Matinee Heroes

Dylan McDermott has built a career by refusing to stay in one place for very long. From leading-man roles to complicated villains, television dramas to comedy, he has continued to find new ways to challenge both himself and the way audiences see him.

Recorded live at FanX Salt Lake, Dylan joins me to talk about the people and experiences that helped shape that career. He shares what it was like being a young actor opposite Clint Eastwood in In the Line of Fire, watching Sally Field work on Steel Magnolias, and why working with producers like Ryan Murphy has given him the freedom to keep reinventing himself. And for the first few minutes, we also get a visit from his rescue dog, Otis.

Learning from legends — Dylan looks back on working with Clint Eastwood, Sally Field, Richard Attenborough, Jodie Foster and others, and the lessons he picked up by simply watching how great people work.

The importance of reinvention — From The Practice to American Horror Story, Law & Order: Organized Crime and FBI: Most Wanted, Dylan explains why an actor can’t stay comfortable for too long and why changing audience expectations has become an important part of his career.

Finding freedom in the work — Dylan talks about bombing at the Comedy Cellar, embracing failure, improvising more as he got older, and reaching the point where acting became less about proving himself and more about enjoying the moment.

“I think when I was a young actor I was trying to prove to you that I was a good actor, and now I don’t care about that. I only like it for me now.” – Dylan McDermott

Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.

SEXY BEAST

Retired safecracker Gal Dove is enjoying a peaceful new life in Spain with the wife he adores. His paradise is shattered when the volatile Don Logan arrives with an offer Gal desperately wants to refuse. Don is determined to drag him back to London for one last big score—whether Gal likes it or not.

Craig, Elisabeth and guest Derek McCaw talk about sociopaths, saying "I love you", British tanning and the movie “Sexy Beast” on this week’s Matinee Villains!

Show Notes

1:02

Craig, Elisabeth and Derek McCaw talk recent convention happenings

10:23

Craig, Elisabeth and Derek discuss "Sexy Beast."

44:31

Recasting

1:01:55

Double Feature

1:03:47

Final Thoughts

1:07:58

A preview of next week's episode "Interview with the Vampire."

Next week, we continue Matinee Villains month with blood sucking mega stars in "Interview with the Vampire."

To celebrate Matinee Heroes reaching 500 episodes, we’re revisiting another milestone from the show’s history. This special Encore Presentation brings back Episode 375: Field of Dreams, originally released on April 6, 2024. Craig Price and Alan Cerny look back at the 1989 classic about baseball, faith, family, and following a dream even when no one else understands it. Along the way, they discuss getting through dark times, the enduring magic of baseball, and just how sweet James Earl Jones really was. As Matinee Heroes’ 375th episode, Field of Dreams marked the final major milestone on the road to 500 and makes a fitting Encore Presentation as we celebrate how far the show has come.

FIELD OF DREAMS

Alan and Craig discuss the faith around baseball, getting through dark times, how sweet James Earl Jones really is and the movie "Field of Dreams" on this week's Matinee Heroes!

To celebrate Matinee Heroes reaching 500 episodes, we’re revisiting another milestone from the show’s history. This special Encore Presentation brings back Episode 250: They Live, originally released on October 23, 2021. Craig Price and Alan Cerny are joined by Derek McCaw of Fanboy Planet to look back at John Carpenter’s 1988 cult classic, a sharp blend of science fiction, action, horror, and social satire. Originally released as part of Matinee Villains month, the episode also marked Matinee Heroes’ 250th episode, making They Live the perfect halfway-point milestone to revisit on the road to 500.

THEY LIVE

A wanderer without meaning in his life, discovers a pair of sunglasses capable of showing the world the way it truly is. both the media and the government are comprised of subliminal messages meant to keep the population subdued, and that most of the social elite are skull-faced aliens bent on world domination. With this shocking discovery, Nada fights to free humanity from the mind-controlling aliens.

Craig, Alan and guest Derek McCaw (@fanboyplanet on twitter) discuss how the world is stacked against you, FanX and Fantastic Fest, our 250th episode and the movie “They Live” on this week’s Matinee Villains!!

To celebrate Matinee Heroes reaching 500 episodes, we’re revisiting another milestone from the show’s history. This special Encore Presentation brings back Episode 125: Batman, originally released on May 18, 2019 and recorded live at Comicpalooza. Craig Price and Alan Cerny are joined by Heather from Nerdy Bitches to look back at Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman, the film that helped redefine the superhero movie for a new generation. Recorded in front of a live convention audience, the episode captures the energy, humor, and larger-than-life atmosphere that made this one of Matinee Heroes’ most memorable early live shows.

BATMAN

Having witnessed his parents' brutal murder as a child, millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne fights crime in Gotham City disguised as Batman, a costumed hero who strikes fear into the hearts of villains. But when a deformed madman who calls himself "The Joker" seizes control of Gotham's criminal underworld, Batman must face his most ruthless nemesis ever while protecting both his identity and his love interest, reporter Vicki Vale.

Alan, Craig and special guest Heather (@NerdyBitchesPod on twitter) talk dual identities, wasted resources, Nerdy Bitches and the movie Batman Live! from Comicpalooza on this week’s Matinee Heroes.

