#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “BET”

Today we get an intriguing Trailer for upcoming Netflix series, BET!

ABOUT BET

Logline: Bet follows the students at a boarding school for the global elite, where underground gambling determines the school’s hierarchy. When Yumeko, a mysterious transfer student arrives, her gambling prowess puts her in the crosshairs of the powerful Student Council, while her secret quest for revenge threatens to upend the school’s status quo entirely.Director: Simon BarryDeveloped for Television by: Simon BarryExecutive Producers: Simon Barry, Jeff F. King, David Fortier, Ivan Schneeberg, Jon Rutherford, Nick NantellCast: Miku Martineau, Ayo Solanke, Eve Edwards, Clara Alexandrova, Hunter Cardinal, Anwen O’Driscoll, Aviva Mongillo, Laura Afelskie, Dorian Giordano, Emma Elle Paterson, Ryan Sutherland, Peter OuterbridgeFormat: 10 x 30 min episodesProduction Company: Boat Rocker

#FIRSTLOOK: “TWISTED METAL” SEASON 2 ARRIVES

Today we get a new Teaser for TWISTED METAL Season 2. starring Anthony Mackie (‘John Doe’), Stephanie Beatriz (‘Quiet’), Joe Seanoa and Canadian Will Arnett (‘Sweet Tooth’), and Anthony Carrigan who joins S2 as fan favorite ‘Calypso’.

Twisted Metal S2 Premieres July 31, 2025 in Canada, exclusively on Paramount +.

A NOTE FROM MICHAEL JONATHAN SMITH (WRITER/SHOWRUNNER/EP)

The stakes couldn’t be higher as John Doe (Anthony Mackie) and Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz) risk their lives to compete in a dangerous demolition derby tournament. The prize? A single wish, their greatest heart’s desire, granted. The only problem is sixteen other drivers have wishes of their own. Anthony Mackie and Stephanie Beatriz lead a stellar cast, including Will Arnett & Joe Seanoa (aka Samoa Joe) as fan favorite Sweet Tooth, and Anthony Carrigan as the iconic tournament host Calypso, in a fast-paced, hysterical, thrilling season with unforgettable characters. It’s too bad not all of them will survive.

ABOUT TWISTED METAL S2

Following the revelations in the season one finale, John and Quiet find themselves entering the deadly TWISTED METAL tournament, a sinister demolition derby hosted by a mysterious man known as Calypso. As they try to survive an onslaught of dangerous new foes and familiar faces alike, including the murderous clown Sweet Tooth, things get complicated for John when he reunites with his long-lost sister, the vigilante Dollface.

ABOUT THE SERIES
Showrunner / Executive Producer / Writer: Michael Jonathan Smith
Executive Producers: Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, Anthony Mackie, Will Arnett and Marc Forman (Electric Avenue), Jason Spire (Inspire Entertainment), Grant Dekernion, Peter Principato (Artists First), Asad Qizilbash and Carter Swan from PlayStation Productions and Hermen Hulst, CEO, Studio Business Group, Sony Interactive Entertainment
Directors: Phil Sgriccia (201-202, 205-206), Bill Benz (203-204, 211-212), Iain MacDonald (207-208), Bertie Ellwood (209-210)
Series Regulars: Anthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, Joe Seanoa, with Canadian Will Arnett, Anthony Carrigan
Recurring Guest Stars: Mike Mitchell, Saylor Bell Curda, Patty Guggenheim, Tiana Okoye, Canadian Richard De Klerk, Michael James Shaw and Canadian Lisa Gilroy
Studio: Sony Pictures Television, PlayStation Productions and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group
Genre: Comedy

About Paramount+

Paramount+ is a global digital subscription video streaming service from Paramount that features a mountain of premium entertainment for audiences of all ages. Internationally, the streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including SHOWTIME®, BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel™, in addition to a robust offering of premier local content. The service is currently live in Australia, Austria, Canada, the Caribbean, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latin America, Switzerland, the U.K. and the U.S.

For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com, and follow @ParamountPlusCA on social media.

#SPOTTED: GIGI LEUNG IN TORONTO FOR “SOMEWHERE IN TIME” TOUR

It’s literally been 22 years since Chinese Pop Star, Actress and Entrepreneur GIGI LEUNG’s been in Toronto, so she was very apologetic for not visiting sooner! Leung brought her SOMEWHERE IN TIME Tour to Great Canadian Casino Resort before Easter weekend, delivering two hours of her catalog highlights over the years.

