It was only a matter of time before we got a confirmation. Fans across the Internet are loving Netflix‘s MARCO POLO and the leading Internet Streaming Service has just given the green light for a second season, comprised of 10 episodes. If you haven’t had a chance to enjoy it, yet you can now stream it. If you already are loving it, read our Chat with Star Olivia Cheng and Producer Patrick MacManus here!
Premiere streaming dates for some other upcoming Series have just been announced below:
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – Friday, March 6, 2015
From creators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, this half-hour single-camera comedy series stars Ellie Kemper as Kimmy, who escapes a doomsday cult and decides to reclaim her life and start over in New York City. Armed with just a backpack, light-up sneakers, and a couple of way-past-due library books, Kimmy’s ready to take on a world she didn’t even think existed anymore. Wide-eyed but resilient, nothing is going to stand in her way. The 13-episode series, produced by Universal Television, also stars Jane Krakowski, Tituss Burgess, Carol Kane and more. Fey and Carlock serve as executive producers, along with David Miner and Jeff Richmond.
Bloodline – Friday, March 20, 2015
When the eldest brother and black sheep of the Rayburn family returns home, he exposes the emotional demons that lie at the core of the family, threatening to tear them apart. With a stellar cast headlined by Kyle Chandler, Ben Mendelsohn, Linda Cardellini, Norbert Leo Butz, Jacinda Barrett, Jamie McShane, Enrique Murciano, Sissy Spacek, and Sam Shepard, the 13-episode series is from executive producers Todd A. Kessler, Daniel Zelman and Glenn Kessler (Damages), and produced by Sony Pictures Television.
Marvel’s Daredevil – Friday, April 10, 2015
Blinded as a young boy but imbued with extraordinary senses, Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) fights against injustice by day as a lawyer, and by night as the Super Hero “Daredevil” in modern day Hell’s Kitchen, New York City. Produced by Marvel Television and ABC Studios, with executive producers Steven S. DeKnight (Spartacus), Jeph Loeb (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) and Drew Goddard (Cabin In The Woods), the series also stars Rosario Dawson, Vincent D’Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll and Elden Henson.
Official Artwork here:
Grace and Frankie – Friday, May 8, 2015
In this irreverent and touching series, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin star as Grace and Frankie, a pair of frenemies whose lives are turned upside down – and permanently intertwined – when their husbands leave them for each other. Together, they must face starting over in their 70s in a 21st century world. The series also stars Martin Sheen, Sam Waterston, Brooklyn Decker, Ethan Embry, June Diane Raphael and Baron Vaughn. Created by Marta Kauffman (Friends) and Howard J. Morris (Home Improvement), the 13-episode series is produced by Skydance Productions and executive producers Kauffman, Morris, Fonda, Tomlin, Paula Weinstein, David Ellison, David Goldberg and Marcy Ross.
Kids and Family Originals
Netflix continues to expand options for families and kids, working with some of the best creative minds in the space to bring high quality, global animation and live-action series to kids of all ages. In the coming weeks, Netflix will launch new titles including DreamWorks Animation‘s The Adventures of Puss in Boots (premieres in North America, Latin America, UK/Ireland, the Nordics, Benelux, and France Jan. 16), Ever After High: Spring Unsprung (premieres globally Feb. 6) and the second season of the hit series Mako Mermaids (premieres in North America, Latin America, UK/Ireland, the Nordics and Benelux on Feb 13).
Happy streaming!
(Photo credit: Netflix)
We’ve all heard of MARCO POLO, but believe me, you’ve never seen it like this. Netflix‘s latest Original Series is being touted as its most expensive to-date and is a collaboration between The Weinstein Co. and the leading Internet Streaming Service. The Adventure follows the famous titular Explorer as he travels the exotic Silk Road to the court of the great Kublai Khan. Through the ten-episode Series, Marco Polo (Lorenzo Richelmy) befriends the Khan (Benedict Wong) who violently makes his bid to be Emperor of the World. Along the way we become a part of many complex Characters’ lives and their web of sex, betrayal and power.
