loves just as hard as he lives. Join us as we explore a movie that stands proudly apart from th...
Sep 17, 2021•1 hr 12 min
In 1987, a new James Bond film was poised to introduce an actor who appeared to be the archetype of the Bond character; a man who fit the description millions of fans already had in mind. But before The Living Daylights could shoot its first scene, fate intervened—and Pierce Brosnan was out. Enter Timothy Dalton. Would Dalton’s interpretation of the legendary spy erase the public’s appetite for Brosnan? Could the film keep pace with the success rate of the previous Roger Moore movies? Join Mad U...
Sep 10, 2021•1 hr 12 min
No Time To Die has a brand new trailer—which means the 25th James Bond film is still on track to drop in October—which of course means our ‘007 And Counting’ countdown has a brand new ep! The Bond franchise’s fourth film, Thunderball , followed the mega-success of the seminal Goldfinger and featured the return of Spectre. Join Arthur and Isaac as they discuss the state of the franchise when Thunderball was conceived, Bond’s performance in this underwater thriller, and the virtues of the Bond Wom...
Sep 03, 2021•1 hr 16 min
With the often rescheduled No Time to Die now set to open in just over a month, Mad Unreal is bringing back our special “007 And Counting” James Bond series. Last year, we discussed Daniel Craig’s epic tenure as the world’s most famous spy, while also examining the complications of being a Black Bond fan. This year, we’re diving into six random films and breaking them down as only we can. First up? Roger Moore’s Live and Let Die, a movie that brings Black culture into the Bond series like never ...
Aug 27, 2021•1 hr 28 min
Take 6 “black sheep” clones and throw them into a 16-episode story arc where the action of choice is the underlying theme, and you get season 1 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch. On this special, extended episode of Mad Unreal, we explore the choices that have formed the crux of the series and combined to create a powerful narrative. What happens when the choices we make are indelibly tied to the choices that have been made for us? And how do you handle the fallout from both? It’s time to dive into th...
Aug 20, 2021•1 hr 52 min
To celebrate the debut of the MCU’s first animated series, we’re kidnapping Jeffrey Wright’s The Watcher and transporting him to two very different universes. First, we journey to the Bond-verse and ask: WHAT IF Vesper Lived? Next, we dip over to the galaxy far, far away and wonder: WHAT IF Ahsoka Never Left the Jedi? Join us as the multiverse takes a turn even The Watcher didn’t see coming… MadUnreal focuses on the films and characters we find beautifully unreal, from #Marvel to #StarWars, #Jam...
Aug 13, 2021•1 hr 16 min
Summer is winding down and autumn is just around the corner, so there’s no better time for Mad Unreal’s exclusive Fall Preview! But first, we take a quick look back at what made this summer unique, while also discussing a few upcoming highlights. From there, we dive into Unreal film and television content coming this fall from Marvel, DC, Warner Brothers, Star Wars, James Bond and more! MadUnreal focuses on the films and characters we find beautifully unreal, from #Marvel to #StarWars, #JamesBon...
Jul 30, 2021•1 hr 23 min
In light of the recent passing of Richard Donner—the director behind 1978’s Superman: The Movie , which gave us a tangible, groundbreaking comic book film—Mad Unreal takes a moment to examine the believable worlds fictional characters exist in. From DC, to Marvel, Bond, Blade, Daredevil, Mission Impossible, Batman, and many more: Why is it so important to make the “Unreal” seem real? Mad Unreal focuses on the films and characters we find beautifully unreal, from Marvel to Star Wars, James Bond, ...
Jul 21, 2021•32 min
Black Widow —the first MCU theatrical release in two long years—has finally dropped. The film has been well-received, but what does it tell us about the future of Marvel’s cinematic universe? Will we see more Phase 1 Iron Man-style world building, or will interconnected storylines and multiverse plans thrust new characters into pre-established arcs? Join hosts Arthur Turnbull and Isaac Perry as they give Mad Thoughts on Natasha Romanoff’s solo outing, while also asking: is Black Widow the swan s...
Jul 14, 2021•1 hr 2 min
It’s time. In previous eps of Mad Unreal, co-host Arthur Turnbull has expressed his distaste for a common Unreal trope, The Multiverse. Now, in Round 1 of what’s sure to be an epic battle, Arthur goes up against this time-honored concept and explains why multiple realities just ain’t his thing. PLUS: we give Mad Thoughts on the mid-season status of Star Wars: The Bad Batch and the series premiere of Loki! Mad Unreal focuses on the films and characters we find beautifully unreal, from Marvel to S...
Jun 16, 2021•1 hr 14 min
Amazon's recent purchase of MGM has made the tech giant a partner with Eon—the studio behind the James Bond film franchise, and subsequently sent shockwaves through the fan community. As speculation about a potential “Bond Universe” continues to grow, Mad Unreal asks: does all of this attention (and worry) prove that Bond is the most unique and important franchise in cinema? Join us as we dive into 007’s past and potential future. Mad Unreal focuses on the films and characters we find beautifull...
Jun 09, 2021•1 hr 7 min
According to the African samurai Yasuke, the past informs our future and shows us who we are. So what does this nascent Netflix anime tell us about the Black past and our future identity? Listen as Arthur Turnbull and Isaac Perry discuss the first few episodes of a series that uses fantasy to comment on the power and pitfalls of culture. Mad Unreal focuses on the films and characters we find beautifully unreal, from Marvel to Star Wars, James Bond, BIPOC heroes, super women, and dope villains. H...
