Empire Magazine – July 1998 – Matt LeBlanc – Lost in Space – Hollywood's Next Generation

Original Vintage British Film Magazine | July 1998 | Matt LeBlanc Cover | Hollywood Film and Celebrity Features

An original July 1998 edition of Empire, Britain's popular film and cinema magazine, featuring Matt LeBlanc in character from the science-fiction film Lost in Space (1998).

This vintage issue focuses on Hollywood's emerging generation of film stars, combining celebrity profiles, contemporary cinema coverage, film reviews, movie-industry news and a look at the revival of 1980s nostalgia in late-1990s entertainment.

The front cover is dominated by a large studio-style photograph of Matt LeBlanc wearing his futuristic flight costume from Lost in Space, alongside a bold headline:

HOLLYWOOD – THE NEXT GENERATION

The magazine also features cover references to Neve Campbell, Matt Damon, Denise Richards, Skeet Ulrich, Heather Graham, Ben Affleck, Adam Sandler, Robert Duvall, Richard Gere, Mira Sorvino and Dennis Quaid.

A nostalgic original publication for collectors of 1990s cinema, Hollywood memorabilia, science-fiction films, film magazines and celebrity photography.

Main Front Cover – Matt LeBlanc in Lost in Space (1998)

The centrepiece of this issue is a striking colour photograph of Matt LeBlanc, best known for portraying Joey Tribbiani in the television sitcom Friends.

The cover shows LeBlanc as Major Don West, his character in the 1998 science-fiction adventure Lost in Space.

Detailed Cover Photograph

Matt LeBlanc is pictured in a three-quarter pose, turned slightly towards the viewer with a serious, confident facial expression.

He has short, dark hair styled upwards and wears a dark futuristic flight jacket with a heavy, padded appearance.

Distinctive costume details include:

• A substantial black leather-look outer jacket.

• Raised padded sections across the shoulders.

• A high, structured collar.

• A prominent blue and yellow circular mission insignia on the upper sleeve.

• A starburst-style emblem within the circular badge.

• Decorative shoulder detailing.

• Ribbed and reinforced panels around the arms.

• Black tubing and flexible cable-like components across the torso.

• Textured sections suggesting a specialist space-flight uniform.

The dark costume contrasts sharply with the bright white background and oversized red-orange EMPIRE masthead.

The photograph captures LeBlanc during his transition from television sitcom fame into major Hollywood film roles.

Lost in Space – Historical Film Interest

Released in 1998, Lost in Space was a big-budget science-fiction adventure based on the classic 1960s television series.

Matt LeBlanc played pilot Major Don West alongside a cast that included William Hurt, Mimi Rogers, Heather Graham and Gary Oldman.

The film's futuristic costumes, spacecraft designs and special effects are representative of Hollywood's late-1990s approach to science-fiction filmmaking.

This issue makes an interesting collectable for fans of Matt LeBlanc, Friends, Lost in Space and 1990s cinema.

Hollywood – The Next Generation

The main cover headline reads:

HOLLYWOOD – THE NEXT GENERATION

The magazine promotes a feature examining Hollywood's emerging acting talent during 1998.

Across the very top of the front cover are six individual celebrity headshots, each with a printed name.

Neve Campbell

Featured in the first portrait at the upper-left corner.

Campbell is pictured with dark hair, a direct gaze and dark lipstick.

She became a prominent actress during the 1990s through television and films including Scream and Scream 2.

Her inclusion reflects the growing success of young performers associated with the decade's revival of the teen-horror genre.

Matt Damon

The second portrait features Matt Damon with short hair and a neutral expression.

By 1998, Damon had attracted considerable attention through Good Will Hunting and his emergence as a major Hollywood actor.

Denise Richards

The third portrait features Denise Richards with long blonde hair, looking towards the camera.

Her late-1990s film appearances included Starship Troopers and Wild Things.

Skeet Ulrich

The fourth portrait features Skeet Ulrich wearing a light-coloured brimmed hat, with longer dark hair visible beneath it.

Ulrich was associated with films including Scream, making him another recognisable figure in the era's younger generation of Hollywood stars.

Heather Graham

The fifth photograph features Heather Graham with blonde hair and a softly lit expression.

She had become increasingly prominent through films including Boogie Nights.