Co-Executive Producer Patrick MacManus and Star Olivia Cheng came to Toronto recently to promote the exciting MARCO POLO, poised to debut this December to Netflix Subscribers exclusively. The Duo reflected upon their experience being a part of the visually-stunning Series which not only streams, but surely “steams” this Winter.
Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Cheng formerly was a Broadcast Journalist and even at one point a Correspondent on Entertainment Tonight Canada before deciding to pursue a career on the opposite side of the Red Carpet. New Jersey-raised and Washington, D.C.-educated Patrick MacManus has a sizeable list of Television Credits to his name as Actor, considering himself more now a Writer.
In an Entertainment Industry where Asian Faces are few and far between in North America, MacManus is proud of what the Series will accomplish, transcending the confines of race and culture. “I’m proud of fact that we held true to the Story and time period and hopefully people will look at Series and forget what they are seeing and just relate to Characters and Story”, he says. ” We created the most compelling, sometimes sadistic Characters we could. Nationality went out the window in favour of Story.”.
Cheng is asked what her greatest challenge was filming MARCO POLO, in which she stars as the commanding Beauty Mei Lin, a Woman separated from her young Daughter at the hands of her Brother Jia Sidao (Chin Han), and forced to a life as a Concubine to the Khan. She must use her guile to survive and ensure the same for her Child. “Any time you recognize you have a really good opportunity, you feel a degree of fear with the responsibility that comes with it”, says Cheng. ” Am I gonna be able to rise to the occasion and do this well? I feel this is such an important Character to do well”. “I’m very proud of our work. 27 nations around the World – Oscar Winners and Nominees – talent spanning 40 year careers, all converging in Malaysia to put it all together.”.
She speaks further on Mei Lin stating, “She is demonized for her strength, intellect and ability to maneouver things sometimes – equally as her Brother, a Man – whom holds so much power in Society. Going over to the Mongolian side, it is disconcerting for her to see Wife of the Khan, Empress Chabi (Joan Chen) so revered.”. “It’s frightening for her to see strength and power mirrored in her face.”. Cheng reveals that she read multiple Social Science papers in preparation for her Role to understand power relations for Concubines and how this hinged much on the Men around them.
I ask about some of the drastic physical transformations we see from some of the Talent in MARCO POLO, whether it be in how they speak or look physically. Case in point, the Series’ Central Character, the Khan is played by an unrecognizable Wong, who normally is lithe and known to others as “Skinny Benny“, MacManus reveals. “Physicality is something huge here and we all threw ourselves into it. Benedict gained at least 10 stone (140 lbs). The nickname for his stomach was “Meat Baby“, adds Cheng. “It’s not easy to keep gaining that much weight and maintaining it.”. She explains, “We were in Stunt Tent Training with World-Class Teams from around the World transforming and sculpting muscles to tell our stories as Warriors.”.
In terms of the distinct accent which the Characters speak in this Series, Cheng states ” Producers found Talent from allover the World. We needed a realm to stay within with the help of Dialect Coaches. Emotionally, everyone did own brand of research to know the appropriate emotional places their Characters were working with.’.
Several jaws also are bound to drop with some of the racier scenes in the earlier part of the Series. While MacManus feels there are some other Series currently which perhaps exploit sex and nudity a bit much, he is adamant, “I challenge people to watch any moment with nudity in MARCO POLO, stop to think because that is what scene is all about.”. “It’s not just about the nudity – there always is a reason”, he says, joking that his Series would be essentially “Naked Kung-Fu”. “There will come a point in time when you’ll never see another naked body or sex because the Story doesn’t support it. We desperately went out of our way to see that sex and nudity were not just being used for sex and nudity.”.
Netflix Canada stream MARCO POLO on Friday, December 12, 2014.
Click here for your chance to win a year’s Netflix Canada Subscription so that you too can witness that MARCO POLO magic!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Netflix)
NETFLIX is prepping the release of gorgeous new Series MARCO POLO. A new Teaser Trailer has just surfaced and you must witness the scandal!
