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
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.
Rumor Buster: Warner Bros. Registered New Domain Names for ‘Aquaman’ and ‘Wonder Woman’ Movies?
Yesterday, the internet got itself all excited with the news that Warner Bros. had registered a bunch of new DC Comics URLs including JusticeLeagueFilm.com, WonderWomanTheMovie.com, AquamanMovie.com and ShazamMovie.com, and that it must mean something exciting! Except, it's not really true.
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.
Will ‘Guardians of the Galaxy 2′ Add Any New Superheroes to the Team?
While 'Guardians of the Galaxy' was able to pleasantly surprise people with how good it is, now all eyes are on 'Guardians of the Galaxy 2' and whether it can live up to the original. One thing we've all wondered about the sequel is whether the Guardians would be introduced to any Earth-bound heroes, or vice versa. Could there be any new members of the Guardians of the Galaxy?
Don’t Expect a Disney Animated Movie Set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe Any Time Soon
When it was first announced that Disney was purchasing Marvel, the minds of many fans leapt immediately to the possibility of a Disney-Pixar animated Marvel movie. We're sorta getting that in November with 'Big Hero 6' but as that movie approaches, it's become very clear that it's not really much of Marvel movie at all, other than being loosely based on the obscure 90s comic. What fans really want to know is if we'll ever see a Disney or Pixar animated movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. John Lasseter, who runs both Disney Animation and Pixar, has your answer: no.
Steve Carell Attached to Star in Looney Tunes Spinoff Based on the Acme Corporation
Here's some news we never expect to report today... Warner Bros. is planning a spinoff of their classic Looney Tunes franchise that would be based on Acme Corp. - the company which Wile E. Coyote and others use to buy their anvils, dynamite and earthquake pills - and would Steve Carell. And, before you ask, no, there won't actually be any Looney Tunes characters in the movie. Huh?
Pixar Reveals First ‘Inside Out’ Footage Online!
2014 has been a long year. It's the first time since 2005 that we haven't had a Pixar movie and we're feeling a little withdrawal. The good news is that 2015 brings us two new Pixar movies, including 'Inside Out', the next film from Oscar-winning director Pete Docter ('Up'). While some were lucky enough to see the opening five minutes at a Pixar preview earlier this year, the first public release 'Inside Out' footage was made available today on the Disney Anywhere app. And, maybe it's the Pixar withdrawal speaking, but we're starting to get really excited.
What Would ‘The Avengers’ Look Like as a 70s TV Cop Show?
It's inevitable: one day there will be an 'Avengers' reboot. It's hard to think of now, as 'Avengers 2' hasn't even hit theaters and Phase 3 of Marvel's Cinematic Universe hasn't even begun yet. But, once Robert Downey, Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans and Jeremy Renner all play through their contracts, Marvel is going to have to start over. Now, we don't think Marvel would ever reboot 'The Avengers' as a 70s detective TV series, but if they did? It'd look a lot like this...
Jeremy Renner Says There Are “Rumblings” of a Major Hawkeye Role in ‘Captain America 3′
While many people ponder the potential of a Black Widow spinoff at Marvel, few have wondered when we're getting a 'Hawkeye' movie. That's not to say that we don't love Jeremy Renner's sharpshooter, it's just that he hasn't gotten much to do in the Marvel universe so far. That may change as Renner says there are "rumblings" of a major role for Hawkeye in 'Captain America 3'.
‘The Hateful Eight’ Trailer: Watch the Early Teaser For Quentin Tarantino’s Next Film
While 'The Hateful Eight' doesn't even begin filming until early next year (headed for a December 2015 release date), we got word last week that the first trailer would be attached to prints of 'Sin City: A Dame to Kill For' in theaters this week. Which is cool! But, we also got word that the trailer wouldn't be appearing online. That's not so cool. If you can't wait until Friday for a sneak peek at Quentin Tarantino's next film, don't worry, it's popped up online anyway and you can watch it right now.
‘Ant-Man’ First Look: See Paul Rudd as the Latest Marvel Superhero
After a tumultuous few months that left many wondering whether it would even happen at all, Marvel's 'Ant-Man' officially began filming yesterday in San Francisco. Not 24 hours later, we have our first look at star Paul Rudd, our newest superhero entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe...
Pixar’s ‘The Good Dinosaur’ Has Been Completely “Dismantled and Reimagined”
Just about a year ago, Pixar announced that their planned 2014 movie 'The Good Dinosaur' would be moved to November 25, 2015 following the departure of director Bob Peterson. This is not necessarily unusual at Pixar with both 'Ratatouille' and 'Brave' undergoing last-minute director changes, but none perhaps will wind up being as drastic as 'Good Dinosaur...
Rumor Buster: Is Disney Really Bringing the ‘Star Wars’ Original Theatrical Releases to Blu-ray?
Over the weekend, a report surfaced on ComicBook.com that Disney is planning on releasing the uncut, original theatrical releases of 'Star Wars' on DVD and Blu-ray before 'Star Wars: Episode 7' hits theaters. It's a great thought and one we (and many 'Star Wars' fans) would love to see actually happen...
‘Batman vs. Superman’ Plot Details Revealed: What is Lex Luthor’s Plan?
Even a movie where two superheroes are fighting against other needs a supervillain. That's where Jesse Eisenberg's Lex Luthor comes into play. Every good villain needs an evil master plan and Lex Luthor is no exception, but what exactly is his nefarious plan? According to a new report, we've got a pretty good idea. SPOILERS AHEAD, obviously.
Who is Star-Lord’s Father? James Gunn on the Big Question For ‘Guardians of the Galaxy 2′
One of the big cliffhangers teased at the end of 'Guardians of the Galaxy' was the identity of Star-Lord's father. This left me slightly confused in the theater considering Quill's father in the comics - J'son - was widely known and largely uninteresting. But, director James Gunn is going on the record as saying that 'Guardians of the Galaxy 2' will veer from comic book canon and create a new identity for Peter Quill, including a new dad. So, who is Star-Lord's father?
Vin Diesel is Teasing Us Again, Hinting at a Role in Marvel’s ‘Inhumans’ Movie
Last summer, Vin Diesel began mysteriously teasing an upcoming meeting with Marvel. The internet, as you can imagine, exploded with speculation. Was it Vision? Thanos?? It turns out Diesel and Marvel had worked out a deal for the actor to voice Groot in 'Guardians of the Galaxy' with the promise that they'd work together again somewhere down the line...
‘Batman vs. Superman’ Release Date Moved Up to Avoid Marvel’s ‘Captain America 3′
With 'Batman vs. Superman' going up against 'Captain America 3' on the same date (May 6, 2016), you knew one of them would have to move, and now one of them has. After seeing what Marvel was able to do with 'Guardians of the Galaxy' this past weekend (over $94 million), Warner Bros...
Watch Two New ‘Captain America 2′ Deleted Scenes
While all eyes in the Marvel universe are on 'Guardians of the Galaxy' at the moment (and rightfully so), the other critically-praised and super-successful Marvel movie from this year - 'Captain America 2' - is making its way to DVD and Blu-ray in September...
Megan Fox to ‘Ninja Turtles’ Haters: “F— Off”
The internet has not been kind to the 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' reboot. This shouldn't be surprising to you, because a) you are on the internet, and b) you have seen the footage from the 'Ninja Turtles' reboot. (True story: during a recent 'Guardians of the Galaxy' screening in New York City, the crowd loudly booed the 'Ninja Turtles' trailer.) But, star Megan Fox has a word for all of those haters. Two words, actually.