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
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.
Adam Sandler Signs Deal to Star in Four Original Netflix Movies
Hot off the heels of their partnership with The Weinstein Co. to release their first original feature film ('Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2'), Netflix has announced yet another deal that will bring original movies to their subscription service. The company has just announced a deal with Adam Sandler for the exclusive rights to four upcoming movies that the comedian will star in and produce.
Nicolas Cage’s Upcoming Movie is Using Quotes From Satan in Its Ads
Usually when a studio is looking to promote their movie, they'll include a quote from a film critic lavishing superlatives on the movie in question. Nicolas Cage's upcoming movie 'Left Behind' is trying a different approach. Instead of quoting film critics, they're quoting Satan, The Prince of Darkness.
‘Avengers 3′ to Be Split Into Two Films?
With 'Avengers 2' over seven months away, it seems a little premature to already be talking about 'Avengers 3' rumors, but this one was too big and too crazy to ignore. A recent report claims that Marvel - following in the footsteps of 'The Hobbit' and 'The Hunger Games' - is looking to split 'Avengers 3' into two films that would be released in back-to-back years.
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.)
The Rock’s ‘Shazam!’ Movie Won’t Take Place in the ‘Justice League’ Universe
As 'Batman vs. Superman' very clearly teases the upcoming 'Justice League' crossover (the subtitle is 'Dawn of Justice' after all), we all sort of assumed that The Rock's long-teased 'Shazam!' movie would fit into that blueprint somehow. Even The Rock himself tweeted the art above of his character, Black Adam, fighting both Shazam and Superman. But, now it seems that 'Shazam!' will be operating independently from the rest of the other DC superheroes at Warner Bros.
Will ‘Guardians of the Galaxy 2′ Add Any New Superheroes to the Team?
While 'Guardians of the Galaxy' was able to pleasantly surprise people with how good it is, now all eyes are on 'Guardians of the Galaxy 2' and whether it can live up to the original. One thing we've all wondered about the sequel is whether the Guardians would be introduced to any Earth-bound heroes, or vice versa. Could there be any new members of the Guardians of the Galaxy?
What Would ‘The Avengers’ Look Like as a 70s TV Cop Show?
It's inevitable: one day there will be an 'Avengers' reboot. It's hard to think of now, as 'Avengers 2' hasn't even hit theaters and Phase 3 of Marvel's Cinematic Universe hasn't even begun yet. But, once Robert Downey, Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans and Jeremy Renner all play through their contracts, Marvel is going to have to start over. Now, we don't think Marvel would ever reboot 'The Avengers' as a 70s detective TV series, but if they did? It'd look a lot like this...
Jeremy Renner Says There Are “Rumblings” of a Major Hawkeye Role in ‘Captain America 3′
While many people ponder the potential of a Black Widow spinoff at Marvel, few have wondered when we're getting a 'Hawkeye' movie. That's not to say that we don't love Jeremy Renner's sharpshooter, it's just that he hasn't gotten much to do in the Marvel universe so far. That may change as Renner says there are "rumblings" of a major role for Hawkeye in 'Captain America 3'.
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?
Vin Diesel is Teasing Us Again, Hinting at a Role in Marvel’s ‘Inhumans’ Movie
Last summer, Vin Diesel began mysteriously teasing an upcoming meeting with Marvel. The internet, as you can imagine, exploded with speculation. Was it Vision? Thanos?? It turns out Diesel and Marvel had worked out a deal for the actor to voice Groot in 'Guardians of the Galaxy' with the promise that they'd work together again somewhere down the line...
‘Batman vs. Superman’ Release Date Moved Up to Avoid Marvel’s ‘Captain America 3′
With 'Batman vs. Superman' going up against 'Captain America 3' on the same date (May 6, 2016), you knew one of them would have to move, and now one of them has. After seeing what Marvel was able to do with 'Guardians of the Galaxy' this past weekend (over $94 million), Warner Bros...