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
‘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.
There Will Never Be a ‘Back to the Future’ Sequel or Reboot
It's almost surprising at this point that there has not been a 'Back to the Future' reboot or sequel. When you look back at the popular and successful properties of the 80s, there are few that haven't been modernized. Sony is practically falling all over themselves to get a new 'Ghostbusters' in theaters. This year alone saw new 'RoboCop,' 'Muppets,' 'Ninja Turtles,' 'Jump Street' and 'Transformers' movies. But, despite the frequency of these remakes, it doesn't look like you'll ever see a new 'Back to the Future' movie. And, that's a pretty great thing.
‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Star Dave Bautista Cast as ‘Bond 24′ Villain
We'd previously heard that the 'Bond 24' filmmakers wanted the villain for the upcoming sequel to be unlike the modern day villains and instead a throwback to the big hulking henchmen like Jaws or Oddjob. The casting call was looking for "an imposing, extremely physically fit actor" over 6'2" tall. Not a ton of guys like that around, but the director Sam Mendes didn't have to look further than the biggest movie of the year.
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.
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.
‘Star Wars’ Spinoff to Follow Obi-Wan Kenobi?
So far, we have heard rumors that two of the three planned 'Star Wars' spinoffs were to follow Boba Fett and Han Solo. Then there was the mysterious third spinoff, which we haven't much concrete information on. Until now. A recent report suggests that despite earlier reports that the spinoffs wouldn't follow any Jedi or Sith characters, Lucasfilm is currently working with artists and a writer to develop an Obi-Wan Kenobi movie.
The ‘Batman vs. Superman’ Batmobile Gets an Official Reveal From Zack Snyder
Perhaps frustrated by the leaked shots of the Batmobile from the 'Batman vs. Superman' set, director Zack Snyder took to Twitter late last night to post an update of his own: an official full shot of the new Batmobile.
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?
Don’t Expect a Disney Animated Movie Set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe Any Time Soon
When it was first announced that Disney was purchasing Marvel, the minds of many fans leapt immediately to the possibility of a Disney-Pixar animated Marvel movie. We're sorta getting that in November with 'Big Hero 6' but as that movie approaches, it's become very clear that it's not really much of Marvel movie at all, other than being loosely based on the obscure 90s comic. What fans really want to know is if we'll ever see a Disney or Pixar animated movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. John Lasseter, who runs both Disney Animation and Pixar, has your answer: no.
Steve Carell Attached to Star in Looney Tunes Spinoff Based on the Acme Corporation
Here's some news we never expect to report today... Warner Bros. is planning a spinoff of their classic Looney Tunes franchise that would be based on Acme Corp. - the company which Wile E. Coyote and others use to buy their anvils, dynamite and earthquake pills - and would Steve Carell. And, before you ask, no, there won't actually be any Looney Tunes characters in the movie. Huh?
Pixar Reveals First ‘Inside Out’ Footage Online!
2014 has been a long year. It's the first time since 2005 that we haven't had a Pixar movie and we're feeling a little withdrawal. The good news is that 2015 brings us two new Pixar movies, including 'Inside Out', the next film from Oscar-winning director Pete Docter ('Up'). While some were lucky enough to see the opening five minutes at a Pixar preview earlier this year, the first public release 'Inside Out' footage was made available today on the Disney Anywhere app. And, maybe it's the Pixar withdrawal speaking, but we're starting to get really excited.
‘The Hateful Eight’ Trailer: Watch the Early Teaser For Quentin Tarantino’s Next Film
While 'The Hateful Eight' doesn't even begin filming until early next year (headed for a December 2015 release date), we got word last week that the first trailer would be attached to prints of 'Sin City: A Dame to Kill For' in theaters this week. Which is cool! But, we also got word that the trailer wouldn't be appearing online. That's not so cool. If you can't wait until Friday for a sneak peek at Quentin Tarantino's next film, don't worry, it's popped up online anyway and you can watch it right now.