The statuesque star debuted on top in the late ’90s starring alongside megastar Andy Lau in Action Thriller FULL THROTTLE, which went on to be a big critical and commercial success in her native Hong Kong. The roles continued to come one after the other including starring roles in TEMPTING HEART, A WAR NAMED DESIRE, and more.. And a recording contract came as well. It is very common that Entertainers in the market be able to be well-rounded. Leung found big success in Chinese-speaking Asia, releasing albums in Cantonese and Mandarin, which furthered her reach. With her daughter Sofia now being ten years old, she is able now to focus on business opportunities and both entertainment again after a hiatus.

Leung is equally adept as both a Singer as she is an Actress. She is known for her understatedness and approachability, which has won her legions of fans globally. Her Toronto show combined elements of Musical Theatre, before letting loose in the final act, delivering personal anecdotes about being a mom and also her very first time visiting Toronto before she entered the industry, having fond memories of skiing here. The concert showcased tight musical direction, dance and also Leung‘s excellent taste for fashion with several couture costumes.

Highlights here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

Such an honour getting to meet Leung quickly following her show, speaking to me in perfect English. She worked her way through a line that included VIP ticket purchases and local Chinese Media, posing for snaps with an official tour photographer.

Have always been a fan of Leung’s, but this all made men even bigger one!

During her stay here, she visited Niagara Falls, Markville Mall (dining at Auric King), University of Toronto, and more! She performs next in Las Vegas.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#BOXOFFICE: WARNER BROS. RELEASES DOMINATE EASTER WEEKEND IN TOP TWO SPOTS | “SINNERS” DEBUTS AT #1

It’s a stellar opening for Ryan Coogler‘s SINNERS, taking an impressive $45 million for Warner Bros., from 3,308 theatres. The Film debuted with a perfect 100% on the Tomatometer before setting in an almost-unheard of still 98%.

Warner Bros. dominates this weekend at the Box Office also taking second spot with A MINECRAFT MOVIE, with $41.3 million, taking its tally to $344.6 million domestically in its third weekend.

Third is KING OF KINGS with $17.2 million, a total $45.2 million over two weekends for Angel Studios, timed right for the Easter holiday.

THE AMATEUR is in fourth with $7.5 million, a two week run of $27.6 million for 20th Century Studios.

Rounding things off is WARFARE with $4.6 million for A24, a two week run of $17.1 million.

#FIRSTLOOK: HIGHLIGHTS FROM STAR WARS CELEBRATION 2025

Star Wars Celebration 2025 continued in Japan today, with details and exclusive first looks at the return of two of Disney+’s most popular series, as well as exciting news about a new LEGO® Star Wars sequel special. The weekend-long convention, which is being held at Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Tokyo, runs from April 18-20.

Hosts Sascha Boeckle and DJ Taro took to the stage to kick off the day with a thrilling look at the highly anticipated Season 2 of the Emmy®-nominated drama “Andor,” which returns to Disney+ for its long-awaited conclusion on April 22. The excitement started off with an exclusive look at a recap of Season 1. The duo then welcomed creator/writer/director Tony Gilroy and executive producer and Cassian Andor himself, Diego Luna, to the stage. They were joined by executive producer Sanne Wohlenberg and cast members Genevieve O’Reilly, Denise Gough, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, and Alan Tudyk, for a lively discussion of what fans have to look forward to in Season 2.

The 9,000 guests in attendance were then treated to a screening of the first episode, followed by an exclusive preview of Season 2, and everyone received a special “Andor” celebration poster as well.

The second Season of “Andor” takes place as the horizon of war draws near and Cassian becomes a key player in the Rebel Alliance. Everyone will be tested and, as the stakes rise, the betrayals, sacrifices, and conflicting agendas will become profound. Rife with political intrigue and danger, the series is a prequel to “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” which portrayed a heroic band of rebels who steal the plans to the Empire’s weapon of mass destruction—The Death Star—setting the stage for the events of the original 1977 film. “Andor” sets the clock back five years from the events of “Rogue One” to tell the story of the film’s hero, Cassian Andor, and his transformation from disinterested, cynical nobody into a rebel hero on his way to an epic destiny. The final Season will unfold over 12 episodes broken down into four chapters of three episodes each. The first chapter of Season 2 will premiere April 22, with subsequent chapters debuting each week, exclusively on Disney+.

Celebration attendees were then treated to an exclusive look back at the first season of “Ahsoka” with guests Dave Filoni, Jon Favreau, Rosario Dawson, and Hayden Christensen. Panelists shared never-before-seen photography from Season 1 and early production photography from Season 2. Filmmakers officially confirmed that Rory McCann has been cast in the role of fan-favourite character Baylan Skoll, originated by the late Ray Stevenson, and the panel ended with an exclusive concept art preview of what audiences can expect from “Ahsoka,” Season 2, which officially begins production next week.