May 14, 2021•57 min
Order 66 is in full effect. The Jedi have fallen. The Emperor has taken over the galaxy. And somewhere out there, our only hope lies in the hands of five “defective” clones whose fierce independence is about to face the ultimate test. Join us as we dive into Star Wars: The Bad Batch and examine the new show’s dominant theme of conformity versus individuality. Mad Unreal focuses on the films and characters we find beautifully unreal, from Marvel to Star Wars, James Bond, BIPOC heroes, super women...
May 12, 2021•48 min
Now that we’ve had time to digest the full story of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, it’s time to unpack everything that happened in those final episodes! Did Sam Wilson’s character-defining moment give Isaiah Bradley the “justice” he deserved? Should The Falcon have claimed the mantle of Captain America—or ignited his own legacy? Join Mad Unreal as we dive into questions that other podcasts would be afraid to answer. Mad Unreal focuses on the films and characters we find beautifully unreal, f...
May 05, 2021•1 hr 9 min
Introducing a new Mad Unreal ongoing series: The Clone Wars Mixtape. In this new series, we’re diving into random episodes and story arcs from Star Wars: The Clone Wars like only Mad Unreal can! From Kamino to The Bad Batch, we’re creating a mixtape of discussion and analysis focusing on one of the greatest Star Wars things ever. The Mixtape’s first track is an all-time classic: Rookies. Mad Unreal focuses on the films and characters we find beautifully unreal, from Marvel to Star Wars, James Bo...
Apr 16, 2021•1 hr 3 min
Do you remember how it felt, back in 2015, when Netflix dropped the first seasons of Daredevil and Jessica Jones? On this episode of Mad Unreal, we examine the impact those shows had, and compare it to the debuts of WandaVision and The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. Did Marvel’s outlying Netflix shows have a greater initial impact than the more MCU-connected Disney Plus series? Mad Unreal focuses on the films and characters we find beautifully unreal, from Marvel to Star Wars, James Bond, BIPOC ...
Apr 07, 2021•46 min
On this episode of Mad Unreal we unpack the recent news that Ta-Nehisi Coates will write the upcoming J.J. Abrams Superman film. The announcement brought to mind a recurring question: should a BIPOC artist have the freedom to create stories that don’t focus on BIPOC heroes? Get ready for an insightful Mad Unreal discussion that interrogates the boundaries often placed around Black art. Mad Unreal focuses on the films and characters we find beautifully unreal, from Marvel to Star Wars, James Bond...
Mar 31, 2021•40 min
Mad Unreal is back! This week we’re discussing the premiere of Marvel Studio’s The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, and doing it in the way that only we can. Join us as we examine the Falcon’s emerging storyline and ask: can Sam Wilson become the second Black MCU hero whose motivations are not based solely on the needs and desires of his white counterparts? Mad Unreal focuses on the films and characters we find beautifully unreal, from Marvel to Star Wars, James Bond, BIPOC heroes, super women, an...
Mar 24, 2021•49 min
2020 was unreal—but not in a good way. On this special episode of Mad Unreal we’re bringing in the new year the right way by taking a look at the upcoming 2021 films and TV series we’re most excited about. From The Falcon & The Winter Soldier to Bond, The Bad Batch, Batwoman and more, we dive into the movies and shows that will hopefully make this year the right kind of Unreal. Mad Unreal focuses on the films and characters we find beautifully unreal, from Marvel to Star Wars, James Bond, BI...
Jan 01, 2021•2 hr 5 min
What better way to end the year than with a Mad Unreal “double-issue” episode?!? Join us as we dedicate a very special ep to Season 2 of The Mandalorian. We give our Mad Thoughts on each of the season’s 8 new chapters, PLUS we introduce our exclusive Mando rating system! How did we feel about the introduction of so many new characters? What did we think about the personal journey of Din Djarin? How will the story of the Mandalorian and Grogu play out in Season 3?? Get ready for a Star Wars discu...
Dec 21, 2020•3 hr 5 min
In 2015, the stakes were high. Skyfall had broken records and returned the James Bond franchise to the front of the cinematic universe line. On top of that, Eon had regained the rights to Bond’s legendary nemesis and the organization last seen in 1965’s Thunderball. Could Daniel Craig and director Sam Mendes improve on the magic of Skyfall? Or would Spectre disappoint? Join us as Arthur Turnbull & Isaac Perry present the final ‘007 And Counting’ look at Craig’s Bond era before next year’s No...
Nov 25, 2020•1 hr 54 min
Now that Disney Plus has announced the WandaVision premiere date, a new era of storytelling for the Marvel Cinematic Universe is set to begin. But can Marvel Studios emulate the streaming success of Lucasfilm's Star Wars content? Have the stakes changed for the MCU shows because of the pandemic? And is there any chance they’ll bring back Charlie Cox’s Daredevil?! Join us as we explore this topic, plus give our thoughts on recent episodes of The Mandalorian. Mad Unreal focuses on the films and ch...
Nov 18, 2020•1 hr 15 min
The Mando and the Child are back. But what about Boba Fett? Ahsoka Tano? Or Captain Rex? Mad Unreal explores Chapter 9 of The Mandalorian and looks at the broader implications this debut episode may have on the remainder of season 2. Join us as we dive into a new era of Star Wars storytelling and reveal our theories on what will come next! BONUS: Mad Thoughts on the passing of the OG 007, Sean Connery. Mad Unreal focuses on the films and characters we find beautifully unreal, from Marvel to Star...
Nov 04, 2020•2 hr
