Simon Bland

Freelance Writer

Simon Bland is an entertainment journalist and writer based in the U.K. He writes about movies, TV, and pop culture for places like The Guardian, The Independent, Total Film, and Little White Lies, and has interviewed a wide range of actors, directors, and stars. He can be reached at Simon.Bland@hotmail.com.

Nicolas Cage on top of the Declaration of Independence

‘NEVER GOING TO WORK’

Secrets of ‘National Treasure’ Revealed—20 Years Later

To mark the hit movie’s 20th anniversary, director Jon Turteltaub talks about casting Nicolas Cage, working with “bats--t crazy” Jon Voight, and why there hasn’t been a third installment.

Simon Bland

Tim Robbins in a scene from the movie Shawshank Redemption

BUSY LIVING

‘Shawshank’s’ ‘River of S**t’ Was Full of Actual Poop

Thirty years after its release, “Shawshank Redemption” director Frank Darabont reveals new details about the production that range from inspirational to downright disgusting.

Simon Bland

A photo illustration of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Harrison Ford as Han Solo in (500) Days of Summer.

DREAMS COME TRUE

How Han Solo Ended Up in the Best Breakup Movie of the 2000s

15 years to the day after the film’s release, director Marc Webb reflects on its surprisingly influential legacy and offers his take on a popular fan theory about the ending.

Simon Bland