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
Don’t Worry, ‘Justice League’ Won’t Be as Dark as ‘Batman vs. Superman’
As we speculated the other day, it’s possible that the negative reception to Batman vs. Superman could impact how Warner Bros. and director Zack Snyder proceed with Justice League. The two-part Justice League movie is currently scheduled to begin filming in three weeks, but it looks like Snyder and team have already made the decision to have their superhero crossover movie be less dark and more fun.
Paul McCartney Joins the Cast of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 5’
After filming has already wrapped, Pirates of the Caribbean 5 (subtitled Dead Men Tell No Tales) has quietly gone back into production to film one big and crucial scene with a new star, Paul McCartney. Yes, THAT Paul McCartney.
‘Wonder Woman’ Movie First Look: The Amazon Women Assemble!
Though critics so far have not been kind to Batman vs. Superman (currently at a 32% on Rotten Tomatoes), one of the bright spots for the film has been the reception to Wonder Woman who, despite her minimal screen time, has earned highly positive reviews. Perhaps looking to capitalize on that word of mouth, Warner Bros. has wisely decided to reveal the first official photo from the upcoming Wonder Woman movie, including our first look at Hippolyta, Antiope and Menalippe.
‘The LEGO Batman Movie’ Trailer: The Dawn of Justice in Brick Form
Everyone who goes to see Batman vs. Superman this weekend is going to get an extra treat: a first look at the new Batman movie. No, not Batfleck, the real Batman. LEGO Batman. But, if you absolutely, positively can’t wait until you see it in the theaters, you can watch The LEGO Batman Movie trailer right now...
Disney and Marvel Threaten to Boycott Georgia Over Anti-Gay Legislation
In the past, many Marvel movies like Avengers and Age of Ultron filmed in Pinewood Studios in London, but with the opening of Pinewood’s new studio in Atlanta, Georgia (and the generous tax incentives that come along with filming in the state), many Marvel productions like Captain America: Civil War and Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 have moved down to the ATL. Marvel has plans to shoot a number of their upcoming productions in Atlanta, including Avengers: Infinity War, but that could change if Georgia signs into law House Bill 757, the “religious liberty” act, that would allow organizations to deny services or fire employees who are gay.
Rumor Buster: No, ‘Step Brothers 2’ Isn’t Filming This Year
If you’ve logged onto Facebook or trolled Reddit today, you surely saw the exciting news: Step Brothers 2 is officially happening and it begins filming this year! Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly are back and they’re taking care of a baby! Oh great, a sequel to one of the funniest comedies of the past 25 years! Except it’s not true.
Simon Pegg in Talks to Join Steven Spielberg’s ‘Ready Player One’
It’s almost amazing to think that at this point Simon Pegg hasn’t starred in a Steven Spielberg film, but that’s all about to change. Pegg is currently in talks to join the cast of Spielberg’s Ready Player One, which already has Tye Sheridan (X-Men: Apocalypse), Olivia Cooke (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl) and Ben Mendelsohn (Star Wars: Rogue One) set to star...
Theater Owners Shoot Down Proposed Plan to Release New Films at Home on Opening Day
Two weeks ago came word of a controversial, yet intriguing concept proposed to both Hollywood studios and theater owners: a new encrypted set-top box that would allow moviegoers to watch new releases the same day they open in theaters. So, for example, you could watch Batman vs. Superman on March 25 on your couch for $50. The plan was generating some buzz and support from filmmakers like J.J. Abrams and Peter Jackson, but received its biggest setback today as the National Organization of Theater Owners have officially dismissed the proposal.
‘Tomb Raider’ Reboot Wants Daisy Ridley as New Lara Croft
Not sure if you saw that Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie that came out a few months ago, but if you missed it, I’ll let you in on a little something: actress Daisy Ridley is pretty great! You can have your beefs with J.J. Abrams and his lens flares and mystery boxes all you want, but you can’t deny that the man has a remarkable eye for talent...
Did ‘Guardians of the Galaxy 2’ Just Add Sylvester Stallone to the Cast?
Last month when Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 director James Gunn revealed on Facebook that Kurt Russell, Elizabeth Debicki and Chris Sullivan had joined the cast of his sequel, he promised “We’ll have more surprises for you in the coming months.” Has one of those surprises already been spoiled?
How Disney Turned a Cute, Talking Animal Movie Into an Commentary on Race Relations
As the story goes, corrupt government officials intentionally introduced a dangerous drug into marginalized minority communities resulting in increased power for politicians and law enforcement through the manipulated fear of the middle class.
This narrative has been the subject of a number of popular conspiracy theories over the years concerning the CIA’s alleged involvement in the crack cocaine epidemic among the African American community in the mid-80s. It’s also the plot of the 55th Disney animated movie starring a group of cute, talking animals.
Over 20,000 Goobers Sign Petition to Get Deadpool to Host SNL
Deadpool made a ton of money this past weekend. At 84% on Rotten Tomatoes it’s been a success with critics too. It’s already influencing multiple future blockbusters. People love Deadpool. Apparently people love Deadpool so much they want him to host SNL. No, not Ryan Reynolds, he already hosted back in 2009 with musical guest Lady Gaga. Over 20,000 fans and counting want the character himself to host a full episode of SNL.