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 8’ to Begin Filming Next Month in…Cleveland?
Los Angeles. Brazil. London. Abu Dhabi. Cleveland. According to new reports, Fast and Furious 8 is set to begin filming next month and following in a long line of exotic and beautiful locales, the new installment will make its way to C-Town...
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.
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...
‘X-Force’ Movie Could be R-Rated Thanks to ‘Deadpool’ Success
Just a few days after Deadpool’s record-breaking haul at the box-office (the biggest opening for a film released in February, the biggest opening for an R-rated film, the biggest opening weekend in 20th Century Fox history and the biggest opening of any X-Men film), studios are already adapting to the massive success of an R-rated superhero film and adjusting accordingly. X-Men and Deadpool producer Simon Kinberg has said that while he doesn’t see the X-Men universe changing much after Deadpool’s success, he said he could definitely see another mutant-oriented superhero film getting an R-rating.
‘Deadpool’s Secret Second Post-Credit Scene Revealed, Teases a Major New Superhero
As we previously told you, Deadpool has not one, but two post-credits scene. One of them has been shown at the various promotional and press screenings around the company. The other has been kept under wraps, only to be revealed when the film opens in theaters this Friday. But if you absolutely cannot wait another second, we have the details for you right now.
Elizabeth Banks Set to Star as the Villain in ‘Power Rangers’ Movie
Like Ben Affleck, Elizabeth Banks is proving that just because you’re a successful director, doesn’t mean you can’t take on the occasional silly role in a superhero movie. Affleck went from winning an Oscar to Batman vs. Superman and now Banks is going from Pitch Perfect 2 to the live-action Power Rangers movie, where she’ll star as the villainous Rita Repulsa.
‘Deadpool’ Director’s Cut Will Include Extra Footage, Will Be ‘Even More Raw’
Deadpool will be the first R-rated Marvel movie since 2008’s Punisher: War Zone; it was officially rated R by the MPAA for “strong violence and language throughout, sexual content and graphic nudity.” Pretty intense stuff for a superhero movie! But, if you need your Deadpool to get even more intense, star T.J. Miller says there is a planned Director’s Cut of the film that will be “even more raw” than what you see in theaters.
Watch the First Trailer For ‘Pee-wee’s Big Holiday’
Since the Judd Apatow produced Pee-wee Herman movie made its move from movie theaters to Netflix (Universal passed on the film and Netflix quickly picked up the rights), we’ve been anxiously awaiting more from the first Pee-wee movie in over 25 years...
‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ VFX Reel Reveals the Magic Behind the Movie
Earlier this morning, Star Wars: The Force Awakens was nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Visual Effects. While much was made of the film’s return to practical effects, of which there were many, a new VFX highlight reel shows just how many digital shots were actually in the finished film and how those shots were used to augment the existing practical effects...
‘Guardians of the Galaxy 2’ Looking to Cast Kurt Russell as Peter Quill’s Father
After Matthew McConaughey reportedly turned down a major role in Guardians of the Galaxy 2, Marvel and director James Gunn went back to the drawing board, looking to attract a big star for the upcoming sequel. It turns out they may have found their man...
Chinese ‘Star Wars’ Poster Shrinks Black Lead Actor, John Boyega
Despite some early concerns, most would agree that Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a diverse film. The three leads are a woman, a black man and a Cuban man. One of the main enemies is a woman. One of the major new characters is played by a black woman. Princess Leia is now General Leia Organa. It’s not perfect yet, but it’s a very solid step in the right direction. Unfortunately, it may have been a little too far in the right direction for some countries. A new Star Wars: The Force Awakens poster from China has been revealed and, despite being one of the two main stars of the film, they’ve shrunk down black actor John Boyega in half.