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
‘Star Wars: Episode 7′ Official Title Announced: ‘The Force Awakens’
We thought that the 'Star Wars: Episode 7' title might get officially announced this past summer at Comic-Con, but that event came and went with no official reveal. So, what better way to announce the new title than a random Thursday in November? Just this morning on Twitter, Lucasfilm and the official 'Star Wars' Twitter account revealed the 'Star Wars: Episode 7' title: 'A Force Awakens'.
Benedict Cumberbatch Cast as Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange’
The 'Doctor Strange' casting has come full circle. After a series of stops and starts (we're looking at you, Joaquin Phoenix), Marvel has returned to one of the very first actors they had their eye on for their upcoming superhero movie: Benedict Cumberbatch. Deadline is reporting that the 'Sherlock' star is in "final negotiations" with Marvel to star in 'Doctor Strange' and, presumably, a number of other big 'Avengers' style crossover movies.
‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Soundtrack to Be Released on Cassette Tape in November
As successful as 'Guardians of the Galaxy' was at the box-office (and, as the highest-grossing film of the year, it certainly was that), the film's iconic soundtrack was equally as successful. "Awesome Mix Vol. 1" spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and is currently the 10th largest selling album of 2014. You've been able to buy the digital album, the CD, vinyl and even a "Deluxe Edition," but so far, no actual cassette like the mix tape in the film. But, that's all about to change.
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.
Warner Bros. Announces ‘Wonder Woman’ and ‘Justice League’ Release Dates, Confirms Aquaman and Flash Casting
Not to be outdone by the big 'Captain America 3'/Civil War announcement from earlier this week, Warner Bros. dropped some superhero news of their own. They've confirmed their 2017, 2018 and 2019 superhero movies as well as announced some new casting for members of the new Justice League.
‘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.
Original ‘Ghostbusters’ Star Thinks Female-Led Reboot is Bad Idea
Most of us have felt that a 'Ghostbusters' sequel/reboot is a bad idea for a long time. In fact, so many people have thought it's a bad idea that Sony Pictures had a hard time finding anyone to even work on it (Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg turned the project down multiple times). But, when it was announced that Paul Feig would be directing a female-led 'Ghostbusters' movie, we had to at least respect that they were trying something different instead of just another tired sequel. Unfortunately not everyone feels that way, including original Ghostbuster Ernie Hudson.
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.
‘Tetris’ Movie in the Works
What was a joke just two years ago, is now going to be a reality: the classic strategy video game 'Tetris' is becoming a movie.
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.)
‘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.
Dan Aykroyd Wants ‘Ghostbusters’ to Be Like Marvel’s Cinematic Universe
Ever since the Marvel Cinematic Universe became a huge success, there were immediate imitators trying to follow that same model. From the 'Justice League' films to 'Amazing Spider-Man' and, heck, even the upcoming 'Star Wars' movies. It all seemed a bit much, to be honest. But, this latest news might take the cake (or donut?) when it comes to biting style. Dan Aykroyd, the only one involved with the original 'Ghostbusters' who seems to want to have anything to do with the new 'Ghostbusters' says he wants to relaunch the franchise following the Marvel "shared universe" strategy.