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
‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ Being Crafted Around Magneto and Mystique, and Their Hot Mutant Love
While you'd think 'X-Men: Apocalypse' would focus the majority of its attention on its titular character, Fox and director have some different ideas. When you've got two of the hottest stars in Hollywood contractually obligated to star in your movie, you make them the center of the action. And, that's what is reportedly happening with the 'X-Men: Apocalypse' script, which is being developed around Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence and the burgeoning romance between Magneto and Mystique.
Margot Robbie to Star as Harley Quinn in DC’s ‘Suicide Squad’ Movie
Things got interesting with the upcoming 'Suicide Squad' movie when it was revealed that Jesse Eisenberg would be returning after 'Batman vs. Superman' to star as Lex Luthor. Then, things got really interesting when it was revealed that Jared Leto was in talks to star as The Joker, introducing Batman's greatest nemesis in the new era of 'Justice League' films. What was once thought to be a ragtag group of B-side villains is now shaping up to be a roster full of DC's evil A-list villains. And, now you can even more iconic villain to the lineup. What would any Joker appearance in 'Suicide Squad' be without Harley Quinn, who will be played by 'Wolf of Wall Street' star Margot Robbie.
‘Star Wars: Episode 7′ Official Title Announced: ‘The Force Awakens’
We thought that the 'Star Wars: Episode 7' title might get officially announced this past summer at Comic-Con, but that event came and went with no official reveal. So, what better way to announce the new title than a random Thursday in November? Just this morning on Twitter, Lucasfilm and the official 'Star Wars' Twitter account revealed the 'Star Wars: Episode 7' title: 'A Force Awakens'.
Marvel is Actively Hunting Down Whoever Leaked the ‘Avengers 2′ Trailer
When the 'Avengers 2' trailer leaked online almost a week ahead of its planned debut during an episode of 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.', Marvel made light of the issue, joked about Hydra being responsible and, wisely, just uploaded an HD copy and let the leak continue. But, that doesn't mean behind closed doors that Marvel wasn't very upset and very concerned. The studio is moving aggressively to track and catch the person responsible for the leak.
Idris Elba Says Working on Marvel Movies is “Torture”
Just yesterday, Joss Whedon hinted he might have to send a scolding e-mail to Idris Elba who, earlier this week, let it slip that he would be appearing in 'Avengers 2' alongside Tom Hiddleston and Chris Hemsworth. But, Idris Elba just don't care. In a new interview with The Telegraph, Elba again talked about filming 'Avengers 2' and said working on Marvel movies is "torture."
‘Avengers 2′ and ‘Ant-Man’ Footage Previewed During Marvel TV Special
For the past two weeks, there has been a deluge of 'Avengers 2' footage - clips, trailers, extended trailers, future trailers! - and we were promised one last reveal last night. While 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' had the night off, ABC ran the Marvel TV special 'From Pulp to Pop,' which looked at the history of Marvel and Marvel Studios. It was mostly a rah-rah, pat-yourself-on-the-back kinda deal, but if you stuck around to the end, we not only got a look at 'Avengers 2' but also our first look at 'Ant-Man' footage.
Christopher Nolan on Superhero Post-Credits Scenes: “A Real Movie Wouldn’t Do That”
Marvel has built their movie empire partially on anticipation and excitement among the core fanbase. Marvel has a tradition of post-credits scenes after their movies, ever since the first 'Iron Man' movie introduced Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and name-dropped the "Avengers Initiative." It's worked out quite well for Marvel. And, while DC and Warner Bros. are very eager to catch their competitors, don't expect them to follow suit. When Warner Bros. asked Zack Snyder and Christopher Nolan to add a post-credits scene to the end of 'Man of Steel,' Nolan told them, "a real movie wouldn't do that."
Has Jessica Chastain Had Talks With Marvel About Playing Captain Marvel?
Once upon a time, back in 2012, Jessica Chastain was in talks with Marvel to star in 'Iron Man 3' as scientist Maya Hansen. Chastain eventually passed on the role saying, "My schedule is jammed packed and I can’t fit anything else in." (The part would eventually go to actress Rebecca Hall.) At the time, Chastain posted to her Facebook fans, "Hopefully there’ll be another Marvel film in my future." Has that time come already?
Christian Bale Unexpectedly Drops Out of Steve Jobs Biopic
Christian Bale has abruptly pulled out of Danny Boyle's planned Steve Jobs biopic, just two weeks after entering discussions with Sony Pictures and Boyle over playing the iconic Apple CEO. Though Bale hadn't officially signed for the part (and hadn't even begun contract negotiations), his participation was considered a near certainly and his unexpected departure is another casting blow for the project, which already had Leonardo DiCaprio turn down the starring role.
‘Avengers 2′ Clip: Yes, Even More Footage From ‘Age of Ultron’
With the 'Avengers 2' trailer, extended trailer and advance trailer for 'Avengers: Infinity War', you're probably sick of all this 'Avengers' footage and don't want or need to see anymore. You certainly don't want to see this 'Avengers 2' clip with Cap and Iron Man getting heated with each other and introducing the tension that will continue through 'Captain America: Civil War'. Oh wait, you're not sick of 'Avengers 2' and you DO want to see this footage? OK, good.
