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
Ben Affleck Will Reportedly Direct and Star in New Batman Film Set For 2018
When Warner Bros. announced their upcoming superhero schedule last year, one title notably missing was a solo Batman movie. Sure, Batman was going to be a big part of both Batman vs. Superman and the two Justice League movies, but would Batfleck be getting his own trilogy, a la The Dark Knight? It turns out, yes, yes he will. Latino Review is reporting that Ben Affleck will both star in and direct the spinoff, titled The Batman, which is set for November 2018.
‘Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension’ Trailer: Found Footage Goes 3D
The first three Paranormal Activity movies, released in successive years from 2009-2011, made over $577 million worldwide. The fourth movie made half what the previous film did, and the fifth, a Latin-American themed spinoff subtitled The Marked Ones, made even less than that. The film built up a complicated mythology and then seemed to abandon it all. The next, and reportedly final, Paranormal Activity movie will arrive in theaters this fall (in 3D, no less) and promises to reveal all the film’s secrets. Now you can watch the trailer for the latest installment and see if you still care.
Here’s How Marvel Congratulated ‘Jurassic World’ on Beating the ‘Avengers’ Record
Just a few days ago, box office analysts were predicting a $125 million opening weekend for Jurassic World. Defying all expectations, Jurassic World brought in a whopping $209 million making it the biggest opening weekend of all-time, beating the previous record holder, The Avengers. The team at Marvel took it all in stride, releasing this poster on Twitter congratulating the Jurassic World crew on their achievement.
Chris Hemsworth Joins ‘Ghostbusters’ Reboot as New Receptionist
If you had told us about a year ago that Chris Hemsworth would be starring in the new Ghostbusters movie, we never would’ve guessed he’d be the one sitting behind the desk answering phones. But, the Marvel action hero has indeed signed on to Paul Feig’s Ghostbusters reboot as the ersatz Janine Melnitz to Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones.
Watch the First ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2’ Trailer!
If The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 left you wanting more, the wait for the final installment in the Hunger Games series is almost over. You still have a few more months left to go, but today we have the first official trailer for Mockingjay - Part 2 and it’s everything you wanted and needed.
‘Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation’ Trailer: Tom Cruise Faces Off Against the Anti-IMF
The new Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation trailer doesn’t offer up anything drastically different from the usual Mission: Impossible movie — Tom Cruise, shadowy government agents, an elegantly dressed woman kicking ass, insane stunts, an improbable task — but it does all those things (and does them all so well), it’s hard to not get excited for the upcoming fifth installment.
Watch David Letterman’s Final, Star-Studded Top Ten List
There were no scheduled guests on the final episode of The Late Show With David Letterman (minus The Foo Fighters, who closed out the night with a performance of “Everlong”), but that didn’t mean that a few of Letterman’s old friends didn’t stop by to say goodbye one last time. Some of the funniest people alive all came together to present one final Top Ten list, Things I've Always Wanted to Say To Dave.
Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy Confirms ‘Indiana Jones’ Reboot Is Coming
When the rumors began to spread that Lucasfilm wanted Chris Pratt to star in a new Indiana Jones reboot, many “insiders” tried to refute those claims by saying an Indiana Jones reboot would never happen. But now, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has confirmed that a new Indiana Jones movie is on the way, saying it “will one day be made” at Disney.
‘It’ Remake Casts Its Pennywise and It’s Probably Not at All Who You’d Expect
After a very long search that looked at a wide variety of actors, the upcoming remake of Stephen King’s It has found its new Pennywise the Clown. And, you can keep guessing for a very long time, because we’re pretty sure you’ll never guess who it is.
‘Star Wars: Episode 7’ Photos Reveal Kylo Ren Unmasked, Lupita Nyong’o and More!
It's a Star Wars tradition to participate in a splashy Vanity Fair cover shoot by famed photographer Annie Liebowitz and Star Wars: Episode 7 is no different (although it almost was: rumors were that J.J. Abrams wanted to buck that tradition, but Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy was able to talk him into it). The cast and crew of The Force Awakens are on the cover of the upcoming June issue and while even more photos will be revealed, we do get our first look at Adam Driver without his Kylo Ren mask and Lupita Nyong’o’s motion-capture character!