Later that day at the Star Wars LIVE! Stage, Ahmed Best thrilled attendees with the announcement of a new “LEGO Star Wars” animated sequel series, “LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild Galaxy – Pieces of the Past,” and an all-new teaser poster. In “Pieces of the Past,” a new threat rises in the galaxy, and Sig Greebling and Darth Dev must combine their powers of Force Building and Sith Breaking to stop it. Alongside Jedi Bob, Yesi Scala, and Servo, they will journey into the deepest corners of LEGO Star Wars lore, uncovering pieces of all the galaxies that have come before…

Returning voice cast includes Gaten Matarazzo (Sig Greebling), Tony Revolori (Darth Dev), Bobby Moynihan (Jedi Bob), Marsai Martin (Yesi Scala), Michael Cusack (Servo), Ahmed Best (Death Jar Jar), and a special appearance by Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker). The four-piece sequel series welcomes Ashley Eckstein as LEGO BrickHeadz Ahsoka Tano and Ben Schwartz as Jaxxon.

“LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild Galaxy – Pieces of the Past” is written by Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit, directed by Chris Buckley, and debuts on Disney+ September 19, 2025.

#FIRSTLOOK: SUPERMAN DAY BEHIND THE SCENES LOOK

SUPERMAN arrives in theatres July 11, 2025 and today we get a new behind-the-scenes look about SUPERMAN DAY!

About the Film:

“Superman,” DC Studios’ first feature film to hit the big screen, is set to soar into theatres worldwide this summer from Warner Bros. Pictures. In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind.

DC Studios heads Peter Safran and Gunn are producing the film, which Gunn directs from his own screenplay, based on characters from DC, Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

The film stars David Corenswet (“Twisters,” “Hollywood”) in the dual role of Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult (the “X-Men” movies, “Juror #2”) as Lex Luthor. The film also stars Edi Gathegi (“For All Mankind”), Anthony Carrigan (“Barry,” “Gotham”), Nathan Fillion (the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, “The Suicide Squad”), Isabela Merced (“Alien Romulus”), Skyler Gisondo (“Licorice Pizza,” “Booksmart”), Sara Sampaio (“At Midnight”), María Gabriela de Faría (“The Moodys”), Wendell Pierce (“Selma,” “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”), Alan Tudyk (“Andor”), Pruitt Taylor Vince (“Bird Box”) and Neva Howell (“Greedy People”).

“Superman” is executive produced by Nikolas Korda, Chantal Nong Vo and Lars Winther. Behind the camera, Gunn is joined by frequent collaborators, including director of photography Henry Braham, production designer Beth Mickle, costume designer Judianna Makovsky and composer John Murphy, along with editors Craig Alpert (“Deadpool 2,” “Blue Beetle”), Jason Ballantine (the “IT” films, “The Flash”) and William Hoy (“The Batman”).

“Superman” will be in theatres and IMAX nationwide on July 11, 2025, and internationally beginning 9 July 2025, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

#FIRSTLOOK: STAR WARS CELEBRATION 2025 HIGHLIGHTS IN JAPAN | “STAR WARS: STARFIGHTER” ANNOUNCEMENT

Star Wars Celebration 2025 kicked off in Japan earlier today, with an impressive slate of upcoming Lucasfilm productions, including both theatrical titles and Disney+ series. The weekend-long convention, which takes place at Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Tokyo from April 18-20, 2025 is an opportunity for fans from all over the world to come together to celebrate the cultural phenomenon that is Star Wars. 2025 marks the 16th occurrence of the bi-annual global event. The opening day presentation included several major announcements, first looks at new and returning series, and a non-stop parade of talented actors and filmmakers.

The festivities started with a video highlighting the company’s landmark titles and beloved characters, which have captivated audiences around the globe for the past four decades, followed by an official welcome to the 9,000 fans in attendance from everyone’s favorite droids, C3PO and R2D2. They were joined by Lucasfilm’s president Kathleen Kennedy and chief creative officer Dave Filoni, who thanked the fans for their continued support, and brought the entire auditorium to their feet with the announcement of an all-new theatrical release, “Star Wars: Starfighter,” which will be directed by Shawn Levy and star Ryan Gosling.