Marvel Has No Current Plans For Hulk or Black Widow Movies
There was a lot to digest out of today's major Marvel Event that saw the formal announcement of the eight films in Phase 3 including 'Black Panther' and 'Captain Marvel' spinoffs. But, with all these Avengers getting sequels and spinoffs, one has to wonder about two of the more popular characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe who are still left without their own films: Hulk and Black Widow. Despite the fact that audiences love both the characters, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige said that they have no current plans to give either character their own solo movie.
Benedict Cumberbatch Cast as Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange’
The 'Doctor Strange' casting has come full circle. After a series of stops and starts (we're looking at you, Joaquin Phoenix), Marvel has returned to one of the very first actors they had their eye on for their upcoming superhero movie: Benedict Cumberbatch. Deadline is reporting that the 'Sherlock' star is in "final negotiations" with Marvel to star in 'Doctor Strange' and, presumably, a number of other big 'Avengers' style crossover movies.
‘Fast and Furious 7′ Gets Official Poster, Title and Trailer Release Date
Were it not for the untimely and tragic death of Paul Walker, 'Fast and Furious 7' would have been released this past July and probably would be making its way to DVD and Blu-ray within the next few weeks. But, the release date was pushed back to April 3, 2015 and, after some lengthy reshoots, we're finally ready to see the first footage from the film next week.
Marvel Announces Even More ‘Avengers 2′ Footage Will Debut During ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’
The original 'Avengers 2' trailer plan was that the first footage would debut on October 28, immediately following that night's episode of 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' on ABC. Not 24 hours after that announcement, a bootleg copy of the trailer leaked online. Disney and Marvel did the right thing and, instead of fighting to keep the bootlegs off the internet for a week, they pushed up the reveal and released an HD copy online. It didn't hurt the trailer (it still broke all kinds of records), but it did hurt that the planned synergy. 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' was primed for a big ratings boost and the trailer leak hurt that. But, Marvel's got some new plans. Plans that will make fans happy as well as give 'S.H.I.E.L.D.' that boost it needed.
‘Avengers 2′ Trailer Sneak Peek! First Look at Hulkbuster, New Look at Ultron
Can't wait until next week's episode of 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' to see the 'Avengers 2' trailer? We feel your pain. While we can't make the 'Avengers 2' trailer magically arrive like some kind of Scarlet Witch, we can offer you up this very cool sneak peek at the new footage. How about a first look at Tony Stark in the new Hulkbuster Iron Man armor, plus an all-new look at Ultron?
‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Soundtrack to Be Released on Cassette Tape in November
As successful as 'Guardians of the Galaxy' was at the box-office (and, as the highest-grossing film of the year, it certainly was that), the film's iconic soundtrack was equally as successful. "Awesome Mix Vol. 1" spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and is currently the 10th largest selling album of 2014. You've been able to buy the digital album, the CD, vinyl and even a "Deluxe Edition," but so far, no actual cassette like the mix tape in the film. But, that's all about to change.
Robert Downey, Jr. Took Home the Giant “A” From the ‘Avengers’ Stark Tower
Robert Downey, Jr. reportedly made over $50 million for the first 'Avengers' movie, so if he wanted a giant "A" in his office (like the one seen on the side of Stark Tower at the end of the film) to celebrate the massive success of the film, he could've very easily just had a replica made. But, he didn't want a replica, he wanted a real thing. Or, at least that's what he joked to Marvel. So, imagine his surprise when he showed up at home and there waiting for him was the 30-foot tall "A".
There Will Never Be a ‘Back to the Future’ Sequel or Reboot
It's almost surprising at this point that there has not been a 'Back to the Future' reboot or sequel. When you look back at the popular and successful properties of the 80s, there are few that haven't been modernized. Sony is practically falling all over themselves to get a new 'Ghostbusters' in theaters. This year alone saw new 'RoboCop,' 'Muppets,' 'Ninja Turtles,' 'Jump Street' and 'Transformers' movies. But, despite the frequency of these remakes, it doesn't look like you'll ever see a new 'Back to the Future' movie. And, that's a pretty great thing.
Warner Bros. Announces ‘Wonder Woman’ and ‘Justice League’ Release Dates, Confirms Aquaman and Flash Casting
Not to be outdone by the big 'Captain America 3'/Civil War announcement from earlier this week, Warner Bros. dropped some superhero news of their own. They've confirmed their 2017, 2018 and 2019 superhero movies as well as announced some new casting for members of the new Justice League.
What is Marvel’s Civil War and What Does It Mean For ‘Captain America 3′ and the Future of the MCU?
Last night came the shocking announcement: Robert Downey, Jr. will star in 'Captain America 3' alongside Chris Evans, kicking off the Civil War storyline in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But, what exactly is the Civil War storyline and what does it mean for 'Captain America 3,' 'Avengers 3,' the Infinity Gauntlet plans, Spider-Man and the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?! (Whew!)