Official Synopsis:
In a world replete with greed, betrayal, sexual intrigue and rivalry, Marco Polo, starring newcomer Lorenzo Richelmy, is based on the famed explorer’s adventures in Kublai Khan’s court in 13th century China.
The sweeping drama’s ten episodes were shot in Italy, Kazakhstan and Malaysia. The global Cast includes Olivia Cheng, Benedict Wong Claudia Kim, Mahesh Jadu and Rick Yune.
John Fusco, who wrote the Academy-Award nominated feature Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, created the series and is executive producer and showrunner along with Dan Minahan, whose previous work includes Homeland and Game of Thrones. Academy-Award nominated directors Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales) directed the first two hours and serve as executive producers.
Netflix Canada stream MARCO POLO on Friday, December 12, 2014.
(Photo/video credit: Netlfix Canada/The Weinstein Co.)
Signalling the end of Sumner for Toronto since 1879, the historic CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION returns from August 16 to September 2, 2019.
The Ex as it is known affectionately by Torontonians, brings 1.4 million people to the City and for the first time ever features a Comedy Festival. Diversity is at the forefront this year with a diverse roster of talent including dancing troupe ILL-Abilities slated to perform.
A lantern exhibit titled SILK ROAD COMES TO LIGHT inspired by fables from Marco Polo’s travels along the Silk Road, celebrates cultures as they were and are. You can even download an App: CNE Night 2019 to learn about the installations.
The affair is a haven for gaming geeks as well! The AMD Gaming Garage and nostalgic Pinball Alley provide tons of cutting edge and retro fun.
For those athlete’s out there, The Ex Race gives one winner a $10k prize, but these contestants must go through a grueling and demanding obstacle course first!
Some of the exciting food offerings at The Ex this year which we got to try. The ones with asterisks we loved:
•The Cheesecake Factory‘s General Custard*
•Pickle Lemonade
•Fried Avocado from Bacon Nation*
•Calamari Fries*
•Flamin’ Cheetos Corndog*
•Red Licorice/Pink Lemonade Donuts and Timbits from Tim Hortons
•Rainbow Grilled Cheese from Pancho’s
•Maple Bacon Churros from Pancho’s
•Cotton Candy Tacos
•Spicy Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bacon Burger from Bacon Nation
•Rainbow Funnel Cake
•Cherry Fried Cheese Curds from The King of Curds*
•Beyond Guac Burger*
•Strawberry Dream Waffle Stick from Fudge Puppy
•Pickle Pizza from R&J Concessions*
•Super Snacker (Eight Beaver Tails stacked)
•Oreo Chocolate Cheesecake Chimneys from Eva’s
•Oh Hungry Dessert Dog (Sweet Jesus)
Bandshell Park also will feature a new value food experience, UNDER $6 in the 6 including Jerk Chicken Skewers, Tacos and more!
Some visuals. Hover cursor right to navigate each gallery:
To learn more about The Ex, click here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Great news! Disney’s live-action MULAN, directed by Niki Caro, officially is in production now between China and New Zealand. Check-out the above new promo photo!
Synopsis:
“Mulan” is the epic adventure of a fearless young woman who masquerades as a man in order to fight Northern Invaders attacking China. The eldest daughter of an honored warrior, Hua Mulan is spirited, determined and quick on her feet. When the Emperor issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army, she steps in to take the place of her ailing father as Hua Jun, becoming one of China’s greatest warriors ever.
Liu Yifei (“The Forbidden Kingdom,” “Once Upon a Time”) was cast as Hua Mulan following a year-long global casting search. Joining her in the film are: Donnie Yen (“Star Wars: Rogue One”); Jason Scott Lee (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny”); Yoson An (“The Meg”); Utkarsh Ambudkar (“Pitch Perfect”); Ron Yuan (“Marco Polo”); Tzi Ma (“Arrival”); Rosalind Chao (“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”); Cheng Pei-Pei (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”); Nelson Lee; Chum Ehelepola; with Gong Li (“Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Raise the Red Lantern”) and Jet Li (“Shaolin Temple,” “Lethal Weapon 4”).