Kennedy chatted with the actor and director, offering some exclusive insight as to what fans can expect from the standalone adventure taking place approximately five years after the events of 2019’s “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.” The film, which will begin production this Fall, is an entirely new adventure featuring all-new characters set in a period of time that has not been explored on screen yet. “Star Wars: Starfighter” will be released theatrically May 28, 2027.

The excitement continued when director/co-writer Jon Favreau took to the stage to talk about Lucasfilm’s highly anticipated theatrical release “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” set to hit theatres May 22, 2026. Joining him were the film’s stars, Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, and Grogu himself, for a brief discussion of what fans can look forward to when the characters from the Emmy Award®-winning Disney+ series bring their biggest adventure yet to the big screen. In the film, the Mandalorian and his young apprentice, Grogu, embark on a thrilling adventure as they travel the galaxy. Behind-the-scenes images and an exclusive first look at the film were shared with the audience.

As 2025 marks Industrial Light & Magic’s 50th anniversary, a special panel was up next to celebrate the groundbreaking visual effects company’s contributions to the entertainment industry. The filmmakers from “Light & Magic” came to the stage to talk about the second season of the acclaimed documentary series, which first premiered in 2022 and is now streaming on Disney+. Lucasfilm’s “Light & Magic” Season 2 is a three-part series produced by Imagine Documentaries that follows Lucasfilm’s visual effects company, Industrial Light & Magic, as it enters its most challenging and revolutionary period: the dawn of digital. From creating the first fully realized CG character to solving the challenge of digital water, it is an era that finds ILM scaling new heights of innovation despite dramatic setbacks. The director is Joe Johnston, and the executive producers are Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Justin Wilkes, Sara Bernstein, Joe Johnston, Lawrence Kasdan, Kathleen Kennedy, and Carrie Beck. Jacqui Lopez, Ted Schillinger, and Michael Garcia serve as co-executive producers. The series producers are Meredith Kaulfers and Christopher St. John, and Nicole Pusateri is the supervising producer.

Attendees heard from director Joe Johnston and producer Ron Howard via videotaped greetings, and Sam Witwer (voice of Maul) moderated a panel discussion comprised of Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks), Lynwen Brennan (president and general manager Lucasfilm Business), Doug Chiang (senior vice president and executive design director, Lucasfilm), Janet Lewin (senior vice president, general manager and head of ILM), John Knoll (ILM executive creative director, senior visual effects supervisor), and Rob Coleman (ILM creative director and senior animation supervisor).

Filmmakers then unveiled the trailer and key art.

Up next was a special Lucasfilm Animation Panel, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the division that created fan-favourite and critically acclaimed shows like “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Star Wars: Rebels,” and more. The panel was moderated by David Collins and included panelists Dave Filoni (chief creative officer, Lucasfilm) and Athena Yvette Portillo (vice president, animation production, Lucasfilm), and surprise guest Sam Witwer (voice of Maul).

Fans were then treated to the world-premiere of the first episode of Lucasfilm Animation’s “Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld,” an all-new anthology series of animated shorts from creator Dave Filoni, which will premiere May 4, 2025, exclusively on Disney+. The popular series, which began in 2022 with “Tales of the Jedi” and continued in 2024 with “Tales of the Empire,” this time focuses on the criminal underbelly of the Star Wars galaxy through the experiences of two iconic villains. Former assassin and bounty hunter Asajj Ventress is given a new chance at life and must go on the run with an unexpected new ally, while outlaw Cad Bane faces his past when he confronts an old friend, now a Marshal on the opposite side of the law.

The panel ended with an announcement many fans have been waiting for: a brand-new series from Lucasfilm Animation, this one focusing on Maul: “Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord,” premiering on Disney+ in 2026, starring Witwer. Guests were then treated to an exclusive first look at the series, and gifted an exclusive Lucasfilm Animation special 20th anniversary poster.

Later that day, everyone’s favourite Pooba, Nubs, then came to the Star Wars LIVE! stage, where it was announced that the third season of “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” will debut this Fall on Disney+ and Disney Jr.

Set 200 years before “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace,” during the High Republic era, “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” follows Jedi Younglings Kai Brightstar, Lys Solay, and Nubs, as they study the ways of the Force, learn from Jedi Master Yoda, explore the galaxy, and help citizens and creatures in need. The upcoming episodes will see the Jedi kids embark on a journey into the delightful world of droid care, where they will befriend the lovable and quirky droid owner of a local shop, Dotti, and three adorable new droid friends: Beepers, Dozer, and Gigi.

The day ended with a photo call at Tokyo’s Zojoji Temple featuring Lucasfilm talent and filmmakers, including Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, Jon Favreau, Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, Tony Gilroy, Diego Luna, Rosario Dawson, Hayden Christensen, Shawn Levy, and Ryan Gosling, as well as Grogu and the iconic Stormtroopers.

