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
Joss Whedon Explains Why He’s Not Returning For ‘Avengers: Infinity War’
We were on the ‘Avengers 2’ set last year and it was very clear, even though filming was only about halfway done, that Joss Whedon wouldn’t be coming back for another ‘Avengers’ movie. As we mentioned in our interview with him, he was, by his own admission, completely worn out. We didn’t address his future at the time, but now that filming has wrapped and the movie is only about three months away, Whedon was asked point blank about his return, and it’s pretty much what we all expected.
Adam Sandler to Star in ‘Ridiculous 6′ With All His Same Old Friends
Back in October, Netflix announced that they had signed Adam Sandler to star in four original movies that would premiere exclusively on their streaming service. Today, we have news on Sandler’s first project under this partnership; a western-comedy titled ‘Ridiculous 6’ that stars such familiar Sandler faces as Rob Schneider, Nick Swardson, Steve Buscemi, Jon Lovitz and Vanilla Ice as Mark Twain.
Whoopidy doo!
Joss Whedon on ‘Age of Ultron’: “The Avengers Must Die”
‘Avengers 2’ graced the cover of Empire Magazine this month, and while there are two covers featuring new looks at Ultron and the team’s new lineup, it’s something on the inside of this issue that caught our attention. Director Joss Whedon spoke to Empire and dropped this bomb: “I’ve come to the conclusion that Ultron is right. The Avengers need to die.”
‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay’ Passed ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ to Become the Biggest Movie of 2014
Sorry, Star-Lord. Marvel’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ was just passed by ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay’ as the highest grossing film of 2014. And, making that feat all the more impressive: ‘Mockingjay’ reached that mark in just 62 days, without the help of 3D or IMAX.
Anthony Mackie Calls ‘Captain America 3’ “Stupendous,” Wants to Star in Every Marvel Movie
There are some actors, like Idris Elba, who are weary of starring in big-budget superhero movies (“torture” was the specific word he used to describe the process). Anthony Mackie is not one of those actors. In fact, he couldn’t be more excited about his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Not only is he completely jacked up about starring in ‘Captain America 3’, he wants to star in every Marvel sequel. “Me and Groot can boogie!”
Ben Affleck’s Batman Will Reportedly Appear in ‘Suicide Squad’
While the upcoming DC Comics movie ‘Suicide Squad’ may have lost a Tom Hardy, it may be gaining a Ben Affleck. A new report suggests that Ben Affleck's Batman, will make a cameo at the end of the movie, introducing him to the new Joker (Jared Leto) and setting up his future standalone movies.
Possible spoilers ahead...
The Worst Oscar-Nominated Movies of All Time
Every year, when the Oscar nominations are announced, a considerable amount of time is spent debating who was snubbed. But for every film that was expecting to get nominated and didn't, there's a film that no one was expecting to get nominated and did. This is the story of those films. The movies you'll look back on and wonder exactly how the heck it ever got nominated for an Oscar.
‘Gremlins’ Remake Likely Dead, World Rejoices
A lot of your favorite 80s classics have been rebooted or remade into not-so-classics. It's the unfortunate state of the movie business. But, today, we get one back. The proposed ‘Gremlins’ remake, that was on the “fast track” as recently as this past April, may be as dead as a Gremlin in a hot tub.
Tom Hardy Drops Out of DC’s ‘Suicide Squad’ Movie, Jake Gyllenhaal to Step In?
Tom Hardy was one of many high-profile actors who, last month, signed on to star in Warner Bros.’ adaptation of the DC Comics title ‘Suicide Squad’. His co-stars included Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Jared Leto and Jai Courtney. But, the Squad will have to move on without its leader as Hardy has abruptly dropped out of the project.
Report: Marvel and Sony Deal Done, Spider-Man to Debut in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’
It was one of the most enticing bits of news to come out of the Sony e-mail hack: Marvel and Sony had deep discussions about introducing Spider-Man into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel badly wanted Spider-Man to be a part of 'Captain America: Civil War', but despite the best intentions from all parties, a deal was never struck and progress was reset back to square one. But, has hope been restored? A new report suggests that Marvel and Sony returned to the negotiating table and have struck a deal for Spidey to make his spectacular debut in 'Avengers: Infinity War, Part 1'.