Ben Affleck

The final upper-right portrait features Ben Affleck with short dark hair.

Affleck was building his film career during this period, with appearances in productions including Good Will Hunting and Armageddon.

Together, these portraits provide an attractive snapshot of the actors being promoted as Hollywood's next generation in the summer of 1998.

The row of celebrity photographs is an especially interesting feature of this issue's cover design.

Adam Sandler – The Wedding Singer and the 1980s Revival

A second celebrity photograph appears near the lower-left corner of the front cover.

It features Adam Sandler, pictured holding a microphone while wearing a burgundy-coloured jacket over a dark shirt.

His dark, tousled hairstyle and stage-performer appearance reflect his character in the romantic comedy The Wedding Singer (1998).

The accompanying cover headline reads:

YOU SPILL MY HAIRSPRAY?

The 80s Revival Hits Town With The Wedding Singer

This feature connects the film's 1980s setting with the revival of 1980s popular culture during the late 1990s.

The film starred Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore and became an important part of Sandler's transition into romantic-comedy leading roles.

The magazine is therefore also relevant to collectors of Adam Sandler memorabilia, The Wedding Singer and 1990s romantic comedy.

Robert Duvall, Richard Gere, Mira Sorvino and Dennis Quaid

A bright yellow strip runs along the bottom of the front cover, prominently displaying four names:

ROBERT DUVALL – RICHARD GERE – MIRA SORVINO – DENNIS QUAID

These cover references highlight additional Hollywood stars associated with the issue's film coverage.

Robert Duvall

Acclaimed American actor known for a wide range of dramatic film performances.

Richard Gere

Established Hollywood leading actor whose career included numerous successful dramas and romantic films.

Mira Sorvino

Academy Award-winning actress who achieved significant recognition during the 1990s.

Dennis Quaid

American actor associated with dramatic, action and science-fiction productions.

Their names add further collector appeal for enthusiasts of established Hollywood stars and late-1990s film journalism.

Please note: The interior articles relating to these names are not visible in the supplied photograph, so their exact length and subject matter cannot be confirmed.

Film Collectors – Geeks Roadshow

The left-hand cover includes the headline:

GEEKS ROADSHOW

Enter The Weird Subculture Of The Movie Collectors

This feature advertises an exploration of movie collecting and the culture surrounding film memorabilia.

It is particularly relevant to collectors interested in vintage film merchandise, cinema collectables and the development of movie-fan communities before modern online collecting became widespread.

The feature also provides an interesting connection between a vintage film magazine and the history of cinema memorabilia collecting.

Film Debates – You Spill My Pint?

Another cover feature reads:

YOU SPILL MY PINT?

How To Win Pub Film Debates

This article promises light-hearted discussion about cinema knowledge and film arguments.

The feature reflects Empire's accessible and entertaining editorial style, combining serious film coverage with humour and popular movie culture.

Monthly Film Reviews

A prominent circular graphic on the right-hand side of the cover announces:

EVERY NEW FILM REVIEWED & RATED

This reflects Empire's traditional role as a comprehensive source of film reviews and cinema recommendations.

The magazine advertises reviews and ratings of the films released during the period.

The specific complete review listings are not visible in the supplied photograph.

Movie News and Video Releases

Further cover features include:

ALL THIS MONTH'S MOVIES ON VIDEO

A look at contemporary home-video releases during the VHS era.

HUGE FILM NEWS SECTION

Coverage of developments in the international film industry.

FIRST LOOK AT MARTIAL LAW AND LETHAL WEAPON 4

An advance look at two action-film releases associated with the summer of 1998.

Lethal Weapon 4

The fourth instalment of the popular action-film series starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, released in 1998.

Martial Law

The cover also advertises a first look at Martial Law, a title associated with the late-1990s action-entertainment scene.

These features make the issue an interesting period reference for the action-film market of 1998.

Original Competitions and Promotional Features

The front cover advertises a competition with the headline:

WIN!

Prizes promoted on the cover include:

• An Aiwa television.

• Video and hi-fi equipment.

• A Sharp handheld computer.

These advertisements offer an interesting reminder of late-1990s consumer technology and home entertainment.

The original competitions are historical and no longer valid.

