Eggers continues to push genre boundaries, and what this project could mean for his already unique filmography.

Then we jump into The Smashing Machine, the Safdie brothers’ new wrestling drama starring Dwayne Johnson. We discuss why this role could be a career-shifting move for The Rock, how the Safdies might ground his performance, and what makes this one of the most intriguing A24 projects on the horizon.

This week on The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James step into the squared circle for a wrestling double feature — two films that take very different approaches to the pain, spectacle, and legacy of professional wrestling. First up is Queen of the Ring (2024), Ash Avildsen’s biographical drama about Mildred Burke, the first million-dollar female athlete in U.S. history and a trailblazer for women’s wrestling. We unpack Emily Bett Rickards’ performance as Burke, the film’s gritty portrayal of her rise, and how it balances inspirational sports drama with the darker realities of life inside the ring. We also touch on the film’s mixed critical reception, its controversial release journey, and whether it earns its place as a fresh wrestling biopic or stumbles into familiar tropes. Then we turn to A24’s The Iron Claw (2023), Sean Durkin’s heartbreaking chronicle of the Von Erich family — one of wrestling’s most tragic dynasties. With powerhouse performances from Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, and Holt McCallany, this film doesn’t just explore the triumphs of the ring but digs deep into themes of family, trauma, and sacrifice. We break down its emotional impact, how it frames wrestling as both an escape and a curse, and why it’s become one of A24’s most talked-about dramas. Along the way, we compare the two films — one about a pioneering woman who built wrestling’s future, the other about a family consumed by its past. Together, they show wrestling as more than spectacle: it’s a story about ambition, resilience, and the cost of glory.

This week on The Popcorn Hour, Matt and James break down a packed slate of movie news: James Gunn’s upcoming Superman: Man of Tomorrow, Danny Boyle’s return with 28 Years Later, the mystery of A24’s Bone Temple, and Benny Safdie’s wrestling drama The Smashing Machine. We dig into the hype, the risks, and what each project means for the future of film.