James Cameron Says ‘Avatar 2’ Has Been Delayed Until 2017
Not long ago, we wondered aloud why James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ had been largely forgotten about only five years later, despite being the biggest movie of all-time. It doesn’t even seem like there is a lot of anticipation for ‘Avatar 2’, which Cameron is developing concurrently with Parts 3 & 4. Well, people will suddenly have a little more time to start getting excited for an ‘Avatar 2’, because Cameron announced today that the upcoming sequel has been pushed back a full year, to December 2017.
George Lucas Wanted to Direct ‘Star Wars: Episode 7′ Himself
Last month, George Lucas was asked if he had seen the ‘Star Wars: Episode 7’ trailer, and what his reaction was. He said he hadn’t watched the ‘Force Awakens’ trailer, had no plans to and was “not really” interested in the movie. We made him sad, we wrote at the time. But, maybe it wasn’t us that made him sad. While out promoting his new animated movie ‘Strange Magic’, Lucas reveals that he himself wanted to direct ‘Star Wars: Episode 7’.
‘Avengers 2′ Trailer: Ultron in the Flesh!
The last ‘Avengers 2’ trailer was pretty fantastic, but like all good teases, it left us wanting more. One cannot subside on a single Hulkbuster GIF alone! Well today our Marvel overlords have granted us the sweet release we so desperately need in a brand new ‘Avengers 2’ trailer and it was well worth the wait.
Maybe We Should Get Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader to Host the Golden Globes Next Year
Besides a funny opening monologue, the 2015 Golden Globes were kinda...boring? Which is weird, because the Golden Globes are supposed to be a lot of things, but boring isn't one of them. Their entire existence is pretty much to be the boozy, irreverent cousin to the Oscars. But, next year hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler won't be back to host (their three-year contract ended this year) and based on this awards presentation, we think they should give Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader a chance.
New ‘Ant-Man’ Photos Give Us a Different Look at Paul Rudd’s Costume
If you watched the new ‘Ant-Man’ trailer during the premiere of ‘Agent Carter’ earlier this week, you caught the note at the end to logon to EW.com to see more from the movie. Unfortunately, if you logged on, you didn’t really see anything, because all that stuff was actually in the magazine. But, now Entertainment Weekly’s new ‘Ant-Man’ images have finally appeared online and we get a good look at Paul Rudd in and out of the Ant-Man costume, as well as a new shot of Evangeline Lilly.
‘Deadpool’ Movie Looking to Cast T.J. Miller, ‘Game of Thrones’ Star Ed Skrein
Because rumors of a ‘Deadpool’ movie have lingered for many years and years, we’ll always remain a little skeptical that this movie is actually happening for real this time. But, following the news that Ryan Reynolds has officially signed on to star, comes word that casting on the project is ramping up as T.J. Miller (‘Silicon Valley’, ‘Transformers: Age of Extinction’) and Ed Skrein (formerly of ‘Game of Thrones’) are in talks to join the upcoming project.
Look Close, It’s the First ‘Ant-Man’ Poster!
If you’re going to make a movie called ‘Ant-Man’ about a superhero with the power to shrink down to tiny proportions and talk to insects, you better have a sense of humor about it. And that they do. Marvel has released the first ‘Ant-Man’ poster and you might want to get our your magnifying glasses for this one.
New ‘Avengers 2′ Pic Shows the Team at Their Unlikely New Hideout
A new ‘Avengers 2’ trailer is coming in less than a week (airing on January 12 during the College Football National Championship on ESPN) and when it arrives we’ll start to know a little bit more about the very secretive plot. As a little tease before the new trailer, we have a new photo from the film that gives us some insight as to how the Avengers deal with Ultron’s nefarious plot.
‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ Visual Effects Reel Highlights Some Incredible CGI
Having visited the set of a few Marvel movies, we can say that there are a lot of fully-constructed sets and practical effects in use on their big superhero movies. But, watching this new highlight reel from ILM on the making of ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ it’s pretty remarkable to see how they’re able to create full shots out of almost nothing.
‘The Interview’ to Begin Streaming Online Starting Today; $6 to Rent, $15 to Buy
Just last week it seemed possible that 'The Interview' may never be seen anytime soon as Sony Pictures canceled the theatrical release and claimed they had no immediate plans for a VOD debut. But, following yesterday's news that 'The Interview' will run in select theaters on Christmas Day, comes more details on their plans to simultaneously stream the film online.