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
J.J. Abrams From the ‘Star Wars: Episode 7′ Set: “I Wish People Would Stop Leaking Photos”
This week has seen over 50 images leak from the 'Star Wars: Episode 7' set showing off new creatures, the Tatooine set and confirming the existence of the Millennium Falcom. This is all highly unusual for a J.J. Abrams movie, where he likes to keep things as secretive as possible and, today, Abrams responded to the many leaks on Twitter with a note from the set.
‘Ant-Man’ Loses Another Director; What Will Marvel Do Now?
After Edgar Wright left Marvel's 'Ant-Man,' the studio quickly made an offer to Adam McKay ('Anchorman'), hoping the director could help save the project. The two sides entered "advanced negotiations" but shortly thereafter, McKay decided to pass on the film. Marvel was really in a bind at this point, so they reached out to the #2 option on their shortlist, 'We're the Millers' director Rawson Thurber, with an offer. But, late yesterday came word (via The Wrap) that Thurber too has passed on the job.
WTF? Someone Edited All the ‘Star Wars’ Dialogue in Alphabetical Order
During a week when everyone is excited over some fairly benign 'Star Wars: Episode 7' set pics (which you can see here and here!), it shouldn't really surprise us that someone reedited the original 'Star Wars' so all the dialogue is in alphabetical order, yet still...
‘Star Wars: Episode 7′ First Look: It’s the New Millennium Falcon!
We had heard late last year that a full-scale Millennium Falcon was built for 'Star Wars: Episode 7' in London, but it's one thing to hear about a new, full-scale Millennium Falcon and actually see a new, full-scale Millennium Falcon. Well, wait no longer because hot off the heels of yesterday's set photo leak from Tatooine, today we have photos of Millennium Falcon throughout its construction, as
New ‘Star Wars: Episode 7′ Set Pics: More From Tatooine, Including New Creatures!
The 'Star Wars: Episode 7' set in Abu Dhabi was described as being so far out in the middle of the dessert that it would be near impossible to get paparazzi shots of the top secret set. What they apparently didn't count on was one of the film's extras - soon to be never working in Hollywood again - taking a bunch of photos and selling them to TMZ...
Josh Brolin to Star as Thanos in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and Beyond!
We've speculated for months on who would be playing Thanos, the overarching villain of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Would it be Vin Diesel? Benicio Del Toro? Kevin Feige said they had the actor cast, but that they weren't ready to reveal who it was just yet. Well, they might not be ready, but that doesn't matter because the word is out.
Is ‘Ant-Man’ in Danger of Missing Its 2015 Release Date?
When it was announced that Edgar Wright was leaving 'Ant-Man,' Marvel said in its statement that the planned July 17, 2015 release date would not be changed. But, as the reality of the situation sets in and Marvel scrambles to find a suitable replacement, it's becoming apparent that, despite their assertions, Marvel is very much in risk of missing their 2015 date.
Marvel Shocker: Edgar Wright Leaves ‘Ant-Man’
Lately, it's been nothing but roses for Marvel fans, but today comes the rare bummer, and it's a big one. Edgar Wright, who co-wrote and was set to direct Marvel's next superhero film, 'Ant-Man,' has abruptly left the project.
Quentin Tarantino Wants to Make a 4-Hour ‘Django Unchained’ Miniseries
While we're still not sure what Quentin Tarantino's next film will be, the director was at the Cannes Film Festival and revealed he's looking to revisit one of his previous films. The director told an audience at a press conference celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Cannes premiere of 'Pulp Fiction' that he's got about 90 minutes of unseen footage from 'Django Unchained' that he would like to
‘Big Hero 6′ Trailer: Watch the First Footage From Disney’s Animated Marvel Movie
'Big Hero 6' is Disney's first animated movie since the massive success of 'Frozen' and it's also Disney's first animated Marvel movie. For those reasons alone, 'Big Hero 6' should make a ton of money. But, then you see this brand new trailer and you realize this is a movie that both kids and adults alike are gonna love.
‘Batman vs. Superman’ Gets an Official Title: Enter the ‘Dawn of Justice’
For the past year or so, we've been calling 'Batman vs. Superman' 'Batman vs. Superman' only because we didn't have an official title. There were rumors of 'World's Finest' but nothing was ever confirmed as an official title for the film, but 'Batman vs...
The Latest Actor to Join ‘Star Wars: Episode 7′ Could Be…You?!
Do you want to star in 'Star Wars: Episode 7'? No, seriously. Today, J.J. Abrams and Lucasfilm announced one of the biggest 'Star Wars' contests ever, with the grand prize including being cast as an original character in 'Star Wars: Episode 7'. So, what do you need to do to win?
James Gunn Says Vin Diesel Is Not Thanos in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’
We theorized that Vin Diesel was secretly cast as Thanos under the guise of Groot, but, now 'Guardians' director James Gunn says that's not true and we're right back to square one. During the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' fan Q&A on Facebook yesterday, one fan did God's work and asked Gunn straight up who would be playing Thanos.
‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Trailer: OH. YEAH.
It's time to start getting really excited for 'Guardians of the Galaxy.' While the past two months have brought us superhero movies like 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier,' 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' and 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' (with varying results), we mustn't forget that there's still a big one on the way in Marvel's 'Guardians of the Galaxy' and what better way to remind yourself of this summer's other entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with this fantastic new trailer.
Read J.J. Abrams’ Heartfelt Note to the ‘Star Wars: Episode 7′ Cast and Crew as Filming Begins
Director J.J. Abrams and the cast and crew of 'Star Wars: Episode 7' have an uphill battle ahead of them as they launch the new trilogy in the 'Star Wars' franchise. How do you motivate your team when you're embarking on one of the biggest and riskiest cinematic ventures in recent history? Well, as filming began on Friday, J.J. Abrams wrote a note to inspire everyone working on the film (and, it m
Are the ‘Star Wars’ Original Theatrical Releases Finally Arriving on DVD and Blu-ray?
It's the holy grail for 'Star Wars' fans: the original theatrical releases of 'A New Hope,' 'The Empire Strikes Back' and 'Return of the Jedi' on DVD and Blu-ray. Right now, if you want to watch the theatrical versions of the original trilogy - without all the crap from the 1997 special editions - you have to own one of the original VHS copies, or find a bootleg rip of the 1985 Laserdisc. But, wit
‘Star Wars: Episode 7′ Officially Begins Filming, Plus Your First Official Photo From the Set!
The force is almost with you. 'Star Wars: Episode 7,' which opens in theaters on December 18, 2015, officially began filming earlier this morning and we already have our first official photo tweeted from the set!
Channing Tatum Confirmed to Star as Gambit in Upcoming ‘X-Men’ Spinoff
We've been talking about Channing Tatum starring as Gambit, the popular X-Men character, for years and years now. Tatum even auditioned for the part in 'X-Men: The Last Stand' before the character was eventually cut from the film. But, after all that talk, it's finally confirmed: Channing Tatum will star as Gambit in an upcoming 'X-Men' spinoff movie.
‘Alien’ Designer and Surrealist Artist H.R. Giger Dead at 74
H.R. Giger, the surrealist artist hired by director Ridley Scott to design the creature and the sets for his 1979 film 'Alien,' has died at the age of 74 from injuries he sustained after suffering a fall.
‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ Trailer: Apes Together Strong
The full 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' trailer has arrived, and it's a testament to how good this movie really looks that we all really know what's going to happen (it's called 'Planet of the Apes' not 'Planet of the Humans' for a reason), yet it's still incredibly suspenseful.