Lucy Lawless and Renée O’Connor spent six seasons battling gods, warlords, monsters, and occasionally each other on Xena: Warrior Princess. But when they reunited at FanX Salt Lake in 2018, the conversation went well beyond chakrams and battle cries. Lucy and Renée talked about the friendship at the heart of Xena, the strange places their careers have taken them since, and why the connections we make along the way may matter more than any role.

Returning to Xena: Lucy and Renée share what it might take to bring Xena and Gabrielle back—including why a comedy might be much more appealing than getting up at five in the morning to learn stunt fights again.

Finding the love: Renée explains the simple idea that helped define Xena and Gabrielle’s relationship: when a scene wasn’t working, they would “look for the love,” even when the characters were fighting.

Life beyond the warrior princess: From Parks and Recreation and Flight of the Conchords to filmmaking, theater, opera lessons, rescue animals, and stories about Kevin Smith, Lucy and Renée look back at the people and experiences that stayed with them.

“These are moments in time and you just embrace every second of it and just absorb it and remember it.” - Renée O’Connor

Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.

To celebrate Matinee Heroes reaching 500 episodes, we’re going back to where it all began. This special Encore Presentation revisits Episode 1: The Incredibles, originally released on January 14, 2017. Craig Price and Alan Cerny look back at the launch of the podcast—with Elisabeth Rappe, who joined the show later—and reflect on why Brad Bird’s The Incredibles was the perfect movie to establish what Matinee Heroes was all about. Nearly a decade later, the film—and the conversation it inspired—still holds up remarkably well.

THE INCREDIBLES

What do you do when you are not allowed to be who you are? When the one thing that makes you special isn't allowed to be used?

This week, in our premiere episode, Alan and Craig take on some heavy concepts about identity, family, responsibility and being caught up in your glory days. The two also share what movies or events led to their love of cinema and why they started the podcast.

Show Notes

1:18

What is Matinee Heroes?

8:20

Discussion of The Incredibles

38:08

Recasting

45:38

Final Thoughts

47:35

First impressions of "The Outlaw Josey Wales"

THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK

After the Rebel Alliance comes under attack from Imperial forces on the ice planet Hoth, the heroes are forced to scatter. While some escape aboard the Millennium Falcon, Luke travels to Dagobah to train with the Jedi Master Yoda. But his growing connection to the Force soon pulls him toward a dangerous confrontation with Darth Vader.

Craig, Alan, Elisabeth and Brendan talk about childhood influences, space drugs, podcast trivia and the movie “The Empire Strikes Back” on this 500th episode of Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

1:24

Craig, Alan, Elisabeth and Brendan talk about 500 episodes of Matinee Heroes.

22:35

Craig, Alan, Elisabeth and Brendan discuss "The Empire Strikes Back."

1:26:09

Recasting

1:42:48

Double Feature

1:48:12

Final Thoughts

1:55:31

A preview of next week's Encore Presentation of episode #1 "The Incredibles."

Next week, we celebrate our 500 episodes with a month of Encore Presentations, starting with #1 "The Incredibles."

THE GREAT MUPPET CAPER

Intrepid journalists Kermit, Fozzie, and Gonzo get an assignment to report on a British jewel heist, sending them to England and the rowdy Happiness Hotel as they search for Lady Holiday, the socialite who was robbed. Miss Piggy soon arrives hoping to work for Lady Holiday but instead finds herself framed by Lady Holiday’s scheming brother, Nicky. Kermit and the gang must then clear Piggy’s name and uncover the truth behind the theft.

Craig, Alan and Elisabeth talk about Charles Grodin’s Muppet chemistry, an encounter with Frank Oz, Craig turning 53 and the movie “The Great Muppet Caper” on this week’s Matinee Birthday!!

Show Notes

1:05

Craig, Alan and Elisabeth talk about Craig's birthday.

6:53

Craig, Alan and Elisabeth discuss "The Great Muppet Caper."

38:42

Recasting

48:16

Double Feature

50:53

Final Thoughts

54:15

A preview of next week's episode "The Empire Strikes Back."

Next week, an episode almost 10 years in the making. Episode 500 is here with an all time classic "The Empire Strikes Back."

BRIDESMAIDS

Annie’s life is falling apart when her best friend, Lillian, announces she’s getting married and asks Annie to be her maid of honor. Struggling with money and her own romantic problems, Annie tries to handle the costly and sometimes bizarre traditions that come with planning a wedding. Determined to give Lillian the perfect celebration, she joins the other bridesmaids on a chaotic journey toward the big day.

Craig, Elisabeth and guest Annie Bulloch talk about weddings, female led comedies, $1.99 buffets and the movie “Bridesmaids” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

1:05

Craig, Elisabeth and Annie discuss wedding plans.

6:53

Craig, Elisabeth and Annie discuss "Bridesmaids."

38:42

Recasting

48:16

Double Feature

50:53

Final Thoughts

54:15

A preview of next week's episode "The Great Muppet Caper."

Next week, we celebrate Craig's Matinee Birthday with a childhood favorite "The Great Muppet Caper."