George Lucas, De Niro & The Avengers

Another day, another taster of what you're in for in the gussied-up new issue of Empire. This time we have a few snippets from the new Slate section, which will be bringing you all the latest movie news and discussion monthly. First up, we talked to Kevin Feige to find out what The Avengers will be up to next, and he dropped a few hints on Iron Man 3 and Thor 2.

Of Iron Man 3, among other things, Feige notes that, "We don't equate bigger with better. It's Tony's most personal journey since he was trapped in a cave in the first half of the first movie, but it'll also have the largest spectacle of any of the Iron Man movies."

And on Thor 2 he adds, "We're going to see the other side of Asgard. It's not all polished and golden in this film. And the events of Avengers will have affected Thor for sure. His relationship with Loki will continue to evolve, and the biggest part is Natalie Portman, and Thor returning with Jane Foster."

Elsewhere in the section we ask subject Robert De Niro to our Pint Of Milk interview ahead of his appearance in Rodrigo Cortes' Red Lights on June 15. We're not going to spoil his answer to that question, but we can tell you that his favourite word in the English language is "refinement".

And among the many other articles in the section, including a look at the Paddington Bear movie, the upcoming Carrie remake, the good spaceship Prometheus and the Coen Brothers' Inside Llewyn Davis, we talked to George Lucas about his plans following Red Tails. And his plans might shock you.

"I'm moving away from the company, I'm moving away from all my businesses, I'm finishing all my obligations and I'm going to retire to my garage with my saw and hammer and build hobby movies. I've always wanted to make movies that were more experimental in nature, and not have to worry about them showing in movie theatres." Does he really mean it this time? Only time will tell.

For more on all the above AND a wealth of features, reviews and interviews, pick up the new look Empire from Thursday.