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
How Apple Helped J.J. Abrams Design the New ‘Star Wars’ Lightsaber
The new Star Wars: Episode 7 lightsaber was the most hotly debated topic that came out of the first teaser trailer. What is this thing? Where did it come from? It turns out those answers might come from a very unlikely source: Apple.
‘Man From U.N.C.L.E.’ Trailer: A Higher Class of Hero
Guy Ritchie’s adaptation of the popular 1960s NBC spy series ‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E.’ is very much a throwback to the classic spy movies. Whereas most modern spy movies, like ‘Skyfall’ or the upcoming ‘Kingsman’, do their best to distance themselves from the Roger Moore style, ‘U.N.C.L.E.’ actually embraces it. It’s even set in the 1960s. But, is there an audience for a good, old fashioned spy movie? Watch the new ‘U.N.C.L.E.’ trailer and see for yourself.
Watch Hugh Jackman’s Reaction When He Learns About the Marvel and Spider-Man Deal
We spoke to Hugh Jackman earlier today for his upcoming movie ‘Chappie’ (we’ll have much more on that movie soon), and as we were making small talk, we asked Mr. Jackman whether he had heard the news yet about Marvel and Sony Pictures coming to terms on an agreement that would allow Spider-Man to crossover into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He had not. He was very surprised.
‘Straight Outta Compton’ Trailer: You Are Now About to Witness the Strength of Street Knowledge
‘Straight Outta Compton’, the biopic of controversial gangsta rap group N.W.A., hasn't had the easiest road to the big screen. The film has been in development since 2009, with a number of directors set to direct. Finally, Universal Pictures came on board to make the film happen with director F. Gary Gray (who had previously worked with both Ice Cube and Dr. Dre on previous projects), but the big question is, was it worth the wait?
‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2’ Will Be Released in IMAX 3D
For the past two years, ‘The Hunger Games’ movies have topped the yearly box-office charts, beating two Marvel movies (‘Iron Man 3’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’) without the help of 3D ticket sales. Well, today Lionsgate announced that ‘Mockingjay, Part 2’ will be released in IMAX and 3D, which should put it squarely in the running with ‘Star Wars: Episode 7’ and ‘Avengers 2’ as the biggest movie of 2015.
‘Poltergeist’ Trailer: All Are Welcome (Unless You’re Scared of Clowns)
Pro-tip: if you're scared of clowns or creepy dolls, you might want to skip the new ‘Poltergeist’ trailer. If you're all good with evil clown dolls coming to life and attacking young children, what are you waiting for?! You can watch the new ‘Poltergeist’ trailer above.
‘Star Wars: Episode 7’ Star Mark Hamill on Fan Anticipation: “Just Relax!”
If you’re one of those people who can’t get enough ‘Star Wars: Episode 7’ spoilers, first, might we recommend our weekly Wookieepedia ‘Star Wars’ round up? With that shameless plug out of the way, let us now offer you ‘Star Wars’ spoiler addicts some advice from Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill. CHILL OUT.
‘Fast and Furious 7’ Trailer: This Time It Ain’t Just About Being Fast
‘Fast and Furious 7’—the next installment in the best film franchise that isn’t Marvel—is coming this spring after some lengthy delays (it was originally scheduled to open last summer), and based on this new trailer, we couldn’t be more excited.
Adam Sandler to Star in ‘Ridiculous 6′ With All His Same Old Friends
Back in October, Netflix announced that they had signed Adam Sandler to star in four original movies that would premiere exclusively on their streaming service. Today, we have news on Sandler’s first project under this partnership; a western-comedy titled ‘Ridiculous 6’ that stars such familiar Sandler faces as Rob Schneider, Nick Swardson, Steve Buscemi, Jon Lovitz and Vanilla Ice as Mark Twain.
Whoopidy doo!
Joss Whedon on ‘Age of Ultron’: “The Avengers Must Die”
‘Avengers 2’ graced the cover of Empire Magazine this month, and while there are two covers featuring new looks at Ultron and the team’s new lineup, it’s something on the inside of this issue that caught our attention. Director Joss Whedon spoke to Empire and dropped this bomb: “I’ve come to the conclusion that Ultron is right. The Avengers need to die.”
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!”
‘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.