Publication Details

Magazine: Empire

Issue Date: July 1998

Original UK Cover Price: £2.70

Publication Type: British Film and Cinema Magazine

Country: United Kingdom

Language: English

Main Cover Star: Matt LeBlanc

Cover Film: Lost in Space (1998)

Main Headline: Hollywood – The Next Generation

Other Cover Personalities: Neve Campbell, Matt Damon, Denise Richards, Skeet Ulrich, Heather Graham, Ben Affleck, Adam Sandler, Robert Duvall, Richard Gere, Mira Sorvino and Dennis Quaid.

Other Featured Film References: The Wedding Singer, Lethal Weapon 4 and Martial Law.

SKU: 1589

Condition – Important Information

Pre-owned vintage condition with visible handling wear and some age-related imperfections.

The supplied photograph shows the actual magazine being offered for sale.

Front Cover Condition

The original front cover retains its distinctive large red-orange EMPIRE masthead, bright white background and central Matt LeBlanc photograph.

The cover printing remains generally clear, and the celebrity portraits, headlines and film references are easily identifiable.

Visible condition details include:

• Light surface rubbing and general handling marks.

• Small scuffs and signs of wear along the front-cover edges.

• Slight rounding and wear to the corners.

• Some minor unevenness and light creasing towards the upper-left corner.

• Light wear along the upper edge.

• Small marks around the top-right area.

• Light surface marks visible against the white background.

• Slight wear and rubbing along the left-hand spine edge.

• Minor marks and scuffs across darker printed sections.

• Light edge wear around the bottom corners.

• Subtle surface creasing consistent with previous reading and storage.

The main Matt LeBlanc photograph remains attractive, and the cover's printed colours are still strong.

Spine and Binding

The visible left-hand edge shows some general handling wear and light rubbing.

The magazine has not been photographed open, so the full condition of the spine, binding and interior pages cannot be independently confirmed.

Interior Condition

Only the front cover has been supplied for inspection.

The internal pages have therefore not been assessed individually.

Any hidden writing, internal page creases, marks, loose pages or other interior imperfections cannot be ruled out.

Overall Condition

Used vintage condition, with visible light-to-moderate handling wear and minor edge and corner imperfections.

The cover remains presentable and retains its strong visual appeal.

This is an original 1998 publication rather than a modern reproduction.

Please study the supplied photograph carefully, as it forms an important part of the condition description.

Important – Original Extras and Additional Items

This listing is for the original magazine only.

Any free gifts, promotional merchandise, supplements, loose inserts or other additional items that may originally have accompanied the publication are no longer included.

Original competitions and promotional offers advertised within the magazine are expired.

Only the magazine shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

Packaging and Delivery

Your magazine will be carefully packaged to help protect it during transit.

UK Orders: Dispatched in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: Dispatched in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection.

Collector Interest

This original July 1998 issue is particularly suitable for collectors interested in:

• Empire magazine back issues.

• Original 1990s British film magazines.

• Matt LeBlanc and Friends memorabilia.

• Lost in Space (1998).

• Hollywood science-fiction films.

• Neve Campbell and Scream-era cinema.

• Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.

• Denise Richards and Wild Things.

• Skeet Ulrich and 1990s horror films.

• Heather Graham and Boogie Nights.

• Adam Sandler and The Wedding Singer.

• Robert Duvall, Richard Gere, Mira Sorvino and Dennis Quaid.

• Lethal Weapon 4.

• 1990s Hollywood actors and celebrity photography.

• Vintage film reviews and cinema journalism.

• VHS-era home entertainment.

• Original movie advertising and collecting culture.

Summary

An original Empire Magazine dated July 1998, featuring Matt LeBlanc as Major Don West from Lost in Space on the front cover.

The issue promotes a major Hollywood – The Next Generation feature highlighting Neve Campbell, Matt Damon, Denise Richards, Skeet Ulrich, Heather Graham and Ben Affleck.

Additional cover subjects include Adam Sandler in The Wedding Singer, Robert Duvall, Richard Gere, Mira Sorvino, Dennis Quaid, film collecting, movie debates, cinema reviews and the latest movie news from 1998.

An attractive and nostalgic original issue for collectors of Hollywood memorabilia and 1990s film publications.

Condition: Pre-owned with visible minor age-related and handling wear. Only the front cover has been photographed, and the interior condition has not been verified.

Magazine only – any originally supplied additional items are not included.

SKU: 1589