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
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.
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".
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.
Original ‘Ghostbusters’ Star Thinks Female-Led Reboot is a 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.
Robert Downey Jr. Clarifies ‘Iron Man 4′ Rumors: No Plans, But Another Marvel Movie in the Works
There's been a lot of 'Iron Man 4' talk over the past few days as Robert Downey, Jr. continues his whirlwind promotional tour for 'The Judge' across a multitude of talk shows. He's confirmed it, issued demands, backpedaled, confirmed it again and now, via an appearance on David Letterman last night, he clarified all the recent rumors and (we think?) issued the definitive word on 'Iron Man 4' and his future at Marvel.
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.
Final ‘Interstellar’ Trailer: Get Ready to Say Goodbye to Our Solar System
This new 'Interstellar' trailer gives us our best and most clear look at the plot of Christopher Nolan's upcoming sci-fi epic, and even then, we still don't know that much about the movie. But, after watching this trailer, we wouldn't have it any other way.
Dan Aykroyd Wants ‘Ghostbusters’ to Be Like the Marvel 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.
‘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.