Walt Disney Motion Studios Motion Pictures Canada release MULAN Friday, March 27, 2020.
(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Motion Studios Motion Pictures Canada)
It’s been a long while since we’ve seen Hayden Christensen, so we were extra happy to spot the Actor known best for playing young Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. The Actor has a couple new Films lined-up including 90 Minutes in Heaven in which he stars opposite Kate Bosworth and rumour is he will be playing Marco Polo in an upcoming Film Adaptation of the story, perhaps its popularity revived with the recent Netflix Series of the same name?
See the new Trailer for 90 Minutes in Heaven:
Christensen was spotted arriving back in Toronto quietly and he still owns a farm in Uxbridge, possibly here to check-in on it. Amazingly, when asking for a Snap, he knew my name right away, saying “Hi, Will!”. How cool was that? The Father of Briar Rose and partner of Actress Rachel Bilson, still looks great and was super low-key, travelling light with only a backpack.
See our Snap:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Everybody is talking about the hot new Series MARCO POLO, out December 12, 2014 only on Netflix and we certainly don’t want you to be left in-the-cold this Winter! We want you and your loved ones to witness the bountiful selection of programming available on the Internet’s most popular Streaming Service this Holiday Season!
See the Trailer for MARCO POLO:
Synopsis:
Marco Polo is an epic adventure that follows the early years of the famous explorer as he travels the exotic Silk Road to the great Kublai Khan’s court. But Marco soon finds that navigating the Khan’s world of greed, betrayal, sexual intrigue and rivalry will be his greatest challenge yet, even as he becomes a trusted companion to the Khan in his violent quest to become the Emperor of the World.
We’re giving you Willionaire$ a chance to win a one-year subscription free to Netflix Canada!
Did you also know that Netflix now has Gift Cards in $30 or $60 Denominations to gift yourself or your Family and Friends this Holiday! No credit? No membership? No problem! Netflix got you.
More details below:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. Re-Tweet the below or from Facebook share this Post for an extra chance!
http://mrwillwong.com/netflix2014 @MRWILLW wants us to #win a one-year @Netflix_CA Subscription! #MarcoPolo streams 12/12!
Good luck, Willionaire$!
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
Warner Bros. Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers in Montreal a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of Luca Guadagnino‘s CHALLENGERS!
Screening takes place Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
SYNOPSIS
From visionary filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, “Challengers” stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy-turned-coach and a force of nature who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Married to a champion on a losing streak (Mike Faist), Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off against the washed-up Patrick (Josh O’Connor)—his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend. As their pasts and presents collide, and tensions run high, Tashi must ask herself, what will it cost to win?
Oscar and BAFTA nominee Guadagnino (“Call Me By Your Name,” “I Am Love”) directs from a screenplay by Justin Kuritzkes. The film is produced by Amy Pascal, Guadagnino, Zendaya and Rachel O’Connor, with Bernard Bellew serving as executive producer.
Golden Globe winner Zendaya (the “Dune” films, “Euphoria”) stars alongside Golden Globe and SAG Award winner and BAFTA nominee Josh O’Connor (“The Crown”) and BAFTA nominee Mike Faist (“West Side Story”).
Guadagnino’s creative team includes such frequent collaborators as director of photography Sayonbhu Mukdeeprom, production designer Merissa Lombardo and editor Marco Costa, as well as costume designer Jonathan Anderson. The film’s score is by Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (“Soul,” “The Social Network,” “Bones and All”).
Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures Presents a Why Are You Acting? / Frenesy Films / Pascal Pictures Production, Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers.” The film opens in theatres April 26, 2024 and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK.
Rules and regulations here.
Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release CHALLENGERS April 26, 2024.
(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)
From visionary filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, “Challengers” stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy-turned-coach and a force of nature who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Married to a champion on a losing streak (Mike Faist), Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off against the washed-up Patrick (Josh O’Connor)—his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend. As their pasts and presents collide, and tensions run high, Tashi must ask herself, what will it cost to win?
