Mike Sampson is the Editor-in-Chief of ScreenCrush. He studied to become a lawyer and worked as an architectural planner after graduating college but neither of these professions afforded him the opportunity to watch movies and TV for a living. He previously served as the Editor-in-Chief of JoBlo.com for 10 years. He lives in New Jersey and probably spends too much time playing video games and overthinking things.
Mike Sampson
‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Star Dave Bautista Cast as ‘Bond 24′ Villain
We'd previously heard that the 'Bond 24' filmmakers wanted the villain for the upcoming sequel to be unlike the modern day villains and instead a throwback to the big hulking henchmen like Jaws or Oddjob. The casting call was looking for "an imposing, extremely physically fit actor" over 6'2" tall. Not a ton of guys like that around, but the director Sam Mendes didn't have to look further than the biggest movie of the year.
Could Spider-Man Be Joining the ‘Avengers’ in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
Just yesterday, we heard the very sad and strange tale of acrimony that currently exists between Marvel and Fox, the studio that owns the 'X-Men' and 'Fantastic Four' movie rights. It will very likely be a cold day in hell by the time we ever see the likes of Iron Man and Wolverine pair up on the big screen (regardless of what Hugh Jackman says), but is it possible that The Avengers could actually be crossing over with another superhero from another universe? Namely, The Amazing Spider-Man?
Will ‘Avengers 3′ Boast a Completely Different Superhero Lineup?
Recently we heard the 'Avengers 3' rumor that the final movie of the current Marvel Cinematic Universe may be split into two films. The word was that was unlikely to happen though, because of expiring contracts for actors like Robert Downey, Jr. and Chris Evans that would be too costly to renew. It looks though that Marvel may have found a clever way around that plan. A completely different superhero lineup for 'Avengers 3'.
Robert Downey, Jr. Agrees to Star in ‘Iron Man 4′ (On One Condition…)
First, the good news: Robert Downey, Jr. has agreed to star in 'Iron Man 4' for Marvel! Considering everything he has been saying over the past year or so - essentially that he can't imagine an 'Iron Man 4' ever happening - that's a major step in the right direction and a huge win for Marvel Studios. But...Downey's agreement has come with one rather large condition. That his old friend, and current member of the Hollywood blacklist, Mel Gibson be allowed to direct.
Adam Sandler Signs Deal to Star in Four Original Netflix Movies
Hot off the heels of their partnership with The Weinstein Co. to release their first original feature film ('Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2'), Netflix has announced yet another deal that will bring original movies to their subscription service. The company has just announced a deal with Adam Sandler for the exclusive rights to four upcoming movies that the comedian will star in and produce.
Nicolas Cage’s Upcoming Movie is Using Quotes From Satan in Its Ads
Usually when a studio is looking to promote their movie, they'll include a quote from a film critic lavishing superlatives on the movie in question. Nicolas Cage's upcoming movie 'Left Behind' is trying a different approach. Instead of quoting film critics, they're quoting Satan, The Prince of Darkness.
Miles Teller Says Making ‘Divergent’ Made Him Feel “Dead Inside”
Miles Teller has a movie he's very proud of this year. That movie is 'Whiplash,' a movie about the dysfunctional relationship between a jazz drummer and his demented teacher. He says of all the training he put into the film, "It was, by far, the hardest thing I’ve ever done." Miles Teller also has a movie he's not very proud of. That movie is the young adult hit 'Divergent,' which Teller says left him feeling "dead inside."
Jeremy Renner Has No Interest in a Solo ‘Hawkeye’ Movie
While everyone from Robert Downey, Jr. to Joss Whedon loudly wonders why Scarlett Johansson has not yet been given a solo 'Black Widow' movie, there's Hawkeye, the one character for whom no one is clamoring for a spinoff. And that includes star Jeremy Renner himself.
Dan Aykroyd Wants ‘Ghostbusters’ to Be Like the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Ever since the Marvel Cinematic Universe became a huge success, there were immediate imitators trying to follow that same model. From the 'Justice League' films to 'Amazing Spider-Man' and, heck, even the upcoming 'Star Wars' movies. It all seemed a bit much, to be honest. But, this latest news might take the cake (or donut?) when it comes to biting style. Dan Aykroyd, the only one involved with the original 'Ghostbusters' who seems to want to have anything to do with the new 'Ghostbusters' says he wants to relaunch the franchise following the Marvel "shared universe" strategy.
Celebrate ‘Ghostbusters’ 30th Anniversary With Stay Puft Marshmallow Donuts at Krispy Kreme
There are a few ways you could celebrate the 30th anniversary of 'Ghostbusters'. You could watch the film again with the new 30th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray. You could sing Bobby Brown's "On Our Own" at karaoke. Or, you could gorge yourself on sweet 'Ghostbusters' inspired donuts at Krispy Kreme. (We choose the latter.)
‘Star Wars’ Spinoff to Follow Obi-Wan Kenobi?
So far, we have heard rumors that two of the three planned 'Star Wars' spinoffs were to follow Boba Fett and Han Solo. Then there was the mysterious third spinoff, which we haven't much concrete information on. Until now. A recent report suggests that despite earlier reports that the spinoffs wouldn't follow any Jedi or Sith characters, Lucasfilm is currently working with artists and a writer to develop an Obi-Wan Kenobi movie.
The ‘Batman vs. Superman’ Batmobile Gets an Official Reveal From Zack Snyder
Perhaps frustrated by the leaked shots of the Batmobile from the 'Batman vs. Superman' set, director Zack Snyder took to Twitter late last night to post an update of his own: an official full shot of the new Batmobile.
Who Should Star in an All-Female ‘Ghostbusters’ Reboot, According to Bill Murray
At this point, any new 'Ghostbusters' movie has been fancasted within an inch of its life. Any actor working today under the age of 40? They've been considered for the 'Ghostbusters' movie. Shoot, there's a chance you were considered to star in the 'Ghostbusters' movie. So, there's no point in going over yet another list of who should star in 'Ghostbusters 3' or whatever it is they're calling it these days. Unless, of course, the person who made that list is Bill Murray. In that case, *in rapt*.
20 Facts You May Not Know About ‘Star Wars’
Let's be honest: if you're here, you probably know a lot about the 'Star Wars' movies. But, how much do you really know? Did you know that they're making a new one? You did? Boy, you are good. Well, now you can test your 'Star Wars' knowledge with the first entry in our new video series "You Think You Know Movies?"
The Rock’s ‘Shazam!’ Movie Won’t Take Place in the ‘Justice League’ Universe
As 'Batman vs. Superman' very clearly teases the upcoming 'Justice League' crossover (the subtitle is 'Dawn of Justice' after all), we all sort of assumed that The Rock's long-teased 'Shazam!' movie would fit into that blueprint somehow. Even The Rock himself tweeted the art above of his character, Black Adam, fighting both Shazam and Superman. But, now it seems that 'Shazam!' will be operating independently from the rest of the other DC superheroes at Warner Bros.
Jessica Chastain Wants to Know Why Marvel Hasn’t Made a Scarlett Johansson ‘Black Widow’ Movie
The desire for (and subsequent lack of) a female-led superhero movie is a hot topic that continues to be debated. Actually, there really isn't much debate; we're all pretty much in agreement that there should be a female-led superhero movie. Well, you can add one more voice to the chorus of people shouting loudly for a female Marvel movie as two-time Oscar-nominee Jessica Chastain took time out from her current promotional tour to support the notion of a Scarlett Johansson-led Black Widow movie.