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
‘Bond 24’ Officially Titled ‘Spectre’, Full Cast Announced
After much speculation, the official title and cast of 'Bond 24' was announced earlier this morning in London by director Sam Mendes. New castmembers—joining returning stars Daniel Craig, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris and Ralph Fiennes—include Christoph Waltz, Andrew Scott, Dave Bautista, Monica Bellucci, and Léa Seydoux. But, why read about this when you can watch it?
‘Star Wars: Episode 7’ Trailer Beats ‘Avengers 2’ Record; Could Become Biggest of All-Time
Much was made about how the ‘Avengers 2' trailer broke online viewing records for 2014, shattering the previous record by ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’. But, records were made to be broken and it took just over a month for the ‘Avengers 2’ trailer to be surpassed, not surprisingly by the ‘Star Wars: Episode 7’ trailer, which, if it keeps up at its current pace, could set the all-time record for trailer views.
Report: Chris Pratt to Star in ‘Cowboy Ninja Viking’ Movie
Chris Pratt starred in the biggest (‘Guardians of the Galaxy’) and third-biggest (‘The LEGO Movie’) movies of the year. He’s starring in what will surely be one of the biggest movies of next year (‘Jurassic World’). He’s smart, funny, affable and attractive. Your mom loves him. Your grandma loves him. Everyone loves him. He’s got an amazing future in front of him and everyone anxiously awaits word on what his next project will be. Another mega-franchise? A high-profile drama? Wait, what’s that? He’s going to be starring in a movie called ‘Cowboy Ninja Viking’? Huh.
‘Star Wars: Episode 7′ Trailer Description: What Will We See in the First Footage?
The ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ trailer is coming soon. Very soon. This much we know. The footage is edited and, according to reports, composer John Williams recorded the new music for the trailer this weekend. But, what we all want to know, is what the ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ trailer will look like. And, now we have a pretty good idea.
Margot Robbie to Star as Harley Quinn in DC’s ‘Suicide Squad’ Movie
Things got interesting with the upcoming 'Suicide Squad' movie when it was revealed that Jesse Eisenberg would be returning after 'Batman vs. Superman' to star as Lex Luthor. Then, things got really interesting when it was revealed that Jared Leto was in talks to star as The Joker, introducing Batman's greatest nemesis in the new era of 'Justice League' films. What was once thought to be a ragtag group of B-side villains is now shaping up to be a roster full of DC's evil A-list villains. And, now you can even more iconic villain to the lineup. What would any Joker appearance in 'Suicide Squad' be without Harley Quinn, who will be played by 'Wolf of Wall Street' star Margot Robbie.
‘Star Wars: Episode 7′ Official Title Announced: ‘The Force Awakens’
We thought that the 'Star Wars: Episode 7' title might get officially announced this past summer at Comic-Con, but that event came and went with no official reveal. So, what better way to announce the new title than a random Thursday in November? Just this morning on Twitter, Lucasfilm and the official 'Star Wars' Twitter account revealed the 'Star Wars: Episode 7' title: 'A Force Awakens'.
Has Jessica Chastain Had Talks With Marvel About Playing Captain Marvel?
Once upon a time, back in 2012, Jessica Chastain was in talks with Marvel to star in 'Iron Man 3' as scientist Maya Hansen. Chastain eventually passed on the role saying, "My schedule is jammed packed and I can’t fit anything else in." (The part would eventually go to actress Rebecca Hall.) At the time, Chastain posted to her Facebook fans, "Hopefully there’ll be another Marvel film in my future." Has that time come already?
Christian Bale Unexpectedly Drops Out of Steve Jobs Biopic
Christian Bale has abruptly pulled out of Danny Boyle's planned Steve Jobs biopic, just two weeks after entering discussions with Sony Pictures and Boyle over playing the iconic Apple CEO. Though Bale hadn't officially signed for the part (and hadn't even begun contract negotiations), his participation was considered a near certainly and his unexpected departure is another casting blow for the project, which already had Leonardo DiCaprio turn down the starring role.
‘Fast and Furious 7′ Gets Official Poster, Title and Trailer Release Date
Were it not for the untimely and tragic death of Paul Walker, 'Fast and Furious 7' would have been released this past July and probably would be making its way to DVD and Blu-ray within the next few weeks. But, the release date was pushed back to April 3, 2015 and, after some lengthy reshoots, we're finally ready to see the first footage from the film next week.
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.
Could Spider-Man Be Joining the ‘Avengers’ in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
Just yesterday, we heard the very sad and strange tale of acrimony that currently exists between Marvel and Fox, the studio that owns the 'X-Men' and 'Fantastic Four' movie rights. It will very likely be a cold day in hell by the time we ever see the likes of Iron Man and Wolverine pair up on the big screen (regardless of what Hugh Jackman says), but is it possible that The Avengers could actually be crossing over with another superhero from another universe? Namely, The Amazing Spider-Man?
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.