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
‘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.
Original ‘Ghostbusters’ Star Thinks Female-Led Reboot is a Bad Idea
Most of us have felt that a 'Ghostbusters' sequel/reboot is a bad idea for a long time. In fact, so many people have thought it's a bad idea that Sony Pictures had a hard time finding anyone to even work on it (Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg turned the project down multiple times). But, when it was announced that Paul Feig would be directing a female-led 'Ghostbusters' movie, we had to at least respect that they were trying something different instead of just another tired sequel. Unfortunately not everyone feels that way, including original Ghostbuster Ernie Hudson.
Robert Downey, Jr. Agrees to Star in ‘Iron Man 4′ (On One Condition…)
First, the good news: Robert Downey, Jr. has agreed to star in 'Iron Man 4' for Marvel! Considering everything he has been saying over the past year or so - essentially that he can't imagine an 'Iron Man 4' ever happening - that's a major step in the right direction and a huge win for Marvel Studios. But...Downey's agreement has come with one rather large condition. That his old friend, and current member of the Hollywood blacklist, Mel Gibson be allowed to direct.
‘Tetris’ Movie in the Works, Will Be a “Very Big, Epic Sci-Fi” Film
What was a joke just two years ago, is now going to be a reality: the classic strategy video game 'Tetris' is becoming a movie.
Celebrate ‘Ghostbusters’ 30th Anniversary With Stay Puft Marshmallow Donuts at Krispy Kreme
There are a few ways you could celebrate the 30th anniversary of 'Ghostbusters'. You could watch the film again with the new 30th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray. You could sing Bobby Brown's "On Our Own" at karaoke. Or, you could gorge yourself on sweet 'Ghostbusters' inspired donuts at Krispy Kreme. (We choose the latter.)
Who Should Star in an All-Female ‘Ghostbusters’ Reboot, According to Bill Murray
At this point, any new 'Ghostbusters' movie has been fancasted within an inch of its life. Any actor working today under the age of 40? They've been considered for the 'Ghostbusters' movie. Shoot, there's a chance you were considered to star in the 'Ghostbusters' movie. So, there's no point in going over yet another list of who should star in 'Ghostbusters 3' or whatever it is they're calling it these days. Unless, of course, the person who made that list is Bill Murray. In that case, *in rapt*.
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?"
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.
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?
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...
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?