What really happens behind the doors of Hollywood?
Welcome to Harlin House, where legendary filmmaker Renny Harlin and producer Johanna Harlin take you inside the world of movies like you’ve never seen it before.
From blockbuster sets and Hollywood personalities to projects that fall apart overnight, Renny and Johanna share the stories, lessons, challenges, and realities that rarely make it beyond the industry.
With more than 40 years of filmmaking experience, Renny brings a lifetime of stories from behind the camera. Johanna brings a fresh perspective as a producer, creative partner, and f
The Scariest Thing I Ever Experienced Wasn't in a Horror Movie
Episode Summary
What happens when filming a horror movie becomes more terrifying than the movie itself?
In this Halloween special of Harlin House, Renny and Johanna Harlin explore the fascinating world of horror filmmaking, from the psychology behind our deepest fears to the secrets of creating unforgettable scares. Renny shares how Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho sparked his childhood fascination with horror and reveals chilling experiences from filming Prison and The Dyatlov Pass Incident, including a remote Russian town where real-life danger kept the entire crew indoors.
They also dive into the art of suspense, the importance of timing jump scares, and why horror movies connect so deeply with audiences. From classics like The Shining, The Exorcist, and Alien to modern favorites like Smile and Talk to Me, discover their must-watch Halloween recommendations, plus exciting updates on upcoming Harlin House projects.
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🎧 Spotify: 🎧 Watch on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/2rFGuoWsOr63u25wIP7wrH?si=e310c6813b75498f)
▶️ YouTube: ▶️ Watch on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@harlinhouse?si=he-YPMFLt2M1H8MW)
🎙️ Apple Podcasts: 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/harlin-house/id6812373890)
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🌐 Website: Harlin House (https://harlin.house/)
20 Oct 2026
I Turned Down Rush Hour… Then Jackie Chan Changed My Life
Episode Summary
What happens when a Hollywood director enters a film set with no script, no schedule, and no budget?
In this episode of Harlin House, Renny and Johanna Harlin take us behind the scenes of Renny's extraordinary six years working in China. From turning down Rush Hour to directing Jackie Chan in Skiptrace, Renny shares the challenges of navigating a different filmmaking culture, his personal experience witnessing September 11, and the unexpected lessons that shaped his career.
Renny also reveals how an unscripted scene featuring Jackie Chan singing Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" became a viral moment, including the personal letter that helped secure Adele's permission. Discover how he combined Hollywood's structured filmmaking approach with the creativity and work ethic of Chinese crews to complete Skiptrace in just 83 days. It's a fascinating look at cultural collaboration, filmmaking, and the power of adapting to new challenges.
Other Ways to Listen and Watch
🎧 Spotify: 🎧 Watch on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/2rFGuoWsOr63u25wIP7wrH?si=e310c6813b75498f)
▶️ YouTube: ▶️ Watch on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@harlinhouse?si=he-YPMFLt2M1H8MW)
🎙️ Apple Podcasts: 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/harlin-house/id6812373890)
📸 Instagram: 📸 Follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/theharlinhouse?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
🌐 Website: Harlin House (https://harlin.house/)
13 Oct 2026
Hollywood Red Carpet Special!
Episode Summary
What happens when your Hollywood dream finally reaches the big screen, but the reality isn't what you expected?
Fresh from the Hollywood premiere of The Beast, Renny and Johanna Harlin share an emotional, unfiltered conversation about filmmaking, success, criticism, and the realities of independent cinema. Renny opens up about the bittersweet experience of releasing a movie after two years of hard work, the pressure of Hollywood reviews, and the emotional journey behind bringing a film to life.
They also explore the challenges of independent film distribution, competing with major studio marketing budgets, and Renny's vision for a filmmaker-owned distribution company. From unforgettable Hollywood experiences to exciting plans for future premieres and Harlin House community events, this episode offers an honest look at the film industry, the importance of celebrating personal achievements, and finding fulfillment beyond box office success.
