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
Meet the Cast of the All-Female ‘Ghostbusters’ Movie!
Since the news of an all-female 'Ghostbusters' was announced, we've all had lots of fun attempting to reverse-gender cast the film. Melissa McCarthy! Amy Poehler! Emma Stone!! All that speculation has come to an end. Director Paul Feig tweeted a picture of four women that serves as your an official reveal of the new 'Ghostbusters' cast.
‘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!”
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.
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'.
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’.
‘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.
‘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.
James Gunn Says You Shouldn’t Expect the Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers to Crossover
Everyone has assumed that, at some point towards the end of this current Marvel Cinematic Universe, the paths of the Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers would cross. Yes, one superhero team is busy protecting Earth, and the other occupied in outer space, it makes too much sense to not have them meet up in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ right? Never mind the “it makes sense” part, we just really want this to happen. Well, we might never happen according to ‘Guardians’ director James Gunn who warns fans about making such assumptions.
‘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.