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
‘Peanuts’ Trailer: Charlie Brown, Still a Blockhead
As Charlie Brown and Snoopy are perhaps best known for their classic holiday special ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,’ it only makes sense that the new ‘Peanuts’ trailer debuts with a very Christmas-y feel. You have to wait until next Christmas to see the CGI ‘Peanuts’ movie, but you can get a taste of what it will look and feel like with this new trailer.
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. 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.
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.)
Steve Carell Attached to Star in Looney Tunes Spinoff Based on the Acme Corporation
Here's some news we never expect to report today... Warner Bros. is planning a spinoff of their classic Looney Tunes franchise that would be based on Acme Corp. - the company which Wile E. Coyote and others use to buy their anvils, dynamite and earthquake pills - and would Steve Carell. And, before you ask, no, there won't actually be any Looney Tunes characters in the movie. Huh?
Pixar Reveals First ‘Inside Out’ Footage Online!
2014 has been a long year. It's the first time since 2005 that we haven't had a Pixar movie and we're feeling a little withdrawal. The good news is that 2015 brings us two new Pixar movies, including 'Inside Out', the next film from Oscar-winning director Pete Docter ('Up'). While some were lucky enough to see the opening five minutes at a Pixar preview earlier this year, the first public release 'Inside Out' footage was made available today on the Disney Anywhere app. And, maybe it's the Pixar withdrawal speaking, but we're starting to get really excited.
Has the ‘Star Wars: Episode 7′ Title Been Revealed?
The 'Star Wars: Episode 7' casting hasn't even been completed, with roles both major and supporting still left to be announced, so it seems a bit premature to already have the new 'Star Wars' title, but has it leaked online in advance of an official announcement?
Phil Lord and Chris Miller in Talks to Direct ‘Ghostbusters 3′
Earlier this week, Ivan Reitman announced he would not be returning to direct 'Ghostbusters 3' for Sony Pictures and, subsequently, the studio was moving quickly to find a replacement. Well, that certainly didn't take long.
Phil Lord and Chris Miller, the writing-and-directing team behind '21 Jump Street' and 'The LEGO Movie' are in early talks to direct 'Ghostbusters 3' for the studio.
Legendary Movie Trailer Voice-Over Guy, Hal Douglas, Dies at 89
Hal Douglas, the voice-over artist who popularized the "In a world..." line and whose voice could be heard in movie trailers for 'Forrest Gump,' 'Meet the Parents' and 'Lethal Weapon' has died at the age of 89 from complications of pancreatic cancer.
Ellen’s Oscar Selfie Was Part of a $20 Million Samsung Ad Buy With ABC
Did you think that bit at the Oscars where host Ellen DeGeneres wandered into the audience to tweet a selfie with A-listers like Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper was a refreshing moment of spontaneity in an otherwise scripted affair? Wrong. The viral photo was actually part of a $20 million Samsung advertising campaign designed to promote the Galaxy Note