Other Ways to Listen and Watch
🎧 Spotify: 🎧 Watch on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/2rFGuoWsOr63u25wIP7wrH?si=e310c6813b75498f)
▶️ YouTube: ▶️ Watch on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@harlinhouse?si=he-YPMFLt2M1H8MW)
🎙️ Apple Podcasts: 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/harlin-house/id6812373890)
📸 Instagram: 📸 Follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/theharlinhouse?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
🌐 Website: Harlin House (https://harlin.house/)
6 Oct 2026
The Reviews That Nearly Broke Me: Renny Harlin and Johanna Harlin
Episode Summary
Do film critics still matter?
Renny and Johanna Harlin explore how film criticism has changed and how reviews can shape audience perceptions before they even see a movie.
Drawing from more than 40 years of filmmaking, Renny reflects on his relationship with critics. He explains the value of criticism and the emotional impact harsh reviews can have on filmmakers who spend years creating a project.
They discuss how commercial genres like action, horror, thriller, and comedy can be judged differently from art films. Renny also shares how filmmakers can become defined by their careers.
The conversation turns to social media, where TikTok, Instagram, and online commentary can quickly shape the narrative around a film.
Renny revisits films whose reputations changed over time, including Citizen Kane, Fight Club, The Greatest Showman, and his own Cutthroat Island. He also recalls the painful reviews of his first film, Born American, and how they were later turned into marketing.
The episode closes with rapid-fire questions and advice for aspiring filmmakers. Renny reminds creators that they do not need everyone’s approval. Sometimes one person who believes in you is enough.
What We Cover
Do film critics still matter?
Critics versus audiences
How social media changed film criticism
Art films versus commercial genre movies
Why filmmakers get stuck in certain creative lanes
Renny's experience producing Rambling Rose
Why action films can face different expectations
The emotional impact of negative reviews
Learning from constructive criticism
Movies that found appreciation later
Citizen Kane and Fight Club
Revisiting Cutthroat Island
Why Johanna loves The Greatest Showman
The brutal reviews of Born American
Turning bad reviews into marketing
Rapid-fire questions about Hollywood
Advice for aspiring filmmakers
Finding one person who believes in you
Chapters
00:00 — Do Film Critics Still Matter?
02:52 — What's Happening at Harlin House
03:05 — Preparing Their Next Movie in Madrid
04:15 — A Big Announcement Is Coming
05:45 — Building Something That Lasts
08:48 — Critics vs. Audiences
09:30 — Art Films vs. Genre Movies
13:05 — Renny on Rambling Rose
15:26 — Why Renny Loves Action Filmmaking
16:03 — How Filmmakers Get Labeled
20:20 — Renny's Most Common Criticism
21:25 — What Makes Criticism Fair?
22:37 — Should Filmmakers Read Reviews?
24:44 — The Social Media Critic Era
28:39 — No Movie Has to Be Perfect
29:30 — Movies Critics Got Wrong
31:10 — Revisiting Cutthroat Island
32:16 — The Greatest Showman
33:18 — Renny's Most Painful Review
34:43 — How Born American Survived the Critics
36:07 — Critics, Influencers, and Moviegoers
38:13 — 10 Rapid-Fire Questions
39:37 — Advice for New Filmmakers
40:48 — Final Thoughts
Key Takeaways
Film critics still have value despite their changing influence.
Social media can shape opinions before audiences see a movie.
Genre filmmakers can face different expectations from critics.
Harsh reviews can have a lasting emotional impact on creators.
Constructive criticism can help filmmakers improve their work.
A movie's original reception does not define its legacy.
Critical, commercial, and cultural success can look very different.
Filmmakers should keep creating despite negative opinions.
One person who believes in your work can change your career.
About Renny & Johanna Harlin
Renny Harlin is a filmmaker with more than 40 years of experience across Hollywood and international cinema. Johanna Harlin is a producer who works alongside Renny in developing and producing their projects.
Through Harlin House, they share filmmaking stories, industry lessons, family life, and advice for the next generation of creators.
Other Ways to Listen and Watch
🎧 Spotify: 🎧 Watch on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/2rFGuoWsOr63u25wIP7wrH?si=e310c6813b75498f)
▶️ YouTube: ▶️ Watch on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@harlinhouse?si=he-YPMFLt2M1H8MW)
🎙️ Apple Podcasts: 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/harlin-house/id6812373890)
📸 Instagram: 📸 Follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/theharlinhouse?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
🌐 Website: Harlin House (https://harlin.house/)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
4.9 / 5
10 ratings
Contact Harlin House
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