Fat Man Beyond

A captain who inspired generations. A professor who believed in a better world. An extraordinary actor whose voice, presence, and humanity helped define modern science fiction.

Marc Bernardin and J.C. Reifenberg come together for a special episode of FAT MAN BEYOND to celebrate the life and remarkable legacy of Sir Patrick Stewart, who passed away on October 28, 2026, at the age of 86.

For generations of fans, Stewart was Captain Jean-Luc Picard in STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, embodying intelligence, compassion, courage, and moral conviction. For Marvel audiences, he was Professor Charles Xavier, bringing wisdom and humanity to the X-MEN film franchise and delivering an unforgettable final performance as the character in LOGAN.

But Stewart's extraordinary career extended far beyond those iconic roles. From his celebrated Shakespearean performances and decades of theatrical work to his unmistakable voice, surprising comedic talents, and countless memorable screen appearances, he was an artist whose influence crossed generations and genres.

Marc and J.C. reflect on the performances, unforgettable moments, and enduring contributions that made Patrick Stewart one of the most beloved figures in science fiction and popular culture.

Join us in celebrating an extraordinary life and the stories that will continue to inspire audiences for generations.

Thank you, Sir Patrick Stewart. Make it so.

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The countdown has officially begun! Marc Bernardin and J.C. Reifenberg kick off FAT MAN BEYOND's COUNTDOWN TO DOOMSDAY, revisiting the Marvel Cinematic Universe films that take us from the aftermath of AVENGERS: ENDGAME toward the arrival of Victor Von Doom in AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY.

First up are SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME and BLACK WIDOW. How does Peter Parker's journey hold up in a world without Tony Stark? Where does Natasha Romanoff's solo adventure fit into the larger MCU story? And what might these movies reveal when viewed through the lens of Marvel's next Avengers event?

Plus, Marc and J.C. discuss LAIKA's new stop-motion fantasy WILDWOOD and remember two beloved performers we've recently lost: Walter Koenig, whose unforgettable work as Pavel Chekov in STAR TREK and Alfred Bester in BABYLON 5 helped shape generations of science fiction, and Eric Bauza, the extraordinarily gifted voice actor who carried forward the legacy of classic Looney Tunes characters including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig.

It's Marvel retrospectives, movie talk, heartfelt tributes, and plenty of geek culture as the road to DOOMSDAY begins!

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STREET FIGHTER is back on the big screen, but did Hollywood deliver a knockout or completely miss the combo?

Marc Bernardin welcomes acclaimed screenwriter Akela Cooper (M3GAN, Malignant, The Nun II) for a brutally honest, hilariously entertaining breakdown of the new STREET FIGHTER movie. From its overcomplicated story and confusing editing to its missed opportunities for actual tournament fighting, Marc and Akela explain why a movie about people punching each other probably shouldn't be this complicated. But it's not all bad! They also celebrate the ridiculous moments, memorable performances, and flashes of fun that almost save the day.

Then the conversation shifts to YOU CAN SEE EVERYTHING, Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim's extraordinary A24 documentary about disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes. Marc and Akela explore the film's fascinating questions about manipulation, truth, and documentary filmmaking while carefully avoiding the surprises that make it such an unforgettable experience.

Plus, J.C. Reifenberg joins Marc for updates on the ambitious Scum & Villainy RENDEZVOUS immersive sci-fi bar, Christian Harloff announces the return of the Movie Trivia Schmoedown, and the gang dives into audience questions, Hollywood storytelling, and the challenges of getting original projects made.

It's movie criticism, behind-the-scenes Hollywood perspective, geek culture, and plenty of laughs in another episode of FAT MAN BEYOND!

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Did DC's LANTERNS stick the landing? With Kevin Smith under the weather, Marc Bernardin and J.C. Reifenberg take the reins of FAT MAN BEYOND to unpack the season finale, John Stewart's future, and why the acclaimed superhero series left Marc feeling a little hollow.

The conversation then heads into Marvel territory with first impressions of VISIONQUEST, featuring Paul Bettany's return as Vision and James Spader as Ultron, before exploring Mike Flanagan's new adaptation of Stephen King's CARRIE and its intriguing possibilities.

Marc also shares stories from New York Comic Con, weighs in on Tom Cruise's divisive new film DIGGER, and joins J.C. to discuss the latest developments surrounding THE BATMAN PART II and the upcoming X-FILES reboot.

Plus, J.C. provides an update on his ambitious immersive sci-fi bar RENDEZVOUS, and the guys tackle audience questions about comics, movies, Hollywood, and everything in between.

It's another episode packed with superhero scrutiny, Hollywood insight, and plenty of geek culture conversation on FAT MAN BEYOND!

Marc Bernardin takes the helm with J.C. Reifenberg and special guest Kevin Avery for a packed edition of Fat Man Beyond!

The guys break down the penultimate episode of DC Studios’ LANTERNS and wonder whether Hal Jordan and John Stewart’s story can bring everything together for the finale. Then it’s back to the MCU as they revisit AVENGERS: ENDGAME on the big screen, discuss the new Encore material involving Doctor Doom, Loki, Bruce Banner and the TVA, and debate whether Marvel should have kept Robert Downey Jr.’s Doom reveal a secret.

Plus, Mahershala Ali finally speaks about Marvel’s long-stalled BLADE, the guys look at what’s happened to the MCU since Endgame, Marc and Kevin recount a Star Trek anniversary event that took an unexpectedly strange AI turn, J.C. shares an unbelievable Jar Jar Binks story, and the crew answers questions from the audience.

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Kevin Smith and Marc Bernardin share their first reactions to DC Studios’ LANTERNS! Plus, they unpack the biggest news from D23, discuss Ted Lasso and the latest entertainment headlines, remember the celebrities we’ve recently lost, and answer questions from the live audience.

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SCUM & VILLAINY RENDEZVOUS

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Kevin Smith and Marc Bernardin return to the Virtual Scum & Villainy Cantina for a Spider-sized edition of Fat Man Beyond devoted to Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man: Brand New Day!

Kev and Marc break down Tom Holland’s latest adventure as Peter Parker, the movie’s biggest swings, its surprises, its place in Spider-Man history, and what it could mean for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Did Brand New Day give the MCU’s Spider-Man the fresh start he needed? Where does Peter Parker go from here? And what did Kevin and Marc make of everything the movie sets in motion?

All this, inevitable tangents, and audience Q&A in a special Spider-centric episode of Fat Man Beyond!!

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Kevin Smith and Marc Bernardin bring Fat Man Beyond to San Diego Comic-Con for a live discussion of the Avengers: Doomsday trailer, the enormous expectations facing Marvel, and whether the first footage delivered enough to justify the hype.

Recorded at the American Comedy Co., the conversation also covers Rick Moranis and Spaceballs, Comic-Con collectibles, Marvel’s changing relationship with New York City, memories of Sam Neill, the unexpected connection between Event Horizon and Dogma, and the long road toward getting Moose Jaws made.

Plus, Kevin and Marc answer questions from the live audience and reflect on filmmaking, creative persistence, and the projects they still hope to bring to the screen.

Kevin Smith and Marc Bernardin return to the digital Scum & Villainy Cantina to give you their thoughts on the new DC movie SUPERGIRL and break down the latest geek culture news and reviews!

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Kevin Smith and Marc Bernardin return to the Scum & Villainy Cantina for the last time until the Rendezvous is here to break down the latest geek culture news and reviews!

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