Celebrity Interviews

While promoting “Caught Stealing,” Austin Butler and Zoë Kravitz spoke with AP entertainment journalist Leslie Ambriz about full-circle on-set moments, working with Darren Aronofsky, Butler’s love of Jackie Chan and why Kravitz wants everyone to buy physical copies of movies to preserve cinema.

Members of the K-pop group IVE say the response from American fans to their music shows just how far the genre has spread internationally. Speaking with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan at KCON, Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Wonyoung, Liz and Leeseo reflected on the passion of fans singing along to their songs, the role of self-confidence and teamwork in their performances — and the powerful bond they share with their supporters.

Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, Jason Segel, and Michael Urie reunited at the Television Academy’s Televerse festival in Los Angeles to reflect on their Emmy-nominated series “Shrinking.” The four actors spoke with AP entertainment journalist Liam McEwan about their craft, the joy of ensemble work and the balance of comedy and emotion that defines the Apple TV+show. Ford shared his mentality when the director calls “action,” saying he avoids over-planning: “Be free, let it happen. Let everybody in the scene shine.” Williams was already missing her castmates just weeks after wrapping season three — and joked that she’s “not scared” of the “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” legend. #HarrisonFord #JessicaWilliams #JasonSegel #Shrinking

Denzel Washington and Spike Lee took AP entertainment journalist Gary Gerard Hamilton on a journey from “Hightest 2 Lowest” while promoting their fifth film together. The two film icons veered from solemn thoughts on their fathers and leadership to whimsical musical interludes played from Washington’s phone. Above all, Washington hopes audiences catch the film now in theaters — and not when it streams on Apple TV+ next month: “Go to the movies, you cheapskate!”

Pepe Aguilar’s return to the Hollywood Bowl carries special significance for the 57-year-old Mexican singer. Joined by his family, Aguilar tells AP entertainment journalist Itzel Luna that the performances, which come at a time of turmoil for U.S. immigrant communities, will feature “hidden messages.”

Amaarae’s “Black Star” is rooted in identity, lyricism and self-expression. The Ghanaian-American artist sat down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan to reflect on finding the joy in completing her third album, why living far from home has strengthened her connection to her roots, how a comment from her younger brother reshaped her approach to songwriting — and the lasting piece of advice from her father that continues to guide her music.

Marvel’s new first family is Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn. And their first foes are Julia Garner and Ralph Ineson. The stars of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” sat down with AP entertainment journalist Leslie Ambriz to talk about leadership, the emotional depths of comic book characters, alien languages — and “Avengers: Doomsday.”

TOMORROW X TOGETHER joined Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan for a Zoom discussion to reflect on the closing of a major chapter in their journey. Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Hueningkai discuss the emotional significance of their new album “The Star Chapter: TOGETHER,” solo tracks, the evolution of their creative bond, and how visuals allow them to express what words can’t.

James Gunn’s new “Superman” film introduces a new superhero team, the so-called “Justice Gang” of Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl and Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho. The four actors sat down with AP entertainment journalist Leslie Ambriz to talk about how they crafted their characters, becoming a Funko Pop and the movie’s message of hope.

“Eddington” star Joaquin Phoenix says “anti-human” Big Tech deepened existing social and political divides during the pandemic. The 50-year-old actor stars alongside Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone and Austin Butler in Ari Aster’s genre-bending COVID-era satire. Phoenix and Aster sat down with AP entertainment journalist Krysta Fauria to talk about how technology companies “manipulated and exacerbated” division, forgiveness — and finding hope.

David Corenswet’s search for “Superman” turned inward. The 31-year-old actor stars as the red-caped superhero in James Gunn’s new film relaunching the DC Comics movie universe. He sat down alongside co-star Rachel Brosnahan, who plays Lois Lane, to talk with AP entertainment journalist Leslie Ambriz about Gunn’s guidance, playing a reporter and Corenswet’s Juilliard link to Christopher Reeve.

Tina Knowles used to sit under a pecan tree as her mother recited the history of their family, stretching back generations. Now, the mother of Beyoncé and Solange has given her own story to the world in “Matriarch: A Memoir.” She sat down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Gary Gerard Hamilton to discuss the book, why she calls Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” a “masterpiece” and how Solange always held her accountable for her shortcomings as a parent.

“Squid Game” has ended with a six-episode third season. Creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk, along with series stars Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Jo Yu-ri and Yim Si-wan, sat down with AP entertainment journalist Gary Gerard Hamilton to discuss the final season, the legacy of Netflix’s biggest series, and their pride in how South Korean pop culture has been embraced around the world.

Damson Idris says he “manifested” his role opposite Brad Pitt in “F1.” The 33-year-old British-Nigerian actor proved himself in Hollywood with six seasons of “Snowfall” and is shifting his career into high gear with Joseph Kosinski’s racing film. Idris sat down with co-stars Javier Bardem and Kerry Condon to talk with AP’s Gary Gerard Hamilton about the globe-trotting production, Bardem’s shower scene with Pitt — and accents.

Keke Palmer is sharing her side of her 2023 public breakup with ex Darius Jackson. The multi-hyphenate entertainer sat down with Gary Gerard Hamilton of The Associated Press to talk about her album “Just Keke,” why creating it helped her work through grief, scrutiny of her personal life — and film projects that include appearances alongside Eddie Murphy and the reclusive Rick Moranis.

Rap legend Jeezy sat down in New York for a candid conversation with the AP’s Gary Gerard Hamilton about the impact of his commercial debut, “Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101,” celebrating the album’s 20th anniversary with another orchestra-backed tour — and his iconic snowman T-shirts that would become banned at many schools.

