Why Movie Stars Are Dying (And Directors Are Taking Over) | S2E9

In our first podcast of 2026, we’re reflecting on 10 years of podcasting, the chaos of coming out of the holidays, and how routines change as you get older.

We dive deep into No Other Choice, the Korean film generating major Oscar buzz — why going in blind made the experience better, how modern movie marketing overshares everything, and why word of mouth matters more than trailers in 2026.

From there, the conversation expands into the death of the traditional movie star, the rise of directors as the real draw, how social media has reshaped fame, and why today’s actors are promoted very differently than stars of the past.

We also touch on AI, automation, job anxiety, Stranger Things, and throw out some bold (and questionable) predictions for the year ahead.

This episode is a mix of film, culture, tech, and real-life reflection — exactly how we’re starting 2026.