First Clear, Full Color Look at Ben Affleck in Costume From ‘Batman vs. Superman’
The Batman vs. Superman trailer came and went, and we still didn't get a great look at Ben Affleck in the traditional Batman costume (we’ll leave that armored suit out of this). We’ve all seen that black and white promo shot, but what does Batfleck look like in clear, full color? Today, we have that answer.
Watch the New ‘Star Wars: Episode 7’ Trailer!
The brand new Star Wars: Episode 7 trailer premiered this morning at Star Wars Celebration, as J.J. Abrams and the film’s cast showed off the footage to a packed audience of hardcore Star Wars fans. But, you don't have to be in Anaheim to get a new look at The Force Awakens: we've got the trailer for you right here, right now!
‘Ant-Man’ Trailer: Superheroes Don’t Get Bigger Than This
Ant-Man may provide Marvel it's biggest challenge yet. Yes, even bigger than that movie that starred a talking tree and a talking raccoon. But, just as they turned the little-known Guardians of the Galaxy into one of the biggest movies of the year, Marvel may be able to do the same with Ant-Man. The new Ant-Man trailer has a balance of action and humor that might remind you of some friends from another part of the Galaxy.
Watch an Extended ‘Avengers 2’ Clip of the Epic Hulk vs. Hulkbuster Fight
Since the very first Avengers 2 trailer, one of the scenes we were most looking forward to was the Hulk vs. Hulkbuster battle. If you just can’t wait until May 1, last night during the MTV Movie Awards, Marvel premiered an extended clip showing you more of the epic brawl between the two Avengers powerhouses.
‘Tron 3’ Will Bring Back Olivia Wilde and Garrett Hedlund
Tron 3, the sequel to 2010’s Tron: Legacy, was announced earlier this year with a lot of questions. Why?, chiefly among them. Also, would any of the original cast return? It was originally announced that Jeff Bridges would likely not be coming back, but would Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde return? Today, we have some confirmation as Disney has announced that Hedlund and Wilde will reprise their roles from Tron: Legacy, joining director Joseph Kosinski on the upcoming sequel.
‘Avengers 2’ Won’t Have a Post Credits Scene, Says Joss Whedon
It’s a little strange that one of the most anticipated moments in Avengers 2 isn’t even something that takes place during the movie. Of course, we all want to see the team battle Ultron, but fans are already abuzz over what will be revealed in the post-credits scene. No need to wait any longer! We now have our answer, courtesy of director Joss Whedon: nothing.
‘Star Wars’ Movies Coming to Digital HD For First Time on April 10
While it may not be the original theatrical release DVD box set that everyone has been clamoring for, 20th Century Fox, Disney and Lucasfilm have teamed up for a brand new home video release. The Star Wars saga — Episodes I-VI — will be available on Digital HD for the first time on April 10.
‘The Daily Show’ Names Trevor Noah as Jon Stewart’s Replacement
The Daily Show and Comedy Central have announced that, after a long search with many rumored candidates, Trevor Noah will succeed the retiring Jon Stewart as the host of the late night program. Noah, a 31-year-old stand-up comedian, has served as a correspondent for the show but, so far, has only made three appearances.
‘Deadpool’ First Look: Ryan Reynolds Reveals the Movie Costume
Deadpool has finally begun filming after over 8 years in development. It's been a long time for Ryan Reynolds and fans of the merc with a mouth, but to help thank you for your support (and help getting this movie made), Reynolds has tweeted out the first look at his new costume in the film.
Ludacris Wants to Star in a ‘Fast and Furious’ Spinoff With Tyrese, But Needs Your Help
Increasingly the Fast and Furious franchise has felt like a superhero franchise. A group of heroes with seemingly infinite strength and abilities taking on the bad guys and becoming a family in the process. It's like Avengers meets the Fantastic Four, but with a lot of cars. With the movies already up to Part 7 and Paul Walker sadly gone, the series can't go on forever. So, how do they continue the brand? Just like the superheroes do: with spinoffs.