For Ana de Armas, “Ballerina” is a full-circle moment. She reconnected with Keanu Reeves ten years after appearing alongside the “John Wick” franchise star in her first English-language movie, “Knock Knock.” The 37-year-old actor down with AP entertainment journalist Ryan Pearson to talk about trusting her gut in and outside of Hollywood, her history with Reeves and her top five action movie stars.

Top 2025 Tony Awards nominees sat down with AP entertainment journalist John Carucci to talk about the emotional journey to the ceremony, the Broadway musicals and plays that got them there, co-stars, and their place in history. Hear from Darren Criss, Megan Hilty, Mia Farrow, Nicole Scherzinger, Audra McDonald, Bob Odenkirk, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, LaTanya Richardson Jackson and James Monroe Iglehart.

Sir Ringo Starr sat down with AP entertainment journalist Liam McEwan to reflect on a milestone year: celebrating his 85th birthday next July 7, 35 years of the All-Starr Band and a recent Grammy win (“I’d like a couple more if you don’t mind,” he says). He shared stories from his early days as a hopeful dreamer, the musical evolution of The Beatles, and his mindset when behind a drum kit (“I’m in a blackout!”). Starr also opened up about his journey practicing transcendental meditation, photography and the deep bond he still shares with his bandmates.

After the success of their Sundance hit “Talk to Me,” people in Hollywood told Michael and Danny Philippou that retaining creative freedom on their second film would be a challenge. But the brothers said that wasn’t their experience with A24 when making “Bring Her Back,” which hits theaters Friday. The pair spoke with AP’s Krysta Fauria about making the transition from YouTube to Hollywood and screening films for the crew while shooting their latest horror movie.

Justin Hartley says his journey in Hollywood has been a “slow burn” — and he wouldn’t want it any other way. The 48-year-old actor sat down with AP entertainment journalist Gary Gerard Hamilton to talk about the success of “Tracker,” learning from starring on “This is Us,” and why more comedic roles could be in his future.

Grammy-winning country star Maren Morris says “DREAMSICLE” is her “most raw” album yet. She sat down with AP entertainment journalist Gary Gerard Hamilton in New York to talk about the creation of her fourth project, revealing she’s bisexual, life after her divorce from Ryan Hurd, and experiencing so much heartache that she doesn’t remember recording some of the vocals on the album.

Bono is bringing his “tall tales of a short rock star” to the French Riviera. The U2 frontman premiered his Apple TV+ documentary “Bono: Stories of Surrender” at the Cannes Film Festival. Bono sat down with AP film writer Jake Coyle to discuss the Andrew Dominik-directed black-and-white film, how his self-analysis has changed over time, his daughter’s advice for visiting Cannes, the new pope — and global politics.

Zedd returned to the Coachella stage for the fifth time last month, delivering a high-energy set packed with fan favorite hits, stunning visuals, and surprise appearances by John Mayer and Incubus. Backstage, the Grammy-winning DJ and producer spoke with AP entertainment journalist Liam McEwan about why he never gets tired of playing “Clarity,” his passion for storytelling through music, and his dreams of scoring a feature film or video game from the ground up.

Members of ENHYPEN weren’t sure what to expect when they hit the Coachella stage last month. They were glad to win over festival-goers who weren’t yet part of their ENGENE fandom. The K-pop stars sat down after their week 2 performance with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan. Jake, Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Ni-Ki, Sunghoon, and Sunoo reflected on their growth over five years, connecting cultures through the power of music — and how performing at Coachella became a defining moment for the group.

Kali Uchis wrote the album that she knew her future self would need to listen to. “Sincerely,” began as a collection of letters to herself, friends and loved ones but took on a deeper meaning as the Colombian American songwriter gave birth to her first child and dealt with her mother’s death. She sat down with AP entertainment journalist Leslie Ambriz in Los Angeles to talk about her writing process, staying true to her sound as an artist and how her mother and newborn baby inspired her lyrics.

Nicolas Cage sells his soul for a house in “The Surfer.” The 61-year-old actor stars in Lorcan Finnegan’s film probing tribalism, revenge and familial trauma. Cage and Finnegan spoke with AP entertainment journalist Krysta Fauria about the film’s surrealism, why violence is “one of the backbones of cinema” and how Humphrey Bogart inspired a scene where Cage shoves a rat in someone’s face.

Abel Tesfaye has always known he wanted to pursue a career in cinema. He sees his meteoric rise to fame under the moniker The Weeknd as “a little detour” to make that happen. Nearly two years after he made his acting debut with HBO’s “The Idol,” the 35-year-old pop star says his experimental musical film “Hurry Up Tomorrow” “brought the joy back into filmmaking.” Tesfaye sat down alongside co-star Jenna Ortega and director Trey Edward Shults to speak with AP entertainment journalist Krysta Fauria about losing his voice in 2022, leaving The Weeknd behind — and learning from “The Idol.” “Hurry Up Tomorrow” hits theaters May 16.

“Andor” has returned to Disney+. The “Star Wars” series created by Tony Gilroy and starring Diego Luna tells the story of a growing revolutionary resentment against the Galactic Empire and the birth of the Rebel Alliance, leading up to the events of 2016’s “Rogue One.” The AP’s Andrew Dalton sat down with Gilroy, Luna and co-star Adria Arjona to talk about surprising turns in the story, creative freedom and the many layers of rebellion. The second season began this week with the first three episodes.

Ben Affleck says that while California has taken the movie industry “for granted,” he’s still trying to film in Los Angeles as much as possible. Affleck spoke with AP entertainment journalist Krysta Fauria at the premiere of “The Accountant 2" about production shifting away from Hollywood, Kevin Smith’s 1999 film “Dogma” — and his depiction of an autistic assassin in his new action thriller.