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
Does ‘Batman vs. Superman’ Want More Batman, Less Superman?
The on-screen battle of Batman vs. Superman will play out in theaters next year, but the behind-the-scenes battle may be playing out in the editing room as the two superheroes jockey for screen time in one of the biggest films of 2016. According to a new report, Warner Bros. executives have asked Zack Snyder for more Batman in the movie at the expense of the Man of Steel.
‘Batman vs. Superman’ Is a ‘Very Serious’ Movie, Says Jesse Eisenberg
Noted Comic-Con hater, actor and apparently now writer, Jesse Eisenberg, appeared on NBC’s Today to promote his upcoming book of short stories “Bream Gives Me Hiccups” and talk eventually turned to Batman vs. Superman. It was at this point that Eisenberg, who plays Lex Luthor in the upcoming superhero movie, assured us all that not only is Batman vs. Superman a “phenomenal” movie, but that’s it’s also a “very serious” movie. To which, the entire universe responded with a resounding, no freaking duh.
Win a Sphero BB-8, One of the Coolest ‘Star Wars’ Toys Ever Made!
There were a lot of exciting toys announced yesterday during the epic 18-hour Star Wars Force Friday reveals, but none as exciting as the BB-8 toy from Sphero. We’ve been gushing about BB-8 since Star Wars Celebration and counting down the days until we could own one. And now that the day is here, it is perhaps even more fun than we imagined.
Joaquin Phoenix on Starring in Superhero Movies: ‘It’s Best I Don’t Do It’
Over the past few years, Joaquin Phoenix has flirted with multiple big-budget superhero movies. He was offered roles in The Avengers (as Bruce Banner/Hulk), Batman vs. Superman and Marvel’s Doctor Strange, and come very close to signing a deal (Marvel was hoping up until the very last moment to be able to introduce Phoenix as Strange at Comic-Con in 2014) before eventually opting to pass on all three. But, why? The actor opened up about his decision making process admitting that it’s probably best if he doesn’t ever star in a superhero movie.
2016 Oscars to Hire a ‘Well-Known’ Duo as Next Year’s Hosts
Last years Oscars host Neil Patrick Harris said almost immediately after the broadcast that he “doubted” he would ever do it again, explaining, “I don’t know that my family nor my soul could take it.” Which, of course, meant that the search for a replacement was on almost immediately. But, if you’re looking for just one person, you may be barking up the wrong tree. This year’s Oscars producers say “there will be multiple hosts for sure.”
‘Spectre’ May Be Daniel Craig’s Last James Bond Movie
Daniel Craig was cast as James Bond back in October 2005 and almost immediately there was controversy. A London newspaper ran the headline the next morning “The Name’s Bland – James Bland” and fans started up the site danielcraigisnotbond.com urging moviegoers to boycott Casino Royale. Now, three films into Craig’s era as 007 (with the last being the most critically and commercially successful James Bond film of all-time), the actor is talking about leaving the franchise and, in a sign of how far public opinion has reversed, fans couldn’t be more upset.
‘Concussion’ Trailer: Will Smith Takes on the NFL
As of December 2012, thirty-three former NFL players have been formally diagnosed post-mortem with CTE. As the NFL continues to try to bury the issue (they recently denied permission to Seau’s daughter to speak in-person at her father’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony over fears she would publicize the CTE debate), a new film looks to tackle the issue head on and today we have our first look at Concussion.
‘Captain America: Civil War’ Promo Art Gives First Look at the New Superhero Teams!
Earlier this month we brought you confirmation on the two sides in Captain America: Civil War. On Team Captain America we had Hawkeye, Falcon, Bucky/Winter Soldier, Ant-Man and Scarlet Witch, while on Team Iron Man there was Vision, Black Widow, War Machine and Spider-Man. Today, we have some brand new Captain America: Civil War promo art that confirms those warring factions of Marvel superheroes with some interesting new twists!
Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Schumer Teaming Up to Write and Star in Upcoming Comedy
Earlier this summer, Trainwreck star Amy Schumer tweeted photos of her partying with newfound BFF Jennifer Lawrence in The Hamptons. Now, it seems like Schumer and Lawrence are more than just party pals, they’re future co-stars. Lawrence revealed the new friends are currently writing a script together that they plan to star in.
New ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Teaser: ‘There Has Been an Awakening…’
As both Comic-Con and D23 went by without a new Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer we were left to wonder when exactly we’d see the next footage from the upcoming. Well, get ready. That time is now. “Have you felt it?”
‘The Martian’ Trailer: Bring Matt Damon Back Home
A crew of insanely smart scientists travel to a barren alien landscape. After an interstellar storm, one of the crew is left behind and presumed dead. He is, however, very much alive, and slowly begins plotting his return. No, it’s not the story of Doctor Doom in the new Fantastic Four reboot...OK, it is, but it’s also the plot for the upcoming Ridley Scott sci-fi drama The Martian, and today we’ve got a brand new trailer for you.
‘Goonies’ House Closed to Fans After Harassment, Vandalism From Visitors
The real-life Goonies house in Astoria, Oregon has becoming something of a mecca for fans of the 80s cult classic. They would stop by, take pictures, do the Truffle Shuffle and all was good. But all of that Pacific Northwest hospitality has disappeared as the owner of the house has gotten sick of the attention and blocked access to the property, including covering the outside of the house in tarps. Hey, you guyyyyyys…get off my lawn!