#THEATRE: “LIFE AFTER” IS NOW IN PERFORMANCE AT CAA MIRVISH THEATRE

Yonge Street Theatricals (Linda Barnett & Natalie Bartello) has released new production photos for LIFE AFTER, the acclaimed new musical now in performances at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre. With book, music & lyrics by Britta Johnson, one of Canada’s most acclaimed young musical theatre writers, the limited engagement has been extended due to popular demand and runs through May 10 only as part of the 2024/25 Off-Mirvish Season.

LIFE AFTER is the celebrated and luminous musical that premiered in Toronto in 2017 and played a sold-out run at the Berkeley Street Theatre. It was subsequently produced at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre and Chicago’s Goodman Theatre. Now it returns to Toronto’s CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre in a major new production helmed by Tony Award and Olivier Award-winning producers Yonge Street Theatricals for a strictly limited engagement.

Despite being a famous self-help author, Frank Carter’s optimistic advice offers little solace to his 16-year-olddaughter, Alice. After his untimely death, Alice embarks on a quest for truth, unravelling the events that changed her family forever. Filled with heart, and extraordinary music, the show offers a powerful exploration of love, memory, and the journey of moving forward.

LIFE AFTER is a “stirring, fully original” (Chicago Tribune) new musical, “exquisite from start to finish” (BroadwayWorld) that moves through the complexities of life with wit, humour and grace.

LIFE AFTER‘s cast features Isabella Esler (First National Tour of Beetlejuice the Musical) with Jake Epstein (Beautiful and Spider-Man Broadway), Chilina Kennedy (Beautiful, Jesus Christ Superstar and Mamma Mia! Broadway) and Mariand Torres (Lempicka and Wicked Broadway). Alongside them, Valeria Ceballos (First National Tour of Dear Evan Hansen), Jay Davis (Dear Evan Hansen Mirvish), Kaylee Harwood (First National Tour Beautiful, Titanique (Mirvish/Segal)), Arinea Hermans (Pollyanna Theatre Aquarius), Isidora Kecman (The Louder We Get Theatre Calgary), Zoë O’Connor (Frozen Neptune Theatre), Eva Petris (Mamma Mia! Thousand Islands Playhouse) and Julia Pulo (Original Canadian cast of Six).

Led by director Annie Tippe, LIFE AFTER’s creative team includes Ann Yee (choreography), Lynne Shankel (music supervisor / orchestrations & arrangements), Tony Award winner Todd Rosenthal (scenic design), Tony Award nominee Sarafina Bush (costume design), five-time Tony Award nominee Japhy Weideman (lighting design), Tony Award winner Kai Harada (sound design), Haley Parcher (sound design), Greg Dougherty and Wendy Churton (production managers),and Kate Sandeson (production stage manager). Canadian Casting by Dayton Walters Casting and New York Casting by Tara Rubin Casting.

Tickets are available now at mirvish.com/shows/life-after.

(Photo credit: Michael Cooper)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW POSTER FOR “BALLERINA”

Cineplex Pictures release BALLERINA in theatres across Canada JUNE 6, 2025. Today we get new Artwork from this spinoff in the John Wick universe!

Directed by: Len Wiseman
Written by: Shay Hatten
Based on Characters by: Derek Kolstad
Produced: Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Chad Stahelski
Cast: Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, with Ian McShane, and Keanu Reeves
Synopsis: Taking place during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, the film follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) who is beginning her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma.

About Cineplex Pictures
Cineplex Pictures, a division of Cineplex, is a distributor of a wide range of genre films. Recent titles include Flight Risk, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Strangers: Chapter 1, The Queen of My Dreams, The Boy and the Heron, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, SAW X, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, and John Wick: Chapter 4.

#SPOTTED: PETER DREIMANIS AT TORONTO SCREENING OF “SINNERS”

After earning a perfect 100% on the Tomatometer, Ryan Coogler‘s SINNERS got a special Toronto Advance Screening last night at Scotiabank Theatre. And in attendance was none other than Peter Dreimanis (July Talk) who starts in the Horror as Bert! His bandmade Leah Fay also came out to support!

The Film which sees Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twin brothers who return home only to encounter a greater evil, opens April 18, 2025 via Warner Bros. Pictures Canada.

If that wasn’t enough, the lively affair continued at at Longboat Hall on Queen West which was transformed into Club Juke as guests were treated to fang installations on their teeth, an incredible live music performance, and cocktails!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)