We're back! Despite popular demand, the Empire Podcast returns, refreshed after its Christmas break, and ready to tackle 2021. Or, at the very least, trip up 2021 when it isn't looking.

In the first episode of the year, Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Ben Travis discuss what they got up to over the long break, and their favourite film-related Christmas presents. They also play another round of The Three Fact Structure, answer listener questions, discuss the latest movie news, and review Sylvie's Love, Pieces Of A Woman, and We Can Be Heroes. Oh, and they play a brand new quiz — Wolff or Wolff — that will soon be sweeping the nation. Sweeping!

And our guest this week is the geektastic Wil Wheaton. In a long, and often very frank, interview with Chris, Wil talks about his film, Rent-A-Pal, takes a walk back down Star Trek and Stand By Me memory lane, and talks about Stephen King without treading on the Kingcast's toes. Honest. We should also point out that this conversation touches on topics like emotional abuse and trauma, so be advised.

And with that in mind, do please... enjoy.