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
Has Jessica Chastain Had Talks With Marvel About Playing Captain Marvel?
Once upon a time, back in 2012, Jessica Chastain was in talks with Marvel to star in 'Iron Man 3' as scientist Maya Hansen. Chastain eventually passed on the role saying, "My schedule is jammed packed and I can’t fit anything else in." (The part would eventually go to actress Rebecca Hall.) At the time, Chastain posted to her Facebook fans, "Hopefully there’ll be another Marvel film in my future." Has that time come already?
Christian Bale Unexpectedly Drops Out of Steve Jobs Biopic
Christian Bale has abruptly pulled out of Danny Boyle's planned Steve Jobs biopic, just two weeks after entering discussions with Sony Pictures and Boyle over playing the iconic Apple CEO. Though Bale hadn't officially signed for the part (and hadn't even begun contract negotiations), his participation was considered a near certainly and his unexpected departure is another casting blow for the project, which already had Leonardo DiCaprio turn down the starring role.
‘Avengers 2′ Clip: Yes, Even More Footage From ‘Age of Ultron’
With the 'Avengers 2' trailer, extended trailer and advance trailer for 'Avengers: Infinity War', you're probably sick of all this 'Avengers' footage and don't want or need to see anymore. You certainly don't want to see this 'Avengers 2' clip with Cap and Iron Man getting heated with each other and introducing the tension that will continue through 'Captain America: Civil War'. Oh wait, you're not sick of 'Avengers 2' and you DO want to see this footage? OK, good.
Marvel Has No Current Plans For Hulk or Black Widow Movies
There was a lot to digest out of today's major Marvel Event that saw the formal announcement of the eight films in Phase 3 including 'Black Panther' and 'Captain Marvel' spinoffs. But, with all these Avengers getting sequels and spinoffs, one has to wonder about two of the more popular characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe who are still left without their own films: Hulk and Black Widow. Despite the fact that audiences love both the characters, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige said that they have no current plans to give either character their own solo movie.
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.
‘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.
Marvel Announces Even More ‘Avengers 2′ Footage Will Debut During ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’
The original 'Avengers 2' trailer plan was that the first footage would debut on October 28, immediately following that night's episode of 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' on ABC. Not 24 hours after that announcement, a bootleg copy of the trailer leaked online. Disney and Marvel did the right thing and, instead of fighting to keep the bootlegs off the internet for a week, they pushed up the reveal and released an HD copy online. It didn't hurt the trailer (it still broke all kinds of records), but it did hurt that the planned synergy. 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' was primed for a big ratings boost and the trailer leak hurt that. But, Marvel's got some new plans. Plans that will make fans happy as well as give 'S.H.I.E.L.D.' that boost it needed.
‘Avengers 2′ Trailer Sneak Peek! First Look at Hulkbuster, New Look at Ultron
Can't wait until next week's episode of 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' to see the 'Avengers 2' trailer? We feel your pain. While we can't make the 'Avengers 2' trailer magically arrive like some kind of Scarlet Witch, we can offer you up this very cool sneak peek at the new footage. How about a first look at Tony Stark in the new Hulkbuster Iron Man armor, plus an all-new look at Ultron?
‘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.
Robert Downey, Jr. Took Home the Giant “A” From the ‘Avengers’ Stark Tower
Robert Downey, Jr. reportedly made over $50 million for the first 'Avengers' movie, so if he wanted a giant "A" in his office (like the one seen on the side of Stark Tower at the end of the film) to celebrate the massive success of the film, he could've very easily just had a replica made. But, he didn't want a replica, he wanted a real thing. Or, at least that's what he joked to Marvel. So, imagine his surprise when he showed up at home and there waiting for him was the 30-foot tall "A".