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
‘The Lego Batman Movie’ Trailer: The Dawn of Justice in Brick Form
Everyone who goes to see Batman vs. Superman this weekend is going to get an extra treat: a first look at the new Batman movie. No, not Batfleck, the real Batman. Lego Batman. But, if you absolutely, positively can’t wait until you see it in the theaters, you can watch The Lego Batman Movie trailer right now.
Critics Slam ‘Batman vs. Superman’, What Does This Mean For ‘Justice League’ Plans?
The first critic reviews of Batman vs. Superman hit the web last night and early word was…not kind. The film currently sits at 40% on Rotten Tomatoes. By comparison, the divisive Man of Steel had a 56%. Even The Amazing Spider-Man 2 had a 53% and that film was so bad it single-handedly killed a franchise. Our own critic, Matt Singer, called it a “a burdensome 150-minute slog” in his review. Other reviews have called it “an holy mess,” “a near-total drag” and “a deeply disappointing experience.” Perhaps most importantly though is this sentiment from GQ, which seems to be a recurring theme amongst negative reviews: “The wider problem is that [Batman vs. Superman] doesn’t make you want a Justice League film.” Studios are used to bad reviews, but if the overwhelming sentiment is that the Dawn of Justice doesn’t make you want to see Justice arrive, Warner Bros. has a supersized problem.
‘Captain America: Civil War’ Is a ‘Love Story’ Say Directors; Slashfic Writers Squeal With Delight
Much has been made about the “friendship” between Captain America and Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Though most take their relationship as face value, there is a growing subset of fans who are reading a little bit more into their bond, something far more romantic. They even have a clever portmanteau: Stucky (Steve/Bucky). There have been entire articles examining the “barely concealed intimations of love” between Cap and Bucky. And don’t even get me started on Tumblr. All that speculation and slashfic is about to get a major boost as the directors of the upcoming Captain America: Civil War have described the movie as a “love story.”
‘The Lego Batman Movie’ First Look: DARKNESS! NO PARENTS!
Yes, we know you’re excited about Batman vs. Superman, but with that movie set for release this Friday, it’s also time to start getting excited for that other Batman movie. No, not the Batfleck solo movie, The Lego Batman Movie. The Lego Movie spinoff is coming to theaters next year and we’ve got your first look at Batman’s new adventures.
The R-Rated ‘Daredevil’ Movie That Never Happened
This weekend Marvel fans across the world were able to binge watch and enjoy all of Daredevil Season 2 on Netflix. It was another solid season of Marvel television, and, with the introductions of Punisher and Elektra, an impressive step forward for the show as a whole. But, it almost never happened. Back in 2012, 20th Century Fox was scrambling to get a feature film version of Daredevil into production before the rights reverted back to Marvel. Though Marvel did get the rights back, Fox almost moved forward on a film that could’ve done for The Man Without Fear what Deadpool did for The Merc With a Mouth.
Marvel to Release ‘Star Wars: Rogue One’ Prequel Comic Series
One of the reasons Disney paid $3 billion for rights to Lucasfilm and Star Wars was because they knew they could synergy the s— out of it. No company does cross-promotion quite like Disney does and they’ve already proven adept at using each of their brands to help promote their other brands (remember when the Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer debuted on ESPN?). Continuing on the path “Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens” started last year Marvel Comics has officially announced that they’ll be publishing a Star Wars: Rogue One prequel comic series later this year.
Marvel One-Shots Could Return as Exclusive Online Content
Remember the Marvel One-Shots? They were the series of short films set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe that were included as bonus features on the DVD and Blu-ray releases of Marvel films. Five Marvel One-Shots were produced from 2011-2014 including one that served as the inspiration for ABC’s Agent Carter TV series. Then in May of 2014 Marvel announced that the DVD and Blu-ray release of Captain America: The Winter Soldier wouldn’t include a One-Shot. Then the Guardians of the Galaxy DVD was released without one as well. It seemed as if the Marvel One-Shots might be dead, but like Bucky Barnes, they’re not dead, just in a cryogenic hypersleep waiting to be reborn bigger and better.
‘Batman V Superman’ R-Rated Cut Will Be Over 3 Hours, Says Zack Snyder
Batman vs. Superman is opening in theaters next week, but an extended, R-rated cut of the film will be included with the DVD and Blu-ray release of the film. While many extended cuts just include a few additional minutes of footage and a couple random edits, Batman vs. Superman director Zack Snyder says his planned R-rated cut will include a whopping 30 minutes of new footage, pushing it past the three hour mark.
‘Captain America: Civil War’ Directors Say You’ll ‘S— Yourself’ Over Spider-Man
The big Spider-Man reveal at the end of the Captain America: Civil War trailer certainly got the internet, and all of superhero fandom, in a tizzy. There were those that absolutely loved it and then there were those who were left disappointed. No matter where you stand this point, six weeks before it opens in theaters, directors Joe and Anthony Russo promise that when you see Spider-Man in the film, you’ll crap your damn pants.
‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ Posters: The Four Horsemen Unite
With Batman vs. Superman and Captain America: Civil War each less than two months away, it might feel like the Marvel and DC universes are dominating the landscape. But, let’s not forget that the X-Men Movies Universe is still a thing and X-Men: Apocalypse is on its way. Not to be outdone by the many Captain America posters, X-Men: Apocalypse has released a brand new poster highlighting the film’s villains.