Oscar and BAFTA nominee Guadagnino (“Call Me By Your Name,” “I Am Love”) directs from a screenplay by Justin Kuritzkes. The film is produced by Amy Pascal, Guadagnino, Zendaya and Rachel O’Connor, with Bernard Bellew serving as executive producer. Golden Globe winner Zendaya (the “Dune” films, “Euphoria”) stars alongside Golden Globe and SAG Award winner and BAFTA nominee Josh O’Connor (“The Crown”) and BAFTA nominee Mike Faist (“West Side Story”). Guadagnino’s creative team includes such frequent collaborators as director of photography Sayonbhu Mukdeeprom, production designer Merissa Lombardo and editor Marco Costa, as well as costume designer Jonathan Anderson. The film’s score is by Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (“Soul,” “The Social Network,” “Bones and All”). Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures Presents a Why Are You Acting? / Frenesy Films / Pascal Pictures Production, Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers.”
The film opens in theaters April 26, 2024 and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Today, Prime Video announced that it officially ordered a sophomore season of the global hit series Gen V, which comes from the world of The Boys. Gen V, from Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television, began its eight-episode freshman season on Friday, September 29, 2023 and will conclude with an epic season finale on Friday, November 3. The series streams exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
“Expanding the universe of The Boys with a series as bold as Gen V has been an incredible journey for us and our wonderful partners at Sony. From our first conversation with showrunners Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters, along with Eric Kripke, Evan Goldberg, and Seth Rogen, we knew Gen V would push the boundaries. Their unapologetic approach is exactly what audiences love, and it has helped Gen V become the No. 1 series on Prime Video in over 130 countries,” said Vernon Sanders, head of television, Amazon MGM Studios. “Gen V is Prime Video’s most acquisitive new Original series of 2023, and we’re excited that our incredible cast and crew are going to continue telling brave and bold stories from Gen V to our customers.”
“We couldn’t be happier to make a second season of Gen V. These are characters and stories we’ve grown to love, and we are thrilled to know people feel the same! The writers are already working on the new season—sophomore year is gonna be wild, with all the twists, heart, satire, and exploding genitalia you’ve come to expect from the show,” added showrunner Michele Fazekas and executive producer Eric Kripke.
“We are so proud that our top-ranked freshman is getting a second season! Thank you to the amazing producers, cast, and crew, for bringing Gen V to life, and our Prime Video teammates, for the incredible support and partnership. We’re thrilled we can all continue on this insane journey together in Season Two!” said Katherine Pope, president of Sony Pictures Television Studios.
Set in the diabolical world of The Boys, Gen V expands the universe to Godolkin University, the prestigious superhero-only college where students train to be the next generation of heroes—preferably with lucrative endorsements. You know what happens when supes go bad, but not all superheroes start out corrupt. Beyond the typical college chaos of finding oneself and partying, these kids are facing explosive situations … literally. As the students vie for popularity and good grades, it’s clear that the stakes are much higher when super powers are involved. When the group of young supes discover that something bigger and sinister is going on at school, they’re put to the test: Will they be the heroes or the villains of their stories?
The Season One cast includes Jaz Sinclair, Chance Perdomo, Lizze Broadway, Shelley Conn, Maddie Phillips, London Thor, Derek Luh, Asa Germann, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sean Patrick Thomas, and Marco Pigossi. Gen V also features guest stars Clancy Brown and Jason Ritter, as well as appearances from Jessie T. Usher, Colby Minifie, Claudia Doumit, and P.J. Byrne, reprising their roles from The Boys. Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters serve as showrunners and executive producers. Eric Kripke, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, Neal H. Moritz, Ori Marmur, Pavun Shetty, Ken Levin, Jason Netter, Garth Ennis, Darick Robertson, Craig Rosenberg, Nelson Cragg, Zak Schwartz, Erica Rosbe, and Michaela Starr also serve as executive producers on the spinoff series. Serving as co-executive producers are Brant Englestein, Sarah Carbiener, Lisa Kussner, Gabriel Garcia, Aisha Porter-Christie, Judalina Neira, and Loreli Alanís. The series is produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon Studios, in association with Kripke Enterprises, Point Grey Pictures, and Original Film.
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